Hair loss treatment with medicine: what it is, who it suits and how long it takes

What hair loss treatment with medicine is

Thick hair

Fine, thin hair

Illustration, left to right

It is the use of medicine to slow hair loss and help the hair roots that are still working make hair better again.

There are two main kinds: topical medicines or drops applied to the scalp, and oral medicines. Many of them must be prescribed by a doctor, because the cause, your sex, age, chronic illnesses and the other medicines you take all need to be considered. So this page talks about groups of medicines and does not name any drug or brand. The doctor will explain the details of the medicine that suits you at your exam.

Which types of hair loss medicine can help

Hair loss does not have just one cause, and each cause uses different medicine. The common ones are:

4 common causes of hair loss

Genetics and hormonesThinning on the top of the head or along the hairline. Medicine is the main treatment.

After illness, after childbirth or severe stressHair falls out all over the head a few months later. Some people get better on their own.

Nutrient deficiency or a body imbalanceSuch as iron deficiency or a thyroid problem. Only a blood test can tell.

Scalp problemsInflammation, dandruff or a very oily scalp. The scalp must be cared for at the same time.

If hair falls out in patches, or there are scars on the scalp, the condition must be clearly identified first. The doctor may order more tests or refer you.

Check yourself: is it time to see a doctor?

• More hair loss than usual, for several weeks in a row
• Your scalp is starting to show more
• Your front hairline is moving back
• Hair falling out in patches

Topical vs oral medicine

Topical medicine or scalp drops

Medicines come as lotions, drops and tablets

Illustration

Both kinds work, but they suit different people.

Some people use only topical medicine, some only oral medicine, and some use both. It depends on the cause, how thin your hair is and what is convenient for you. The doctor will explain the pros and limits of each, and you decide together.

Who it suits and who needs caution

Tell the doctor about your chronic illnesses and the medicines you use before starting.

Illustration

Check which group you are in.

It suits

• People whose scalp is starting to show more, or who have lost more hair than usual for several months
• People with thinning hair in the family who want to start care early
• People who do not want surgery yet
• People ready to use medicine every day and come to their appointments

Always tell the doctor first if you

• are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to have a baby
• have a chronic illness, such as heart disease, blood pressure problems, liver or kidney disease
• take other medicines or supplements regularly
• have had a drug allergy, or have used hair loss medicine before

For patients under 18, the doctor decides case by case and may ask a parent or guardian to join in hearing the treatment plan.

Steps at Sandee Clinic

Blood tests when needed

Photos from the same angle, kept to compare

Illustration

The first visit focuses on finding the cause, then the medicine is chosen.

1. History When your hair started falling out, how it falls out, whether anyone in your family has thinning hair, and whether you are ill or taking any medicines.
2. Scalp exam with a magnifying camera Hair thickness, density and the condition of the scalp.
3. Blood tests when needed Such as a complete blood count, iron stores, thyroid, vitamin D and zinc, chosen based on your symptoms. Not everyone needs them.
4. Standard-angle scalp photos Kept to compare next time, because hair changes slowly and you usually cannot see the difference by looking every day.
5. Medicine plan How to use it, for how long, what to watch for, and your next appointment.
6. Follow-up Photos from the same angle to see whether the medicine is working, then the plan is adjusted. The clinic sends appointment reminders on LINE.

How long to use it and when you see results

The first few months

About 3–6 months

About 6–12 months

Illustration, left to right

Hair grows slowly, so medicine takes time. Do not lose heart in the first few months.

Rough timeline

1. 
   The first few monthsSome people shed more for a while. Do not stop the medicine on your own; ask the doctor first.
2. 
   About 3–6 monthsYou can start to tell whether hair loss has gone down.
3. 
   About 6–12 monthsChanges in density become clearer in the comparison photos.

Thinning from genetics and hormones needs ongoing care. If you stop the medicine, the results usually fade slowly. The doctor will make a long-term plan with you and lower the medicine when the time is right.

Results vary from person to person.

Side effects and why you need a doctor’s care

Every hair loss medicine has precautions, but most problems can be handled if you tell the doctor early.

Possible effects include scalp irritation, hair growing where you do not want it, or, with oral medicines, effects on other systems of the body. They differ by medicine group.

Buying medicine yourself, or using what someone else uses, may give you a medicine that does not match the cause, the wrong dose, or miss a condition that really needs treatment.

Can it be combined with other treatments?

Yes, but not everyone needs it.

In some cases the doctor may recommend hair PRP, hair meso or light therapy for hair roots alongside medicine to nourish the scalp. The doctor will recommend them when they suit your case.

Sandee Clinic does not currently accept hair-transplant surgery cases, but can care for your hair before and after a transplant. Medicine is an important part of care in both periods. Read more on the hair care before and after a transplant page.

Costs

Costs depend on the medicine used, how long you use it and any blood tests each person needs.

You can ask about the first exam fee and rough costs on LINE or by phone before coming to the clinic. You can pay by cash, bank transfer or card, and pay in installments by card under the bank’s terms.

Frequently asked questions