hair

[Loni]

to what extent does the hair grow after being on hormones for ? amount of time.
or is male pattern baldness permanent, as in no changes.

wigs just do not work for every day use. and in the summer at 100+F could be a killer.

[ChelseaErtel]

I'm bald and from what I have read if you have progress to losing your hair (I'm in my 50s), it will stay lost. At least on your head. I understand body hair can lighten, thin and disappear for some on HRT.

So, much to my dismay wigs will be with me to the end. I have found this wig:

http://www.createdhair.com/index.html

There are other methods such as a custom made wig that is matched to your molded head and made to order and run about the same as Amy Gibson's wigs (1500-2500) and are supposed to be cool.

My sister-in-law says that "hair is everything" and I tend to agree - very big focal point and feminine symbol to women. I sweat and hope the HRT will modify that (it's possible). I have also found "No Sweat Liners" on "wigs.com" and will be giving those a try.

My next plan is a wig shop and find out about summer accommodations for my hot head. Oh how I wish I had hair. But there are many women who suffer hair loss (like Amy Gibson due to alopecia), so we are not alone and I hope to find some tenable solutions. Otherwise it's always indoors for me.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

The reason for custom hairpieces is that unfortunately our heads are not the same size or same shape as a woman's head...i'm speaking generally...but those wigs that look so wonderful are being places on smaller and more female shaped heads...so customization is hugely important..

its a tough choice...you might not like the first choice of hair after getting it...
that's why its important to have a personal relationship with the group where you get your wigs... you cannot overestimate the importance this can have on your quality of life..both emotionally and physically...no doubt a hairpiece is not optimal on hot steamy day...but a well made custom fitting hairpiece is a godsend compared to most wigs..

[StephanieC]

My understanding is that spiro can sometimes have positive effects.

[LeaP]

to what extent does the hair grow after being on hormones for ? amount of time.
or is male pattern baldness permanent, as in no changes.

wigs just do not work for every day use. and in the summer at 100+F could be a killer.

If the follicles are GONE, there will be no regrowth. Transplantation is the only option. If they are there, even barely, if inactive, thin to the point of almost invisible, etc., you have a chance of regrowth, but mileage varies a LOT.

Finasteride coupled with treatments like minoxidil are the standard. It takes 1-2 years for maximum effect. A lot of people get significant regrowth on top and in back, but not toward the forehead ... presumably because a receding hairline is the first hair to go and the follicles are gone.

There are emerging treatments like stem cell activation and follicle creation/injection, but they are a long way off.

[Loni]

been thinking along the lines of spiro, as it is also a bp drug. i have high bp. might be able to get my dr to change to it??

sad but not much on the back so transplanting is not a option.
and i have three wigs now, planing on getting another by summer. (special deal wig), this one would be for the sf parade as the group i am with is in the parade every year, we are the gals in the southern bell dresses. the lady's on the sidewalks love us, everybody wants there photo taken with us. so got to look my best.

loni

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