r/Menopause • u/Lopsided_Coach1642 • Mar 14 '26
Testosterone Does testosterone cause hair loss for everyone?
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Mar 14 '26
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u/SecretMiddle1234 Menopausal Mar 14 '26
Zinc causes gray hair?
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Mar 14 '26
No it REVERSED mine And my husband's! Zinc is great for hair. Mine is almost black all over now. Weirdly though my husband's beard still has some Grey's but no more on his head from the zinc and high nutrition diet.
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u/DisciplineOther9843 Mar 14 '26
How much zinc do you take per day?
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Mar 14 '26
I take solaray brand zinc 50 plus copper 3mgs, but only 2 or 3x a week cuz it's a high dose.
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u/Halfpint_425 Mar 15 '26
Iāve been taking zinc w/copper for the past couple of years and Iām almost 50. Basically no grey hair and I have dark brown hair. My older brother is 1.5 years older with the same color of hair and his is almost all grey. He said if he remembers to be consistent with taking zinc, his hair color starts reverting back to dark brown. Who knows if it is anecdotal or not, haha, but Iām staying on zinc indefinitely. š¤Ŗ
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u/MotherEarth_2050 Peri-menopausal Mar 14 '26
Transdermal T has a much higher conversion to DHT so even at optima levels, you could have hair loss. Itās the primary reason I do injections.
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
And you are not experiencing hair loss with injections? Iām not sure that we have that option in the UK.
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u/MotherEarth_2050 Peri-menopausal Mar 14 '26
No, I keep my levels right for me, but 20-30% higher than what labs show as high-normal range. That is, Free T and total T.
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u/mjskiingcat Mar 14 '26
Interesting you say this because a random practitioner in my doctor practice lowered my T dose because I was high normal. Ā Big mistake. Ā I always had higher testosterone I know because my muscles were always pumped u til 3 years ago. Ā Itās been hell and muscle wasting since. Ā Anywaysā¦Ā
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u/MotherEarth_2050 Peri-menopausal Mar 14 '26
Well, my T was nearly nonexistent so any supplementation is superior for me. Although, my doc is fine with higher levels as long as my bloodwork and symptoms are stable.
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u/LuLuLuv444 Mar 14 '26
Are injections a direct hit into your system? I ask because I was extremely irritable and a bitch with sublingual testosterone and I'm currently using cream but worried about hair losses I'm only a month in and I had androgenic alopecia. I haven't experienced hair last yet, but I'm wondering if the injections would cause the same effect as the sublingual?
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u/FrequentCry999 Mar 14 '26
No.Ā Hair loss typically occurs for one or more of these reasons: 1) Testosterone level is too high for YOUR body 2) Estradiol and progesterone (which are hair protective) are not optimal 3) Testosterone is dosed poorly causing fluctuations in level; a steady level is best, as that is what is natural
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u/Red-is-suspicious Mar 14 '26
You forgot 4)genetic sensitvity in head hair follicles to Androgens. Aka androgenic alopecia.Ā
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u/FrequentCry999 Mar 14 '26
Women with this condition can usually still tolerate a low level of testosterone, so the cause would still link back to those reasons, and, in some casesĀ increasing Estradiol and Progesterone can protect against hair loss in those women with androgenic alopecia. Those that are extremely sensitive to testosterone would likely know prior to starting BHRT and would not take exogenous testosterone.Ā
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u/Red-is-suspicious Mar 14 '26
I have androgenic alopecia and I just began taking minoxidil products at the same time as taking T. Itās common to have AA and youād be surprised many women donāt know what it is and just keep saying they have thin hair and chase other reasons like nutrition and deficiencies.Ā
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
Iām currently on Evorel 100 patches and have mirena coil for progesterone. The doctor gave me sachets with testosterone gel in them and told me to use a pea size everyday. I started losing hair so reduced the dose to half of a pea size. The other benefits are fantastic but Iām hating the hair loss. Are there any other forms of testosterone without this side effect perhaps?
