Gender Affirming Treatment Related Hair Loss

There are many effective hair loss treatments available for transgender patients. Hair loss is a difficult experience for anyone but can be especially daunting for transgender and gender diverse individuals. Our hair loss treatments for transgender patients can help treat your hair loss, inclusive of those transitioning. Our customized treatment plans were created with you in mind.

woman playing with her hair in the mirror and smiling

Causes of Hair Loss Related to Gender Affirming Treatments

The causes of hair loss in gender affirming treatments can vary greatly depending on what gender affirming treatments may or may not be utilized. A recent study found that the prevalence of androgenic alopecia was 2.5 times greater in trans males utilizing masculinizing gender affirming hormone therapy compared to cisgender women and 1.3 times greater than cisgender men. This is most likely due to the masculinizing gender affirming hormone testosterone, which is known to cause hair loss. Androgenic alopecia is also 1.9 times more likely in trans women than cisgendered women, which has less to do with gender affirming treatments and more likely to do with the individuals having a higher rate of testosterone prior to treatment.

Symptoms of Gender Affirming Treatment Related Hair Loss

Altered hair growth patterns
Androgen-induced hair loss
Pattern hair loss
Thinning and slower growth of body and facial hair
Changes in hair growth length, diameter and density

Our Clinically-Proven Treatments for Gender Affirming Treatment Related Hair Loss

There are many clinically-proven treatments available at our convenient locations if you’re experiencing gender affirming treatment related hair loss. The most effective options for you include:

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP stimulates follicle activity by injecting platelets, stem cells and growth factors taken from your own blood into affected areas of your scalp.

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Optimal Platelet Concentration (OPC) Therapy

We have the ability to better deliver the optimal concentration of PRP solutions in a completely painless fashion -- without needles.

Learn More about OPC Therapy

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Low level laser therapy has been shown to prolong the growth phase of the hair and increase blood flow to the hair follicles.

Learn More about Low Level Laser Therapy

Prescription Medications

Minoxidil, also known as "Rogaine for women", is one of the earliest hair loss medications and the active ingredient of Rogaine®. We offer both topical and oral versions.

Learn More about Prescription Medication Therapy

Supplements

We recommend a combination of Tresse Prebiotic, Tresse Revitalizer, and Tresse Fortifier to best treat aging related hair loss.

Learn More about Supplements

Hair Transplants

There are two types of hair transplant procedures to consider:

Learn More about Hair Transplants

Gender Affirming Treatment Related Hair Loss Frequently Asked Questions

What are the effects of gender-affirming hormone therapy?

A study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology showed the prevalence of androgenic alopecia was 2.5 times greater in trans males utilizing masculinizing gender-affirming hormone therapy compared to cisgendered women. In addition, pattern hair loss was 1.3 times greater when compared to cisgender men.

What is the testosterone and hair loss link?

The masculinizing gender-affirming hormone is testosterone, and it is common for people to have androgen-induced hair loss after they start taking testosterone. The study above also showed the prevalence of androgenic alopecia was 1.9 times greater in trans women utilizing feminizing gender-affirming hormone therapy than cisgender women. This likely has less to do with the hormone therapy - which can actually help with the pattern hair loss - and more to do with the individual having a higher rate of testosterone prior to hormone therapy.

Why should I first be diagnosed by a hair loss specialist experienced in trichoscopy?

Scarring Alopecia and Alopecia Areata must be ruled out from these considerations of hair loss for transgender individuals. This is because there has been an increase in all populations for these types of hair loss.

What can I expect after gender-affirming surgeries?

Like any other major surgery, the body goes through a lot of physical, mental, and emotional stress, particularly in transitioning patients. The physical body needs to do a lot of work to heal from gender-affirming surgery. Because of this stress, this can cause Telogen Effluvium shedding three to six months after surgery.

What do you need to know as part of my initial consultation?

It is important to provide all relevant information to our team during your initial consultation, including upcoming medical procedures such as gender-affirming surgeries. Also, knowing any hormone therapy medications can help determine the best treatment option for you and potentially alter the effectiveness of said treatments. This also helps to determine when to start treatment.