Can You Undergo AGA Treatment While Trying to Conceive or During Pregnancy? Fetal Risks and Safety Explained

Hair loss treatments while trying to conceive may have adverse effects on the unborn baby.

Propecia, which works by inhibiting the harmful male hormone “DHT (dihydrotestosterone),” may cause side effects such as decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.

It is also dangerous for pregnant women to come into contact with Propecia.

Therefore, in this article, we’d like to discuss the effects of AGA treatment on those trying to conceive and introduce hair loss countermeasures for people trying to conceive.

What precautions should you take when treating hair loss while trying to conceive?

Fetal Risk Classification

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) previously classified the effects of drugs on fetuses into five categories: A, B, C, D, and X. To what extent do AGA treatments affect fetuses?

*Note: This classification system has since been discontinued, and information is now provided in the documentation for each specific drug.*

Pantogar is classified as a moderate risk! Avoid taking it while pregnant!

“FAGA (diffuse alopecia)” is an example of the female form of AGA. Diffuse alopecia is caused by a decrease in “estrogen,” a female hormone that plays a role in hair growth. Diffuse alopecia is a form of hair thinning characterized by hair becoming finer and a loss of overall hair volume.

Pantogar, whose main ingredients are “keratin” and “amino acids,” is generally considered safe for use while trying to conceive, with no significant risk to the fetus even if taken as a side effect. However, for safety reasons, many clinics specializing in AGA treatment often refrain from using Pantogar to treat women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant.

Minoxidil is considered moderately risky! Avoid using it if possible!

Minoxidil is a medication used to treat hair loss in both men and women. In Japan, topical minoxidil is well known. It is primarily applied topically, directly to the scalp.

Well-known over-the-counter topical treatments (hair growth products) include “Regaine” and “Rogaine.” Minoxidil promotes blood circulation, enabling a steady supply of nutrients to the hair follicles. Minoxidil has been classified as Category C, indicating moderate risk to the fetus. Similar to Pantogar, it can be said that the likelihood of causing serious health damage to the fetus is relatively low.

However, since the risk of fetal malformations is not zero, it is safer for women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant to refrain from using minoxidil.

Propecia is extremely dangerous! Women shouldn’t even touch it!

One of the most commonly used medications for AGA treatment is “Propecia.” Propecia works by inhibiting “DHT (dihydrotestosterone),” the harmful male hormone that causes hair loss. However, side effects may also occur. The side effects of Propecia are listed below.

• Decreased lbido
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Effects on the fetal genitalia (When taken by women)

In men, taking Propecia may cause side effects such as “decreased libido” or “erectile dysfunction,” which can negatively impact efforts to conceive. In women, ingesting Propecia may cause genital abnormalities in the fetus. It appears to be particularly likely to have adverse effects on the genitals of male fetuses.

Propecia can also be absorbed into the body through the skin. Women should be very careful, as even coming into contact with Propecia is extremely dangerous. Additionally, Propecia’s active ingredients are present in semen. You should stop taking Propecia for about one month to allow the active ingredients to be eliminated from your body before attempting to conceive. If you have any concerns, we recommend consulting an obstetrician-gynecologist.

What Causes Hair Thinning During Pregnancy?

Some people experience hair thinning during pregnancy. In men, the harmful male hormone “dihydrotestosterone” is the cause of male pattern baldness. In women, two female hormones play a role in hair growth.

Increases and decreases in estrogen and progesterone

During pregnancy, levels of the female hormones “estrogen” and “progesterone” tend to rise. Estrogen increases first, followed by progesterone. When estrogen levels drop, progesterone levels also begin to decline. The balance between these two female hormones is crucial for healthy hair growth. Generally, it is said that an increase in female hormones extends the anagen (growth) phase of the hair growth cycle.

However, if you experience excessive stress during pregnancy, your hormonal balance may be disrupted, potentially leading to hair thinning, so try not to let stress build up. Additionally, since female hormones decrease after childbirth, your hair may suddenly become thinner. This condition is called “postpartum hair loss.” Depending on your constitution, postpartum hair loss will naturally improve within six months to a year if you maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Hair Loss Solutions for Those Trying to Conceive or During Pregnancy

It’s common for both men and women to temporarily pause hair loss treatment during pregnancy, but I’m sure many of you are concerned about the progression of hair loss. So, I’d like to share some hair loss prevention tips you can try while trying to conceive or during pregnancy!

5 Recommended solutions for thinning hair while trying to conceive or during pregnancy!

Men who are trying to conceive should avoid taking Propecia, as it can cause a decrease in libido and erectile dysfunction. Even without using AGA medications, there are measures you can take to slow the progression of hair loss. Below are some hair loss prevention measures recommended for men who are trying to conceive.

• Aerobic exercise
• A balanced diet
• Quit smoking
• Use of hair growth products containing naturally derived ingredients
• Using wigs

Aerobic exercise

Poor blood circulation is one of the causes of AGA and FAGA in both men and women. By walking for about 30 minutes a day on a regular basis, you can improve blood circulation and promote a healthy scalp environment. Pregnant women should start walking from the 16th week of their second trimester. It’s important to walk every day.

A balanced diet

A balanced diet is essential for maintaining a healthy body and healthy hair. It’s important to consume the nutrients your hair needs, such as protein, vitamins, and minerals. Chicken is a great source of protein. Since chicken also contains vitamins and minerals, it’s a great choice for meat lovers. Adding seaweed, such as wakame, to your miso soup is another way to get minerals. If you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant, a healthy diet centered around traditional Japanese cuisine is recommended.

Quit smoking

Both men and women should make an effort to quit smoking while trying to conceive. When a pregnant woman smokes, the blood vessels in her uterus constrict, preventing sufficient nutrients from reaching the baby, which increases the risk of miscarriage or stillbirth. Quitting smoking can improve blood circulation, which can also help slow the progression of hair loss.

Use of hair growth products containing naturally derived ingredients

If you’re trying to conceive or are pregnant and really want to address hair thinning, you may want to consult a doctor at a clinic specializing in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and consider using a natural hair growth treatment that has minimal impact on your unborn baby. It’s important to note that you should not casually purchase hair growth treatments sold online. Be sure to consult a doctor before using any hair growth treatment while trying to conceive or during pregnancy.

Using wigs

If you have severe hair loss, you may want to consider wearing a wig. If you’re hesitant about wearing a wig, we recommend trying a short hairstyle or wearing a hat.

Both Men and Women should Strive to lead a Healthy lifestyle while Trying to conceive or During pregnancy!

It is important for men to refrain from using Propecia and to allow the body to eliminate its active ingredients. Since Propecia is absorbed through the skin, women should be careful, as even touching it can be dangerous.

While it is generally considered difficult to undergo medical treatment for hair loss using medication while trying to conceive or during pregnancy, you can slow the progression of hair loss by adopting a healthy, regular lifestyle. Trying to conceive or being pregnant is a good opportunity to reassess your lifestyle habits.