Most effective hair re-growth options for advanced male pattern baldness

[Guest MsPerseveres]

I have very advanced male pattern baldness (my avatar pic is a wonderful wig :-). Essentially, the top 3-4" width of my head is free of any significant growth of hair, all the way back to the crown of my head. There are some outlier hairs that haven't given up the ghost, and are a pain to keep short in guy mode, and I have very fine wispy hairs over much of the bald spot, but not in noticeable quantities (and very white as well).

Is it likely that a drug regime will restore any significant portion of my hair, to the point where I'm just a woman with thinning hair, and not a bald guy? Are transplants a realistic option - can they cover that much area, and do they actually replace the missing hair?

I'd love to hear from someone that started from the same place, and I'd especially be happy to know that someone has regained a full head of hair (I used to have long, thick, wonderful hair that my mother was jealous of... :-S ).

Hugs, Brenda

[Guest JoannaSydney]

I say yes with science and stuff like that it has too i mean we have phones that are computers that do more than that old apple would ever do i like to be postive

[Guest Melissa~]

Transplants are problematic and expensive try various drug combos first. Problematic as even right here on the forum I have heard posters complain of transplant failures, or the tech getting the hairline wrong, or the dreaded "doll plugs" really do show, etc.

Minoxidil OTC it works a little for most people.

Propecia/Finasteride

Avodart/Dutasteride

Spiro via reducing T

Various laser treatments for hair growth, some lifestyle centers are ridiculous on their pricing for the laser treatment.

And last resort transplants: take hair from the back of the head in a slice and hopefully it doesnt die in it new locations. It would be best to have a favorable hormone environment before transplantation anyhow IMO.

There's actually a decent wiki on this: http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_of_baldness#section_2

(mobile version I'm working from iPhone)

[Guest crissy_oakley]

MsPerseveres,

I am in the same boat, you are in. It is a concern, since I can't wear a wig 24/7.

crissy

[Guest LizMarie]

I am using Propecia (prescription) and Minoxidil as I've been told that the combination is much better than either alone. Propecia is likely to not be covered by insurance so you'll pay full price which can run $60-$100 per month. I found a drug store here that does it for $69 and that's the best in my area.

After four months I am seeing significant regrowth when I was told I should not expect any until 6-9 months in. I have not yet started HRT so T-Blockers should assist the Propecia even more when that starts. And estrogen does tell the body where and where not to grow more hair so that may also contribute to new growth (note the use of the word may).

However, in the end I am pretty sure that I am going to end up needing transplants as well. The biggest key that I have found in researching hair transplants for 6 months is your choice of doctor. There are a handful of doctors in the US who have large numbers of positive reviews and who do not make excessive promises to a client. Among these is Dr. Bernardino Arocha, who I plan to see eventually since he is right here in my hometown. Dr. Arocha is often considered one of the top 5 hair restoration surgeons in the US. There are others, of course, but a major factor in satisfaction with transplants is often the skill of the surgeon.

My goal is to achieve dense enough regrowth through the center/top of the head to need little or no transplants there. The bald spot at the back top is going to need transplants and/or scalp reduction or both. And I expect to need some transplants in the front to restore a more feminine hairline. This is expensive but I can afford this over time and I'd rather have my own hair than wear wigs for the rest of my life. Now if I can't restore enough hair, then wigs it is. Many women wear wigs due to hair loss. But I'd much prefer to go with my own if I can coax it back.

You should not count on HRT restoring hair. It has in some cases but in many it has not. HRT (including T-blockers) will very likely halt further hair loss in the vast majority of MtF patients. But regrowth is a hit-or-miss thing so taking active steps, such as Propecia, Minoxidil, adding Biotin as a daiy supplement to your diet, and considering hair transplants are all things that any MtF who wants to restore hair should learn about.

There is lots of information out there on the internet. Read it and learn to discern the hype from the reality. Most of us with male pattern baldness will never have super thick beautiful hair again but if I can get sufficient density to look reasonable, I'll be happy and that's my goal.

[Guest MsPerseveres]

Thanks for all the responses. I'm going to try out the OTC suggestions made here, and see how that goes - hopefully I can get on T-blockers fairly soon.

Is Biotin the ingredient in the pregnancy supplements that helps with hair growth?

Hugs, Brenda

[Carolyn Marie]

I bought a 3 month supply of generic minoxidil 5% solution, and I'll take before and after pics. I'll let you know.

Carolyn Marie

[Guest LizMarie]

Biotin is just one of many B-complex vitamins. There is no formal proof that biotin actually helps with hair, skin, and nail growth but there are lots of anecdotal reports. I can state with certainty that my flakey nails became much stronger after taking biotin for several months and I hope it is helping the hair regrowth on my head. Given that it is a water soluble B complex vitamin, there is little danger in taking it. Given the potential benefits, I am more than happy to use it.

[Guest ~Lana~]

Another thought not mentioned here.

Estrogen will help stop the loss and Finasteride may help recover some growth but...

If there is no root then it won't grow. Think electrolysis.

So, this leaves a few options. Plugs, wigs, shave head and wear wigs or...

No offense to anyone who has or had a cancer, was treated with chemo, and lost their hair as a result.

Shave your head

and

Wear a wig when needed

and

Wear a scarf whenever you want

If someone get's nosy tell them you have a medical condition and change the subject.

[Guest LizMarie]

Plugs is really not a good term anymore, at least with a good hair restoration surgeon. Good surgeons deal in individual "follicular units" - groups of 1 to 4 hairs that get transplanted. As I said before, the largest part of getting good transplant results appears to be selection of surgeon. You're asking them to essentially do artistic work, not fix a broken bone, so look for one who has good recommendations.

[Guest MsPerseveres]

Thanks again - greatly appreciated!

Hugs, Brenda

[Guest Miss Wendy]

Wondering about the effects of low dose of licorice root on mpb. It seems it reduces testosterone production (which produces DHT which appears to be the culprit). Possibly supplement this with a diet rich in phytoestrogen foods? I Eat flax seed regularly (1 or 2 tablespoons a day) as well as a lot of apples and soy products.

Would any of this this make any difference?

[KathrynJulia]

I've been on HRT, Finasteride or generic Propecia, and minoxidil over the counter. On the advice of my stylist I also started taking Biotin which really cut down on hair breakage. My results were remarkable and my male pattern improved a bunch.

My hair filled in and thickened to the point that people started noticing, especially my stylist. Hair advancement also helps when I had FFS. My picture doesn't do my changes justice as that picture is over a year old and presurgery. Kathy

[Guest ashleynikole]

My hair filled in and thickened to the point that people started noticing, especially my stylist. Hair advancement also helps when I had FFS. My picture doesn't do my changes justice as that picture is over a year old and presurgery. Kathy

Well c'mon girl, change the photo then!!! Hahaha!!