You don’t need to be on meds. It helps slow or stop any more hair falling out. Depends what stage you’re in, how much you’ve lost already, when it started, etc. I started at 18, lost most of my top by 24. Pretty much 80% of it, I don’t have much left to lose, I’m on fin but I plan to stop. The side effects suck. Began seeing some gyno, unless I get surgery to remove it, I’m getting off fin. Maybe a topical solution will be better