Hair Loss & Acne Side Effects

[Benns]

New to this forum so first post... I’m about to start on Cypionate & HCG (40 yo). My biggest concerns are possible side effects of hair loss & acne. I’m already predisposed to both (thinning on top for many years although not bald & oily skin since teenage years; both of which I manage quite well). For those of you also predisposed to both, how aggressive have you found the side effects to be? Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

[Systemlord]

For those of you also predisposed to both, how aggressive have you found the side effects to be?

I've been off TRT for more than 6 months (on TRT for 7-8 years) and my male pattern baldness is unchanged. It’s all written in your genes, therefore you can’t really compare yourself to someone else. You could go on TRT and lose a lot of hair, lose little bit of hair or not progress any faster than previously.

You could always cherry pick someone else’s positive experience and create a false sense of security and more easily justify starting TRT.

I had a lot of ache as a teenager, never had a problem with acne on TRT, not one single pimple. A lot of people get acne from eating something that doesn't agree with you, like certain vegetables which can cause inflammation.

If you’re thinking about hair loss drugs, DHT blockers. I would strongly recommend against it!

So submit yourself for treatment, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

If you do lose too much hair to the point where your head starts looking like a turnip, get a razer and embrace your newfound baldness.

 

[HSLD]

I had acne as a teenager and had oily skin into adulthood.

TRT, at least at a dose at which I get symptom relief, definitely brings on the acne. Tinkering over the years, I’ve learned that I can reduce my dose to the point where I don’t have this issue, but then I may as well not be on TRT.

On that note, you don’t mention why you’ve chosen to start TRT, but before you begin, be sure you have a specific symptom that you want TRT to address (hopefully it’s not just to “feel good”) and continuously frame your treatment in terms of whether or not that symptom is being addressed with your treatment.

And my $0.02 - don’t use HCG when starting out.

 

[Jda016]

My hair started to thin after TRT, but I was prescribed finasteride. I have heard absolute horror stories about finasteride, and I did not decide to try it lightly. However, I am one of the few fortunate individuals with no side effects, and it stopped my hair from thinning.

I have had dermatological side effects as well, including inflammatory acne that can lead to keloids (hardened bumps on the skin). However, I have been using PanOxy Acne treatment soap, which helps prevent breakouts. Also, my dermatologist told me to get Ammonium lactate on Amazon (Brand: Amlactin) to help clear up KP (Keratosis Pilaris), which is a skin condition characterized by small red bumps. This appeared on my right arm after starting Trt.