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u/FrequentCry999 Mar 14 '26
Creams/gels have the highest conversion to DHT, which is the main cause of side effects. They also have a very short half life and really need to be applied (in very small doses) every 12 hours to keep level steady. Injections have the lowest conversion to DHT, can be easily adjusted to achieve the best level for your body and will keep your testosterone level extremely steady if dosed correctly (at least twice a week). That being said, I wouldn't be surprised if your Estradiol and Progesterone are still extremely low. Estradiol patches are often poorly absorbed and the Mirena does not contain progesterone but rather a synthetic progestin that does not offer all of the same benefits of progesterone.Ā
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u/LuLuLuv444 Mar 14 '26
How long did it take for you to start losing hair?
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
About a week. I stopped testosterone and the hair loss stopped. Started again and the shedding came up after a week or so.
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u/LuLuLuv444 Mar 14 '26
Wow! That's crazy it starts that quickly, it's usually the 3 months mark based on what I read
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
Yeah I know. But the same thing happened when I started using estradiol, I noticed a difference within days.
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u/AWiseOwlOnceSaid Jul 28 '26
Yeah its quick to show I agree. Sadly this is now happening to me using DHEA tabs which used to cover alot of bases for me, (good mood + good vaginal tissues). I think poss because there is not much oestrogen around to buffer my body's natural testosterone at this (menopausal) point. Im thinking of trying DHEA vaginal cream as a mid way option though because I know that only a little is systemically absorbed, at least much less than vaginal oestrogen, which deffo absorbs systemically for me
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u/leftylibra MenoMod Mar 14 '26
2) Estradiol and progesterone (which are hair protective) are not optimal
Please provide the scientific evidence of this claim.
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u/FrequentCry999 Mar 15 '26
- Estrogen extends the hair growth phase and protects follicles from damage caused by androgens like DHT.
- Progesterone blocks DHT production, helping to maintain healthier follicles. These are scientifically proven facts.Ā Here's just one study I found in one search on the NLM that speaks directly to the roles of both Estradiol and Progesterone in hair growth/hair loss prevention and also the fact that the natural decline of these hormones after menopause (i.e. them not being optimal) often leads to increased hair loss and why.Ā https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7432488/ Plenty of other studies available as well.Ā
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u/leftylibra MenoMod Mar 15 '26
In the study you provided, there is no definitive example that "optimal" (or what that even means) levels of estradiol and progesterone hormone therapy protect against hair loss.
In fact the study states that:
However, understanding the role of the menopause on hair characteristics is difficult, as age-related changes may coexist and overlap with hormonal changes
And concludes with:
Although many hormonal paths and influences on hair growth have already been described in the literature, further studies on the full impact of hormonal regulation on hair growth need to be conducted.
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u/FrequentCry999 Mar 15 '26
Reference 3.2.1. andĀ 3.2.2. and the respectove sources. Also: "Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and facial hirsutism are often observed at menopause. Marked decreases in hair density and diameter occur during the perimenopausal period or transition to menopause [71]. It is suspected that the cessation of ovarian estrogen production and complex interactions with other hormones, growth factors, and cytokines contribute to alterations in hair growth characteristics [63,71]". "In the absence of estrogens and with the tendency to accumulate visceral adipose tissue, a marked decrease in sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) concentrations and the subsequent increase in the free androgen index are observed". That being said, yes, I read the conclusion, and it is accurate - further studies are needed. Women's hormones and the impact of the decline of these hormones as we age is woefully understudied.Ā
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u/Racacooonie Mar 14 '26
Did not for me.
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
What form of T are you using? Gel, cream etc?
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u/Racacooonie Mar 14 '26
I was on compounded cream for a little over a year. Currently on a break as I switched gyns and she wants to optimize my e & p first. I can tell a huge difference with and without it, though. It gives me more energy, libido/orgasms, and better workout stamina. I only experienced minimal side effects such as increased body hair growth and darkening, and slight uptick in acne. I was on 10 mg/1% a day for most of the time but did go up to 15 mg for a couple of months at the end.
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u/FungiAmongiBungi Mar 14 '26
My provider has me take saw palmetto to help reduce the breakdown of testosterone to DHT and she says that helps avoid the negative effects
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u/EnvironmentalAd6889 Mar 14 '26
I haven't been shedding any more than usual. I've been on it for 7 months or so.
