Things to Know Before Taking Hair Loss Medication, and Precautions While Taking It

When treating hair loss, patients often look closely at my hair and ask me this:

“Doctor, do you take hair loss medication too?”

I’m sure you’re wondering why I would take it if I’m not even bald, and whether it actually helps.

To get straight to the point, I do take hair loss medication.

And that decision changed how I approach hair loss management.

The reason I decided to take hair loss medication

I’m often told that I don’t seem to have hair loss on the outside,

but that’s because I started managing it before it became more noticeable.

I had genetic risk factors for hair loss,

and in particular, I noticed changes such as a gradually deepening M-shaped hairline and reduced crown density.

Those who have had the same experience will understand.

Even before obvious changes appear, there are clear warning signs.

As a doctor who recommends treatment to patients,

after all, recommending it without having taken it myself felt irresponsible,

and that was why I started taking it.

Changes observed after taking it

• A sense of stability in hair condition when washing

After shampooing, it felt like less hair was falling out than before.

This is also a change that some patients describe.

• Changes in the appearance of the crown area

When comparing photos, it felt like there was less shine and less scalp showing than before.

I interpret this as possibly a result of the slowing of the progression toward finer hair.

• Emotional stability regarding hair loss

Rather than helplessness, I gained a sense of psychological stability from feeling that I was “taking action.”

This was a meaningful change not only as a patient, but also as a medical professional.

• What I felt about side effects

At the beginning of taking it, I felt like my libido had temporarily decreased,

but over time it became something I did not worry about much.

Medically, side effects from this medication are not usually persistent,

and I came to feel that vague anxiety can have a greater psychological effect.

Taking it is a choice

Hair loss medication is not a one-size-fits-all solution for everyone.

However, it is a scientifically supported treatment for slowing the progression of hereditary hair loss.

I, too, am watching the course of my hair loss by responding before it becomes clearly visible.

In closing

I hope the fact that I take it myself can build a little trust with patients.

Hair loss is not just a change in appearance; it is also connected to quality of life and confidence.

Because this is the reality I face every day in the clinic,

I, too, am spending today’s fight against hair loss one pill at a time.

Now it’s time for hair to grow again, this was Kim Jino.

May new hair be born (必生新毛).

[This post was written directly by a board-certified plastic surgeon for informational purposes in accordance with Article 56, Paragraph 1 of the Medical Service Act. Hair loss surgery and treatment may have side effects, and you should make a careful decision through consultation with a specialist.]