Transgender Hair Loss - Testosterone Vs Minoxidil & Finasteride

Joe Bloggs

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Hey guys, I'm hoping you don't mind me joining the discussion as a transman. I'm obviously going to have a whole set of different issues but I'd really like to share my story and maybe get some advice, especially from other trans guys if you're on here.

Basically I was born female and started my transition in 2003. In 2005 I started getting injections of testosterone and almost immediately my hairline started to recede. I've always had a slightly receeding hairline anyway but the testosterone really kicked it into gear. Less than 2 years after starting testosterone, I'd lost quite a lot of hair and was actually starting to go thin on top.

In 2009 I had all my female reproductive organs removed so I was no longer likely to produce any estrogen and my hair continued to get worse. Then in about 2010/2011 I went to The Belgravia Centre in London to find out about starting treatment to try and stop it in it's tracks.

I've been using Minoxidil and Finasteride ever since and the only side effects I've noticed are a lack of sex drive. Obviously I don't have to worry about erections or low sperm counts! I do suffer with fatigue and brain fog but I'm also taking anti depressants so they could be causing that.

In the first year I did notice some improvement with my hair. I had some regrowth and felt confident that I might be able to at least hang on to what I'd got left. However, over the last few years, I've noticed that my hair has gradually gotten thinner, but I've also not been as consistent with the Minoxidil as I was at the start, so it could be that I need to get back into a proper routine.

What I'd really like to know is how different things are for transmen. I have regular injections of testosterone every 3 weeks and my hormone levels are well within the normal range for a biological male my age (I'm 38.) I always thought that Minoxidil and Finasteride lowered both your testosterone levels and your DHT levels so if I'm constantly keeping my t levels high I could well be killing off the Minoxidil and the Finasteride before they even have time to get to my scalp!

I never speak to my doctor about my hair loss cause they are so scathing of these hair treatments and I just know I'll get little sympathy.

I obviously knew that I might go bald when I transitioned because my Dad went bald in his late 20s (although my Brother hasn't) but I just hoped I'd be OK. I don't regret transition for one minute, but my confidence has gone out of the window just like lots of other guys.

Anyway, thanks for reading my monologue and I look forward to reading your comments :)

P.S Joe Bloggs is not my real name LOL
 

DHTpolice

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I always thought that Minoxidil and Finasteride lowered both your testosterone levels and your DHT levels so if I'm constantly keeping my t levels high I could well be killing off the Minoxidil and the Finasteride before they even have time to get to my scalp!
Minoxidil is just a growth stimulator which has no influence on hormones. Finasteride doesn't lower Testosterone, it just inhibits the activity of the enzyme 5α-Reductase which is responsible for convertion of Testosterone to DHT. I think it would be better for you to take Dutasteride 0.5 mg a day instead or in combination with Finasteride. Dutasteride is much potent: 1 capsule a day nukes 5-ar II completely, and effectively inhibits 5-ar type I, while finasteride inhibits only 5-ar II. Dutasteride also increases Testosterone much better than Finasteride.

Btw, do you mind posting some pics of your hair in the current state and before transition?
 

yourworld001

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Don't think I've ever seen a transgender male after a few years not been losing their hair.

Going from female to male basically gives your male pattern baldness.

One example is this person who was on the Sundance series 'Trans Generation', there's lot of different examples on transgender tv programs.

tj.jpg


Hormones:

C7cmP8EXUAEhDjZ.jpg


cast-of-transgeneration-and-neil-giuliano-president-of-glaad-picture-id108778351?s=594x594&w=125.jpg


Hormones:

2CATWtQ9.jpg


The series is on youtube
 
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