June 1 2006, 10:34 am PT | Posted in: Drugs + Other
I have a few questions actuallyI have heard that transsexuals who take certain hormones to become female have stopped their hair loss and even regrown some. I was wondering if someone didn’t mind becoming totally androgynous if that could be a solution to hair loss.
Now for my actual issue. My hair is thinning quite a bit in the front but is still full and thick most everywhere else. I have long hair so I have noticed it falling out quite a bit recently. I haven’t started Propecia as I am only 19 and I have heard it is a life long engagement costing upwards of $100 a month.(I am currently on accutane and since starting have noticed a dramatic change in the amount of hair I loose daily, and the costs work out the same, so I might just switch one for the other) I was wondering if I did start treatment with the medication and I were to have the hair on the top of my scalp thickened and my hairline returned with hair transplants, if I might be able to beat the risk of Shock-loss? I was also wondering what the risk factors for it are.
I rather like my long hair as it makes me look quite androgynous, so I don’t want to risk losing it all from shock-loss. I know that Procrecia doesn’t return a youthful hairline (which has receded 2cm) so I would like to know if I might be able to with the use of transplants without much risk.
Thanks for your time
Propecia will slow down and sometimes reverse hair loss. Shock loss from hair transplants can be diminished if you are taking Propecia.
Taking female hormones to become a woman may slow male pattern hair loss. Most of the patients I see who are taking female hormones and have male pattern balding, see me because of the male pattern balding. When and if they get their testicles removed, the hair loss stops but the hair that was lost prior to removing the testicles does not come back. I perform a number of hair transplants in people who have changed their gender.
Most importantly at the age of 19, you should seriously consider all your options and see a good doctor before considering any of the aforementioned topics. If you have a sexual identity issue, you should get professional guidance.
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To Author of reply:
Well put! Kudos for handling the subject of trans women so well…
To the original poster:
Some personal experience and sisterly advice:
Avodart has *really* helped me in my transition. I’ve been lucky in that I have had _substantial_ regrowth. But don’t count on it. If you even SUSPECT that you have gender issues, cover your a** first! As women, it’s truly our “crowning glory.” Consider Avodart, Proscar (it’s 5mg propecia and often cheaper) or Spironolactone. They’re very safe too. Best of all, you can take Spiro for a while and still be safe…although you should be aware that it can impact your fertility and function. And no, you don’t need to tell the doc’s much to get the ‘dart or proscar.
A cautionary note: If this happens to you, and you are distressed at losing function down there, STOP! You can be pretty sure that you’re not trans, or at least not ready.
A note on DIY: Most (conpetent) doctors would strongly advise against this. That is why they are there. Use them. They’re the real pros.
If you just want the hair, get Avodart. It’s the bomb, but without the boobs, etc. And, you can stop it anytime; you hair loss will simply pick up where it left off…
DO NOT use estrogen in ANY form unless you can commit to a partial or total transition. If you go this way, you’re goona look hot since you’re only 19. And it will happen on small doses.
Good luck!
Lyssa