Clinical Pearls Addressing Hair Growth and Loss in Transgender Patients on Hormone Replacement Therapy

March 2025 in “ Dermatology Online Journal ”

Chinenye Onejeme, Mary Fitzgibbon, Antonio Jimenez, Lindy Ross

hormone replacement therapy HRT androgenic alopecia hair growth hair loss transgender patients dermatologists pharmacodynamics adverse reactions hormone therapy hair treatments hair care

This commentary highlights the importance of hair in affirming gender identity for transgender individuals, who often face disparities in care when undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to achieve a more masculine or feminine appearance. Despite limited studies, there is a noted dissatisfaction with current hair-related therapies among transgender patients. Dermatologists are crucial in providing care and advocating for these patients by understanding the interactions between HRT and hair growth/loss treatments. The article offers clinical guidance and treatment algorithms to help dermatologists educate transgender patients on effective, accessible options for managing hair growth and loss, considering factors like efficacy, pharmacodynamics, cost, adverse reactions, and care accessibility for both transfeminine and transmasculine patients.

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research Managing Dermatologic Effects of Gender-Affirming Therapy in Transgender Adolescents

1 citations , October 2022 in “Adolescent Health, Medicine and Therapeutics”

Gender-affirming therapy can cause skin issues like acne and hair loss in transgender adolescents, and more research is needed on its dermatological effects.