Estrogen apparently goes systemic.
VERY apparently. I've tried numerous estrogen preparations (lotions, creams) - it doesn't matter where you put them on your body, through the scalp, etc. they will ALL end up in the bloodstream to varying degrees, along with all the side effects that brings. Shame, because it's the best thing for regrowth I've seen so far.
What is proven by studies is: finasteride every day.
After my experience with Finasteride I don't give a sh*t what studies say. I waited one year for it to work - nothing positive happened and I kept losing hair.
Alpicort F - within 3 weeks noticeably better state of hair, within 2 months back to solid NW2 and increased thickness over all head
RU58841 - within 2 weeks frontal hairline already more inclined to stay upright and hairs do not bend over
When something works, you can usually see the results very quickly. When it doesn't, you can make a fool out of yourself for months, all the while looking worse and worse. At least, that has been MY experience. I know some people here see a turnaround after 1 year , or 2 years on finasteride/dutasteride, but you know what I say?
If I am going to be growing tits for months (which happens no matter what treatment I use) then I also rather be growing hair at the same time as well.