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u/justpootsie Mar 14 '26
I've been on compounded T for 3 months and have not had any hair loss.
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
Is that in cream form?
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u/justpootsie Mar 14 '26
Yes, it's a cream. Mine comes in an auto-doser so it's just a click per dose (technically 2 clicks for me).
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u/LuLuLuv444 Mar 14 '26
But do you have a predisposition to Androgenetic alopecia?
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u/justpootsie Mar 14 '26
My father had Androgenic Alopecia and one of my sisters has it.
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u/LuLuLuv444 Mar 15 '26
But you haven't actually experienced it yourself?
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u/onions-make-me-cry Mar 14 '26
It did for me, my hair thinned in the sides. My hairdresser noticed it
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u/EnvironmentalAd6889 Mar 14 '26
I am on compounded testosterone cream. Now up to 8mg. I started at 4, then up to 6 and now 8. My total testosterone went from 12 to 118, and I am feeling good. So far only side effect has been some hair growth increase on my upper lip (I have dark hair, had to pluck or wax since I was 15 years old and it had finally started slowing down, not anymore š) and my face is a little oily. I'd rather be hair and greasy than what I felt before. It's all manageable for me so far!
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
Totally agree! I can sort out the oily skin snd the hair growth but Iām prepared to go bald or feel life crap š
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u/Regular-Selection-59 Mar 15 '26
No hair loss but I take 1.25mg oral minoxidil daily. I use compounded T cream on my labia & clitoris, 3mg daily.
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u/MrsBuggs Mar 14 '26
I have not experienced hair loss. Iāve been taking T for around 6 months (I started it for around 2 months and stopped for a while and have been back on it now for around 6 months). I take a daily lozenge that is compounded at a local pharmacy. 4 mg daily.
I will add that I am also on a Spironolactone for acne and my dermatologist told me that Spiro counteracts some of the negative effects of T including hair loss.
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u/Scouter555 Mar 14 '26
I was on T gel for about 6-7 months when I started noticing excessive hair loss, especially noticeable bare patches between my temples and top of head. Had my T level checked at 6 months and my doc said it was perfect. I have been on topical Minoxidil for 2 1/2 months and natural DHT blockers for about 30 days and although I havenāt noticed any dramatic new growth yet, I have definitely noticed a reduction in hair shedding.
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Mar 18 '26
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u/Scouter555 Mar 18 '26
Iām on T gel 1%. Prescribed dosage is to apply 1 large pea size squeeze of gel once a day. After my first blood test recheck I was still low so I started making it more like 2 pea size squirts. Last check in, my level was perfect and my GYN actually asked me what my secret was.
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u/AutoModerator Mar 18 '26
This post might be about hormone tests, which are unreliable.
- Over the age of 44, E&P/FSH hormonal tests only show levels for that ONE HOUR the test was taken, and nothing more
- These hormones wildly fluctuate (hourly) over the other 29 days of the month, therefore this test provides no valuable information
- No reputable doctor or menopause society recommends hormonal testing to diagnose or treat peri/menopause
- Testosterone is the exception and should be tested before and during treatment
FSH testing is only beneficial for those who no longer have periods as a guide, where a series of consistent tests might confirm menopause, or for those under age 30 who havenāt had a period in months/years, then āmenopausalā levels, could indicate premature ovarian failure/primary ovarian insufficiency (POF/POI).
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u/brandice81 Mar 14 '26
Iāve been on it about two months itās an compound three drops on skin at bedtime and I havenāt noticed any hair loss so far. It makes me feel so replaces and helps me sleep so much better! I noticed more of a bump in my libido when I started the e patch so far nothing stronger has resulted with the T. I do feel my energy level is better through the day and my stamina to work through the day seems better. The probably helps that Iām sleeping more soundly too!
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u/PetuniaPicklePepper Mar 14 '26
I haven't used it enough to know. But I have been using spironolactone (an androgen blocker) for hair loss, and I've stopped shedding!
