First off, I think this site is fantastic!
I have a question which you may be able to shed some light on. I am a male in my mid 30's and have a minimal amount of facial hair. It is slowly increasing each year and is concentrated on the chin and moustache area. Is this common?
I would like to speed up the development (some day I would like to grow a beard!), and was thinking of taking DHEA. I would think that the testosterone-like substance would increase the growth. Any input?
PS: I have also heard that testosterone may speed up the hair loss on the top of the head. I would hate to give what I have left up!
-jack
Follow Ups:
Re: Facial hair and DHEA
Posted by Matt on January 19, 1999 at 13:33:44:
In Reply to: Facial hair and DHEA posted by Jack on January 19, 1999 at 13:03:07:
DHEA for men does not convert to testosterone very well, or produce secondary male sex hormones very well. From what I understand it has a varity or thearputic uses one being an anti-oxidant. For women it is different. Because of pregnelone or progesterone (I can not remember which one) it has a high degree of conversion to testosterone, which can cause facial hair. You could consider androstendione or androdiol, they both covert to testosterone and the later is 3 times more effective. There is just no research on how these adrenal steriods effect you in the long run. Both are over the counter.
Re: Facial hair and DHEA
Posted by Walt Stoll on January 20, 1999 at 11:26:49:
In Reply to: Facial hair and DHEA posted by Jack on January 19, 1999 at 13:03:07:
Hi, Jack.
Thanks for your kind words about the 'site.
It is likely that the DHEA could help with the facial hair. After all it is a common "bad" side effect in women who take it and do not want the facial hair. You could probably find out if it would do that by getting a DHEA blood test done. If your level is low, it probably would help you find a beard.
Unfortunately, the same thing that promotes facial hair would probably accelerate the loss of scalp hair. You may have to make a choice between a beard and baldness.
Let us know what you decide & what happens.
Walt