Men's health
Hair loss
Evidence-based hair loss treatment. Daily tablet, topical solution, or both — reviewed by an Irish pharmacist.
Reviewed by an Irish-registered pharmacist
How it works
- 1Answer a few questions
- 2Doctor reviews
- 3Dispatched to your door
Treatment options
- Finasteride 1mgDaily tablet
- Minoxidil 5%Topical solution
- Combined regimenFinasteride + Minoxidil
Clinical overview
About hair loss
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is driven by a combination of genetics and the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT causes the hair follicles in the scalp to shrink over time, leading to shorter, finer hair, and eventually stopping hair production altogether.
Treating hair loss is most effective when started early. The goal of medical therapy is primarily to halt further loss and maintain the hair you have, though some men also experience regrowth. These treatments require continuous use; if stopped, the hair loss process will resume.
Comparing your options
- Finasteride (1mg Daily Tablet)
An oral prescription medication that works systemically to block the enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT. Highly effective at stopping further hair loss in the majority of men.
- Minoxidil (5% Topical Solution)
An over-the-counter treatment applied directly to the scalp twice daily. Works by increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, stimulating them to grow.
- Combined Regimen
Using both Finasteride and Minoxidil together targets hair loss from two different angles (blocking DHT internally and stimulating follicles externally) and is often considered the most effective approach.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take to see results?
- Hair grows slowly. You should not expect to see visible changes for at least 3 to 6 months. Some men experience temporary shedding in the first few weeks as old hairs are pushed out to make way for new growth.
- Are there side effects with Finasteride?
- Finasteride is generally well-tolerated. A small percentage of men (typically less than 2%) may experience sexual side effects, such as a decrease in libido or difficulty achieving an erection. These usually resolve if the medication is stopped.
- What happens if I stop treatment?
- If you stop taking Finasteride or applying Minoxidil, you will lose any hair you have maintained or regrown within 6 to 12 months, and your hair loss will return to the state it would have been in had you never started treatment.
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