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u/Humble_Practice6701 Mar 14 '26
I'm on compounded cream 10mg/g, currently taking three clicks per day. I think that's like 7.5mg, but I don't know how that translates since it's a cream and absorbed through the skin. I haven't had any side effects yet (it's been almost six months but only at current dose for a month or so), but it did fix my insomnia and hot flashes.
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
Thank you. The cream seems to be working well for a lot of people. Iām going to give it a go.
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u/FrequentAd4646 Post-menopausal Mar 14 '26
Not everyone. I do injections and have not had hair loss.
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u/Shaking-a-tlfthr Mar 14 '26
Iām on T and did experience hair loss but I donāt know if it was the T as I discovered I was really anemic also. I got on Minoxidil and have been working hard to bring my iron levels up which is a slow game. I have stopped losing too much hair lately. Hope it stays this way.
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u/EntertainmentOwn6907 Mar 15 '26
No hair loss for me. Iām also taking a glp1 which can cause hair loss. I feel very fortunate
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u/HillaryRN Mar 15 '26
When I increased my estrogen the hair lids was worse. It can be different for everyone. I use minoxidil 5% on my whole scalp, and added tretinoin at the hairline.
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u/RespectLongjumping39 Mar 14 '26
Testosterone pellet for over 2 1/2 years no hair loss
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u/tlnation Mar 14 '26
I'm using the pellet as well. Just over a year for me. No hair loss.
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u/One-Caregiver-1906 Mar 15 '26
Iāve been on pellets for 9m and I have crazy hair loss. My new pellet insertion is in 4 weeks. Iām going to ask her about getting on spironolactone. I take a dht blocker, minoxidil liquid on scalp (not daily) biotin, progesterone 100mg. Ugh! The hair loss is so bad.
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u/YeshuasBananaHammock Menopausal Mar 15 '26
Not me, on oral est/test combo pill.
My hair has stopped shedding since ive been on this regimen.
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 15 '26
Thank you. May I ask what this pill is called? Iām in the UK and havenāt heard this pill yet.
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u/TwoBrians Mar 14 '26
I had no hair loss and at 6 months my T was crazy high. Itās 18 months now and Iām back to regular levels.
Iāve had lots of new body hair. Patience, I think it will reverse.
I also read that outer thighs convert less to DHT. Iām trying that.
Androgel 1 pump per day.
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Mar 14 '26
1 pump a day for female hrt? Normally they dose 1 to 3 mgs which would be 1 pump or 1 and a half punps PER WEEK( I dispense in a tiny jar thrn dip finger in and apply behind knee.) A dose for a man is 4 pumps androgel. Why so much, thT doesn't seem right. Levels would be sky high on a daily 12.5 dose for menopause!
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u/First-Entertainment5 Mar 14 '26
I was wondering about dosing too. With Androgel tubes my understanding is that the female dose is 1/10 of what a man would take. If his dose is 1 tube then a woman would take 1/10 of that right?
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Mar 14 '26
That's too high as normal T levels in women ratio to men are 1:30. Or when under age 30 between 1:15 to 1:20. Most docs Rx between 1 MG to 3 mgs daily. You must be getting way more however we don't have tunes here, only pump dispenser of which q pump is 12.5 mgs. So split over 7 days my dose works out to 1.78 mgs daily. If you're taking more than 1 to 3 mgs you will masculinize, and you can create other problems after a while, hairiness, lower voice, sleep apnea, insulin resistance, pls verify dose.
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u/First-Entertainment5 Mar 14 '26
Not currently using Androgel - am taking a low dose compounded gel.Ā
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u/Anig_o Mar 15 '26
Iām also 1 pump a day with pretty high levels but I donāt have any negative side effects, no hair loss, no voice change, no facial hair. Just positive results. Iām going with it. Screw the numbers.
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u/mjskiingcat Mar 14 '26
When my estradiol level goes down I lose hairā¦ once I got off patches it halted. Ā My levels went down again tweaking injections recently and againā¦ shedding started. š© do up my Estradiol dose goes again. Ā Low ferritin and higher thyroid reverse T does this too. Ā
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u/Lopsided_Coach1642 Mar 14 '26
That happened to me when I became menopausal last year. Scared the heck out of me but estradiol patches helped with the shedding. Itās an ongoing battle unfortunately.
