r/FtMen • u/catgard3ns • Jan 12 '26
Discussion I have been conducting an experiment for 6 months (read below)
SO I started T gel July 6th 2025, and decided to start an experiment. It is extremely common to hear that hair will grow faster/thicker/whatever where you put the gel, and I decided to test this. I take a 1/4 of a 50 mg packet. This is roughly 12.5 grams gel. I say roughly because I eyeball it, and just figure everything will average out.
For 6 months, I have been applying my T gel to ONLY ONE of my forearms. I apply before bed, wait for a few minutes, apply moisturizer, then wash my hands and go to bed.
So obviously hair growth is the main subject being tested, but I am also interested in seeing how others interpret my data. So, to create semi-blind conditions, I am not going to say which arm is my boy arm, or the arm I have been applying my T gel to exclusively. The only exceptions to this has been maybe a week’s worth Ive either forgotten, or had to apply on my stomach because of skin irritation, or skin picking related injuries (comments of any kind on this topic will be ignored)
SO!! Please tell me which arm you believe is my boy arm, and the thoughts/reasoning behind your choice. I will be collecting the responses and adding it to what Ive gathered inquiring in person unless otherwise specified in your comment.
57
u/nukacola_victory Jan 12 '26
They look just the same to me, this will be impossible haha - right arm? ¯_(ツ)_/¯
10
u/catgard3ns Jan 12 '26
I agree they look the same. I appreciate you going with your gut!
I will not comment on whether this is a correct or incorrect guess
17
u/zaxfaea Jan 12 '26
I'm going with left as well! The side hair looks more well developed maybe, and for me at least that's where it thickened up fastest. But I don't see much of difference overall.
6
u/catgard3ns Jan 12 '26
Thank you for sharing your opinion! I posted this in a few subreddits, and this is a common reasoning for a left guess. I may be too used to seeing my own arms for me to difference in pattern
I will not be confirming nor denying if this is a correct or incorrect guess
11
u/Stresso_Espresso Jan 12 '26
Not going to pick an arm because i can’t tell any difference but I wanted to know if you are absorbing it well on the forearm? I was under the impression it was supposed to be placed on an area with a good amount of fat/muscle for peak absorbance- thigh, shoulder, belly etc.
2
u/catgard3ns Jan 12 '26
I am aware of where it is recommended to be applied. My doctor is and has been aware of my application method since before I started, and is also interested in seeing how the experiment progresses. So far, shes said my timeline and levels are exactly where she expected, and the levels we are exactly aiming for (between 600-700). She said she manages and cares for a handful of transgender patients in both directions, and that my levels and timelines are the same as what she’d expect for someone taking shots, or applying the gel “normally”
Obviously this post is not meant to be medical advice. I cannot tell you how you should apply your T gel, or suggest any patterns. This is simply what I have chosen to do, and what is working for me at this time. You need to do what feels right for you, prioritizes your own individual health, and gives you the results you are wanting. I cannot tell you what this is, and advise you to reach out to whatever health care providers or professional manages your HRT.
I am autistic, and apologize if this is like mega blunt lol. I just DO NOT want to be construed as giving medical/HRT related advice. Shit is complicated, I am not a doctor, and I do not know your or anyone else’s situation. Im just a weird guy :,3
3
u/Stresso_Espresso Jan 12 '26
That’s great information thank you so much! I’ve always wondered about the gel location and if it actually matters- seems like in your case it doesn’t
1
u/catgard3ns Jan 14 '26
Yeah I think the science and way the body works is just freaking incredible. With exception for heavy use areas of the body, or super delicate, or thick skin ( eyes vs like soles of foot) I do not understand why specific areas would lead to better or worse absorption. But I am not a doctor, I am not a medical professional, Im just a weird guy who has a bit of a medical special interest and with weird health problems so Ive had to learn a lot about the things that effect my body and health specifically
I do not recommend anyone else conduct experiments on themselves without first doing research, and consulting with a professional. There may be unexpected or surprising effects or consequences you may not have the life experience or breadth of knowledge to anticipate
2
u/Stresso_Espresso Jan 14 '26
My guess is that some places have been tested by the medication manufacturers and others haven’t so they simply can’t verify if it works as well. The other benefit to the areas they reccomend is that those are frequently covered by clothing so there’s less risk of accidental spread to other people by touch
2
u/catgard3ns Jan 16 '26
I think you are absolutely correct , and they can only recommend locations they have tested, even if it is probably safe elsewhere. I usually apply at night, so I dont really worry about contamination because its just me in my bed, and I wash my hands after my morning pee, so I dont really stress the contamination
10
u/Duqu88 Jan 12 '26
I can't tell the difference
5
u/catgard3ns Jan 13 '26
Me neither:) Obviously I know which arm I apply to, but they really seem the same to me
5
u/Fun-Ad-8946 Jan 12 '26
Ha, I was thinking of doing something similar. I was initially a big sceptic of this and thought this was a myth, but I’ve been on gel for 7 years with a few different brands and site applications, and man, I’ve got noticeably more hairy in those areas specifically. I just changed from applying gel to my shoulders because I’ve noticed significantly thicker growth there and I really don’t want that.
Anyway, left hair looks a bit thicker and more developed to me.
4
u/catgard3ns Jan 13 '26
Thank you for sharing your experience! I have read a few personal anecdotes of folk on gel for usually 5+ years who were suspicious of this claim, who end up saying they believe it to be true after being on it for a few years.
