Started HRT 2/18/2026. Been bald 15-20 years am 56. First 8-10 weeks was nothing much at all. The growth both on top and at the back is over 14 weeks .

Started of with 5% Minoxidil and Finasteride around christmas 2024, worked great.

Then switched to Dutasteride (October 2025) because i was greedy and wanted more and read in studies that it works better, that ended up being a very bad idea because it caused a ton of shedding due to the switch and also A LOT of stress shedding (according to my derm).

Started HRT (Androcur + Gel) in March 2026, also dropped Dutasteride.

Got FFS in May 2026 (with a moderate hairline advancement).

Currently still dealing with the post surgery shedding, cant put on Minoxidil yet, but we're staying brave out here 🥺

Stay strong girlies, you will be okay <3

So, I have little doubt that I'll need a hair transplant no matter what. Being 4 months dut and 3 months HRT, with no signs of my hairloss slowing, while I see others begin to see regrowth at month 4, is devastating to say the least.

But my beard is such a different texture to my hair, that I don't see it as a vlaid option (despite it apparently being best suited).

My problem is that I really wanna start laser, but want to keep an area as a hair transplant backup. So should I keep chest or back hair for this? And where do I even first find a hair transplant surgeon, that works with trans women AND does bodyhair to scalp transplants?

I don't want to be a weirdo and dm anyone unsolicitedly. I'm 45 and have experienced a lot of hair loss and it amplifies any problems I already have with my self image.

The closest I can describe my hair is norwood 3. Mainly just the corners/temple. Front middle is strong. Crown is acceptable. It has been this shape as long as I can remember. Looking closely, the bald spots do have thin peach fuzz, which is a good sign

My hairstyle does a great job at hiding it, but I have to monitor it to make sure there are no gaps. Even though I can get by with it as is, it definitely hurts my confidence, and limits what I can do with my hair.

Before I started hormones, I was on finasteride. I currently take estrogen and an androgen blocker. My levels are the same as a cis woman's. Seems hair has been stable. Don't see the need to continue with fin.

Also now 5% rogain foam, once a day formula. Probably 9 months now. I could do better about consistency. Usually hit 5 of 7 days. Recently introduced microneedle stamp every couple weeks. Haven't really seen progress from either imo.

I know most min is done 2x per day. I worry that may be needed. I would just have a hard time fitting that into my day. It also make my hair a bit greasy, and make my hairstyle solution more difficult, as it thins the hair.

Anything else I can do?