"Hair-loss drugs cause sexual dysfunction"... Is the 'myth-level' rumor about hair loss true? [Smart Wellness]
- Input
- 2026-08-25 16:03:47
- Updated
- 2026-08-25 16:03:47
Does taking hair-loss medication reduce sexual function? The actual incidence is only 1% to 2%.
Finasteride and dutasteride, used to treat hair loss, block the process by which testosterone is converted into a hormone that triggers hair loss. Because they affect hormones, there has long been a rumor that taking them can cause sexual side effects such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. In reality, however, only about 1% to 2% of users experience sexual side effects after taking hair-loss medication. That is not much different from the side-effect rate seen in people taking a placebo, which is about 1%.Experts emphasize that side effects from hair-loss medication are largely driven by the nocebo effect, in which psychological anxiety triggers symptoms. Most symptoms improve after stopping the medication, and many ease even while treatment continues.Kim Jin-oh, director of New Hair Hair Transplant and Plastic Surgery Clinic, which specializes in hair-loss treatment and hair transplantation, said, "If even minor symptoms after taking hair-loss medication are counted as side effects, the rate could rise to 10% to 20%. But looked at another way, even with such a conservative approach, there is an 80% to 90% chance that no side effects will occur." He encouraged patients to give treatment a try.He added, "Even if side effects do occur, most of them disappear within one to two months, and they go away immediately once you stop taking the drug." He also said, "There are now various treatment options, including topical medications that achieve about 70% to 80% of the effect of oral drugs, so rather than fearing the treatment without basis, I recommend starting first and then working with medical staff to find the right approach." Will acid rain make you bald? Fine dust, not rain, is the real problem.
There is also a rumor that hair loss is caused by exposure to acid rain. But the pH of acid rain is around 4.5 to 5.6, which is similar to that of regular shampoo (pH 5.0 to 6.5) and the skin's protective surface barrier (pH 4.5 to 5.5). In other words, it does not destroy hair follicles. In fact, pollutants such as fine dust mixed into the rain can clog pores on the scalp and cause inflammation. That is why, after getting caught in the rain, it is better to wash your hair quickly to remove the pollutants rather than focusing on the rain itself.The rumor that wearing a hat for a long time causes hair loss is also false. Wearing a hat that puts excessive pressure on the scalp for extended periods can interfere with blood circulation, and sweat and sebum may not drain properly, allowing bacteria to multiply on the scalp. But this cannot be a direct cause of hair loss. In fact, hats can help prevent hair loss by effectively blocking ultraviolet rays, which accelerate skin aging, if used appropriately. When wearing a hat, choose a loose size that does not tighten the head, and take it off indoors or in the shade to let the scalp breathe more often. The same goes for wigs. If hair loss runs in the maternal line, will I lose my hair too? Hair loss is influenced by both maternal and paternal sides.
Hair loss is a multifactorial genetic disorder caused by the combined action of several genes. It is influenced not only by the maternal side through the X chromosome, but also by both paternal and maternal families through autosomes. There is no need to panic just because hair loss runs in the maternal family, but neither should you feel reassured simply because there is no hair loss on the paternal side. Still, regardless of whether the genetic predisposition comes from the maternal or paternal side, progression can be sufficiently suppressed if drug treatment begins early, before the hair follicles shrink. If hair loss is suspected, it is best to choose one clinic in your mid-20s and visit regularly to monitor the condition. A healthy, energetic life is not far away. [Smart Wellness] shares practical wisdom for caring for both body and mind, based on scientific evidence and the latest trends. If you subscribe to the reporter page, you can receive [Smart Wellness] more conveniently.
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