Ranges of transition costs: Hair loss drugs and wigs

Hair is something you need to think about. If you don't have recession, you should begin growing it out as soon as possible, since it takes a long time. If you have some recession, you may want to consider correcting it surgically. If your hair loss is moderate to severe, you must determine how to deal with that through wigs or hair systems. If you decide on a wig, spend the extra money for the highest quality. Bad wigs are a real red flag that you're TS.

Estimates cover three years accumulated costs.

Pills: Propecia (finasteride) has shown that 83% of males who took it halted their hair loss, and about two-thirds grew a little back. Propecia will probably not be covered by insurance, although a similar androgen blocker like spironolactone might be.

Topical solution: Rogaine (minoxidil) has been shown to halt hair loss as well. It requires twice-daily application and is not covered on most insurance.

Wigs/hair systems: Obviously, these require a large up-front expenditure, followed by much lower maintenance amounts. A good hair replacement system will require a customized fitting, hair matching and maintenance. You can spend far more than the amount below if you want to.

Do not base your own budget on these examples!

• Example 1 is the minimum anyone has reported for the category-- best-case.
• Examples 2, 3 and 4 represent standard ranges, with Example 3 as my attempt to show the most typical.
• Example 5 is the maximum anyone has reported for the category-- worst-case.

• ^[1] Read all notes in purple for explanation of estimates.
• ^[2] Notes in red contain very important information that will significantly affect costs and budgeting.
• The "Your estimate" column will be filled in as part of Exercise 7.

• ^[1] Three year totals, with annual costs remaining constant for life. Divide by 36 to figure monthly expense. Almost never covered by insurance.
• ^[2] Effects similar to Propecia can sometimes be obtained with other androgen blockers. Ask your physician.
• ^[3] Generic minoxidil.
• ^[4] Original strength Rogaine.
• ^[5] Extra strength Rogaine.

• ^[1] Annual totals for life, or until medical intervention. Divide by 12 to figure monthly expense.
• ^[2] Either a partial hairpiece or inexpensive wig, with maintenance.
• ^[3] Top of the line custom-made hair system (usually two identical ones), with maintenance.
• ^[4] Three years of expenses estimated for budgeting purposes.

Order the interactive spreadsheet of this financing information.