VEI Clinic · Hair Loss

Checking the cause before starting:
hair loss care

Male and female pattern hair loss, which involve genetics and hormones, are the most common types. Hair loss can also result from thyroid disease, anemia or nutritional deficiencies, or occur temporarily after childbirth or major stress. At VEI Clinic, an internal medicine specialist examines your scalp and pattern of hair loss and uses blood tests when needed to look for the cause. We then discuss treatment, centered on hair loss medication.

VEI Clinic, Gangnam — VEI Clinic · Hair Loss

Types of Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss: gradual recession at the temples or thinning at the crown
Female pattern hair loss: widening of the part at the crown while the front hairline is maintained
Telogen effluvium: heavy shedding that begins 2 to 3 months after childbirth, a high fever, rapid weight loss or major stress
Alopecia areata: sudden hair loss in coin-shaped patches, which may need dermatology treatment

Blood Tests to Look for the Cause

If shedding suddenly increases or a woman has hair loss, we first check for other causes within the body.

Thyroid function
Anemia and iron stores (ferritin)
Zinc and vitamin D
Hormone levels, such as testosterone, if needed

Hair Loss Prescriptions

For male pattern hair loss, we use oral medication that reduces production of DHT, the male hormone involved in hair loss, and topical medication (minoxidil) that supports scalp blood flow and hair growth. Consistent use for at least 3 to 6 months is usually needed to assess the effect. If treatment stops, hair may return to its pretreatment state within a few months.

Oral medication can rarely cause side effects such as reduced sex drive. It also lowers PSA, a marker used in prostate testing, so you must tell the clinician at your health checkup that you take it. Women of childbearing age do not take this oral medication and should avoid handling broken tablets.

Considering the Stem Cell Scalp Program

You can also ask about the VEI Cell Stem Cell Scalp Program. We do not offer it as a replacement for hair loss medication, and we explain the process, the evidence and the precautions in that guide and during your visit.

The VEI Clinic Approach

An internal medicine specialist assesses your overall health alongside the pattern of hair loss. If an underlying condition is responsible, we treat it first. After starting medication, we recheck your scalp in 3 to 6 months to decide whether to continue.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does hair loss medication take to work?

It usually takes 3 to 6 months of consistent use to assess the effect. Even if it works, hair loss may resume after stopping, so we also plan how to maintain treatment.

Can women take oral hair loss medication?

Women of childbearing age do not take the oral medication used for male pattern hair loss. After testing for the cause, we discuss topical medication and other options.

How do you assess hair loss?

We examine your scalp and the pattern of hair loss. If needed, blood tests check thyroid function, anemia, iron, zinc, vitamin D and other possible causes.

Do you see patients with alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata may need dermatology treatments such as scalp injections. After examining you, we recommend dermatology care if needed.