Hair Loss Sufferers, Winter to Avoid... "When Hair Sticks to the Pillow"

Is Hair Loss Mainly Influenced by Genetics? Effects of Hormones, Sleep, Nutrition, and Stress
Does Hair Loss Medication Cause Sexual Dysfunction? Psychological Factors Play a Bigger Role

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Seung-gon] Winter is a season that people with hair loss want to avoid. This is because dry weather causes more scalp conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Experts explained that hair loss can be prevented through consistent care. In particular, regarding concerns that taking hair loss medication might reduce sexual function in some people, it was emphasized that psychological factors play a bigger role than the medication itself.

Lee Sang-wook, president of the Korean Hair Loss Society (physician), appeared on CBS Radio's 'Kim Hyun-jung's News Show' on the 15th and described hair loss symptoms as "the feeling of losing more than 100 hairs per day continuously for over three months."

President Lee explained a specific situation where one might feel "I have hair loss" by saying, "Usually, when people wake up, there is almost no hair left on the pillow. But if one or two hairs keep appearing consistently, you should be suspicious. In such cases, if you visit a hospital, the doctor will examine and test to confirm if it is indeed hair loss. The doctor will part the hair at 1 cm intervals to assess density and thickness, and then decide whether treatment is necessary."

Regarding hair loss symptoms, he said, "Hair loss can actually be classified into different types. For example, alopecia areata is not always treated unconditionally. If the alopecia areata is large, about 3 cm or more, with three or more patches, has recurred multiple times, and occurs in areas that are hard to heal, then immediate treatment is necessary."

[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

Improvement Possible with Consistent Hair Care... Avoid Situations That Cause Hair Loss Such as Stress

Regarding complete recovery from hair loss, he said prevention through consistent self-care should be the top priority. He also explained that stopping hair care can worsen the condition.

President Lee said, "As with all diseases, if relapse occurs frequently or lasts a long time, complete recovery is difficult. Hair loss is no different. For example, if a patient comes to me with significantly reduced hair density for their age, and hair is falling out much more than normal even though it wasn't like that before, treatment is necessary."

He added, "However, if treatment is delayed for various reasons, for example, if the patient returns after 1 to 2 years, the condition will have worsened significantly, as expected. Even then, treatment is better than none, but the goal of treatment at that point is to return to the state from two years ago. So, as the condition moves further away from normal, there is an optimal time for treatment."

"Sexual Dysfunction from Hair Loss Medication Is Quite Rare"

He also explained that some causes of hair loss are genetic, making perfect treatment difficult. President Lee said, "There are hundreds of causes of hair loss. But broadly, about five factors are important: genetics, male hormones, sleep, nutrition, and stress. However, genetics cannot be altered unless we perform gene therapy."

Nevertheless, he emphasized that there is room for improvement through hair care.

Regarding some views that hair loss medication may reduce sexual function, he said, "Every year, studies are published dividing subjects into two groups, both prescribed hair loss medication, but one group was given a placebo, a flour pill. After a few months, when we conduct surveys, even those who took the placebo say they feel weak and less energetic, as if the medication is causing it."

President Lee's explanation suggests that psychological factors play a much larger role than hair loss medication in sexual dysfunction. He emphasized, "There are a few who complain about reduced semen volume or other issues, but these cases are quite rare."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.