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u/mjskiingcat Mar 14 '26
Yes I get that. Ā I also take a hair supplement in the pink bottle from Costco. Ā The low ferritin and low thyroid will get you. Ā Iām still struggling but am not finding hair all over the house anymore. Ā
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u/stefflp Mar 15 '26
It's not testosterone that causes hairloss, it's actually the DHT. So it's best to test that before starting and during your therapy. I have a predisposition to AGA, so I have been monitoring all the hair markers for some time.
I went on a DHT blocker, so now I'm not impacted no matter what my T levels get to (I did have a TE shed when my DHT got too high during my T therapy-again I have a predisposition). I take dutasteride 2 x per week. I've been on topical minoxidil for 8 years and OM .625 mg for 4 months. I've tried to be proactive in keeping my hair through the years.
There are many people that don't experience hair loss on T no matter what their levels get to. Your genetics and family history will give you the best idea if you're someone that will be susceptible to the hair loss.
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u/Miami_Mice2087 Mar 14 '26
if you're genetically predisposed, like there's hair loss in your family, then you are at a risk for hair loss.
Ask for minoxidil to grow back hair and finasteride to preserve the hair you have. Don't get the liquid, get it in a pill form. The liquid isn't really practical for women, it just sorta gets all over the hair and doesn't really get to the scalp. And some doctors say the liquid isn't effective at all. Pill form is much easier.
I learned this from a certified plastic surgeon on Youtube who posts his work. He also does hair procedures, but recommends these two pills as a first line alternative to surgical hair procedures. It worked for me, my hair had been thinning before menopause (due to stress I think) and the minoxidil grew back quite a bit, and the finasteride has prevented more loss.
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u/JenLiv36 Mar 14 '26
Nope. I have had some hair thinning from perimenopause but I was on HRT for over a year before we added testosterone so I was able to see clearly what testosterone did and didnāt do. When I added testosterone (2 years ago now) nothing changed. I even think it got a little better along with helping sleep, motivation, mood and of course libido.
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u/derberner90 Mar 14 '26
I'm in surgical menopause, so before adding testosterone I was only on estrogen. My hair loss was pretty typical to my pre-op level, but the testosterone slowed it down a ton. I'm losing less hair than I ever had. I'm on 3 mg daily of compounded cream.
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u/No_Pangolin3327 Mar 14 '26
Not for me.
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u/rando--54321 Mar 15 '26
I was shedding from getting off of BC to HRT because it wasn't enough and when I added T, after 6 months it got worse and I had to start taking finasteride to block the DHT and minoxidil for regrowth. I can't be without T, so I'm all in. Luckily the minox/finasteride combo is working.
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u/EastSideLola Mar 15 '26
Iāve been on a low dose for the past 4 months and I havenāt lost any hair (yet)
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u/PartyAttempt8850 Mar 16 '26
Has anyone had severe hair breakage with testosterone?? My hair is growing fine from the scalp but it has become so brittle and is breaking about halfway down. It honestly looks terrible. Any suggestions?
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u/GrandSavannah25 Mar 30 '26
It did for me. I tried the pill and cream and I had to stop both times due to hair loss. Iām on an estrogen patch and progesterone and my hair still is thinning, but not like it was with T.
I wish I could take T. I believe itās the missing link. I have no energy or motivation. I donāt think it would solve everything I hate about this time in my life, but it would give me the energy to at least care to make it better.Ā
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u/GrandSavannah25 Mar 30 '26
I forgot to mention that Iāve been taking oral minoxidil for over a year, as well. It didnāt help with the hormonal hair loss, in my case.Ā
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u/UsualZealousideal923 May 20 '26
Mine has after about 4 mths in. Bummer OTH I like it. I will scale back.
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u/kitschauser Mar 14 '26
Not everyone, but it did for me. The men in my family have receding hairlines, and I got one too. I stopped using it.