Hair loss
Prescription and over-the-counter treatments for pattern hair loss and thinning.
Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider. A prescription is not guaranteed — the provider decides what, if anything, is appropriate and safe for you.
About hair loss
Most hair loss in adults is androgenetic alopecia — pattern hair loss driven by genetics and hormone sensitivity in the hair follicle. In men it usually shows up as a receding hairline and crown thinning; in women it more often appears as widening at the part with the hairline preserved. Treatment works best early, and it is maintenance care: benefits generally continue only while treatment continues. Other causes — thyroid disease, iron deficiency, postpartum shedding, autoimmune alopecia, scarring alopecia — need a different workup, which is why a provider review matters.
Treatment options
Plain-language summaries. Your provider decides what is appropriate for you.
Finasteride (oral)
Reduces DHT, the hormone most involved in follicle miniaturization. Prescribed for men with pattern hair loss. Not for use by people who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Minoxidil (topical)
Applied to the scalp once or twice daily. Prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle. Used by both men and women.
Oral minoxidil (low-dose)
Sometimes prescribed off-label at low doses when topical treatment is impractical or ineffective. Requires provider assessment for cardiovascular suitability.
Spironolactone
Sometimes prescribed off-label for female pattern hair loss. Contraindicated in pregnancy and requires monitoring.
Supportive care
Ketoconazole shampoo, nutrition review, and checking for treatable causes such as iron or thyroid abnormalities.
How it works
- 1
Tell us the basics
State, service interest, and contact details — no medical detail at this step.
- 2
Clinical visit
A licensed provider reviews your history and hair loss pattern and decides what, if anything, is appropriate.
- 3
Treatment ships
If prescribed, treatment is dispensed by a licensed US pharmacy.
- 4
Reassess at 6-12 months
Pattern hair loss treatment is judged over months, not weeks.
Realistic timeline
What people typically experience. Individual results vary and are never guaranteed.
- Weeks 2-8Some people notice temporary increased shedding as follicles cycle. This is expected and usually settles.
- Months 3-6Earliest point at which slowed loss or early regrowth may be visible.
- Months 6-12Realistic window to judge whether treatment is helping.
Safety, side effects & interactions
You deserve this information before you decide, not after.
Common side effects
- Topical minoxidil: scalp irritation, dryness, or flaking; unwanted facial hair growth if it spreads
- Temporary shedding when starting treatment
- Oral minoxidil: ankle swelling, increased body hair, lightheadedness
Serious risks
- Finasteride carries a risk of sexual side effects, including reduced libido, erectile difficulty, and reduced ejaculate volume. Most reports resolve after stopping, but persistent symptoms have been reported. Mood changes and depression have also been reported. Talk to your provider before starting.
- Finasteride can lower PSA levels, which matters for prostate cancer screening — tell any clinician who orders a PSA that you take it.
- Spironolactone: elevated potassium; requires monitoring and is unsafe in pregnancy.
Interactions
- Finasteride must not be handled or taken by people who are pregnant or may become pregnant — it can cause birth defects.
- Oral minoxidil interacts with blood pressure medications.
Who this is — and isn't — for
May be a fit if
- Adults 18+ with gradual pattern thinning
- Earlier treatment generally gives better odds than late-stage loss
Not appropriate if
- Sudden patchy loss, scarring, scalp pain, or inflammation — needs in-person evaluation
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding (for finasteride and spironolactone)
- Complete long-standing baldness, where regrowth is unlikely
Pricing
Common questions
Do I have to keep taking it?
Generally yes. Pattern hair loss is ongoing; if you stop, hair typically returns to the trajectory it would have followed without treatment, usually within 6-12 months.
Is a prescription guaranteed?
No. Treatment requires a consultation with a licensed provider, who may decline to prescribe or refer you for in-person evaluation.
Can women take finasteride?
It is not approved for women and is contraindicated in pregnancy or if pregnancy is possible. Providers may discuss other options such as minoxidil or spironolactone.
Will it regrow a fully bald area?
Usually not. These treatments are most effective at slowing loss and thickening miniaturized hair, not restoring follicles that are gone.
Ready to see if this is right for you?
Start with a few basics — state, service, and how to reach you. The medical questionnaire is completed with a licensed provider.
Start your visitThis page is general health education, not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for care from your own clinician. If this is an emergency, call 911.