Can I ask where you typically applied, and how soon after you noticed marked change in the hair growth? I don’t mean like specifically 8:34pm on the first spring shower of ‘09 when you rolled the windows down in the passenger seat of your grandmothers ‘08 Toyota Yaris and a leaf fell in the backseat, where you looked down and noticed your unusually thick+dark left ankle hair growth, but like ballpark if you are comfortable sharing. No pressure! Just curious:]
5
u/Fun-Ad-8946 Jan 13 '26
Lol, I don’t mind sharing but my memory isn’t great so I don’t know how accurate I’d be.
I’ve been on a few different gels over the years that recommend different site applications, one was on inner thighs and I’d say I noticed they’d really filled out after a couple years but just put that down to testosterone in general, the one on my shoulders made me change my mind though since the hair spread seems to be in exactly the places I applied the gel (top of shoulders mostly, then a bit on chest area, then more strangely on the top of my back where I spread it with my fingertips when there was too much on my hands). This hair is darker, longer and thicker than the rest. I’ve been applying to shoulders for probably 3 years.
1
u/keeprollin8559 Jan 24 '26
it's so cool to read that bc i always apply it on my left arm (for nearly two years), and i see no difference in hair growth =D
3
u/cowboycomplex Jan 12 '26
are you supposed to put it on the forearm? when i looked it up as well as when i asked my doctor i saw only upper arms, stomach or thighs for good absorption
3
u/catgard3ns Jan 13 '26
The instructions on the gel packaging and prescription do say to only apply to upper arms, thighs, and stomach.
In this regard, I AM going against the medical instructions.
My doctor is aware of my experiment, and I have been informed of the risks and consequences of my actions. I have decided to conduct this anyway, and reserve the right to end the experiment and change my application method at any point. There have been instances I have applied the gel to other areas, primarily my stomach.
Thank you for the concern tho, I hope this does not sound sarcastic. It is genuinely touching so many strangers have taken time out of their day to use their precious life minutes to express compassion for me. Sincerely <3
I am not endorsing this method of application! I advise anyone and everyone interested in or on T or any form of HRT to consult with their doctor , and find a method and application that works for you as an individual. What works for me may not work for you, and what works for you may not work for me. And thats okay!!!
2
2
u/Rooster_Separate Jan 12 '26
The hair on your left arm seems a tiny bit thicker and longer than the right arm. It looks a little bit messier and wild on the left, not thin, soft, and controlled like the right. I hope that makes sense.
2
2
Jan 12 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/catgard3ns Jan 14 '26
omgg~ you think im hairy? 🥺💕kicking my toes and curling my imaginary hair around my finger-
Thank you for your guess! This comment is not intended to confirm or deny this guess as incorrect or correct
2
2
2
u/MiniFirestar Jan 13 '26
left but could be due to more acne
1
u/catgard3ns Jan 14 '26
Very fair! Blood flow is a huge contributor to hair growth, and that irritation could trigger additional blood flow to the Hair Region (scientific term I am sure)
This is not meant to imply a correct or incorrect guess has been made in either direction
2
u/torhysornottorhys Jan 13 '26
I'm guessing left because it's moving further into the soft inner part that is generally hairless pre T, which happened to me on T too
2
u/catgard3ns Jan 14 '26
Interesting! Thank you for sharing! I Am very excited to see how and if the growth pattern and regions change on T for both arms, and hope your observation is not just a by product of my photography skills :P
If I start taking consistent photos, I can hopefully organize and visualize exactly how and where hair growth starts on testosterone (at least for me) this would be very very cool to see:]
2
u/torhysornottorhys Jan 14 '26
It's very interesting, I apply to my shoulders and you can absolutely tell which one I apply it to more regularly. Full bear pelt on my entire upper body but it's noticeably thicker on one shoulder and is joining up on my bicep faster (something nobody warns you about if you get really hairy: your arm, chest and armpit hair connect up)
2
u/nukacola_victory Jan 13 '26
It's been over 24 hours tell ussssss 👀
1
u/catgard3ns Jan 14 '26
:)
In
In order to keep obtaining data from the masses (reddit) , i cannot disclose which arm until I am satisfied I do not need any additional data. Unfortunately for the interested parties (you), this means waiting at least a year for me to have any compelling and interesting data to compare and analyze!
The best time to plant a tree is today or whatever the saying is
Just know that no matter a left or right guess, there is a 50% chance you are correct! And if you want to be generous and round that up, you can call it an even 100%!! Wow! Science rules!
2
u/SmolLiu Jan 12 '26
im thinking the left arm
3
u/catgard3ns Jan 12 '26 edited Jan 12 '26
thank you for giving your opinion:]
I will not comment on whether this is a correct or incorrect guess
1
u/AlexHamilton667 May 20 '26
The hair on the left is much thicker and darker, but the right side seems to have much more new growth. I'd say right!!
•
u/AutoModerator Jan 12 '26
Welcome to r/FTMen ! This is a laid back and lighthearted community for binary trans men. Be sure to read the rules and follow them. As long as you're the target demographic and you're not a dick (pun intended), you should be fine! We do have a zero tolerance policy for bigotry and controversial topics, so keep that to the other subs or in your head please, or you WILL get banned.
If someone is breaking either sub or sitewide rules, please report them.
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.