Hair Loss Treatment
Consultation for Hair Loss
An initial consultation for hair loss with our doctors includes the following:
- Detailed discussion of the problem
- Examination of the area of hair loss
- Advice on any investigations you may require such as blood tests or biopsy
- A discussion of any treatment options
- A prescription if required
- A copy of the clinical noting is sent to you and to your General Practitioner
Investigations may be required to help in the assessment of your hair loss.
- These include blood tests such as for iron levels, thyroid, vitamins and hormones.
- The fee for an initial consultation for hair loss is £125.
- Follow up consultations £100 per visit.
Treatments that may be carried out in the clinic or prescribed include:
- Steroid Shampoos
- Oral minoxidil
- Finasteride / Dutasteride
- Spironolactone
- Bespoke prescription foams and lotion
How to Order Hair Loss Medication Online
- Complete our medical consultation. This allows our doctors to check that the medication is safe and appropriate for you.
- Add this preferred treatment to your basket before checkout.
- One of our UK-registered doctors will review your order and prescribe if appropriate. Occasionally we need extra information and will contact you for this.
- Your order will be packaged and posted from one of our partner pharmacies.
How Does this Medication Work:
Finasteride & Dutasteride
Finasteride & Dutasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone, which is the male sex hormone, to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is typically formed in the hair follicles, adrenal glands, testes, and the prostate gland. It is a cause of the miniaturisation of the hair follicle that is linked to male hair loss, as well as being a cause of prostate enlargement.
Finasteride is a single 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor as it selectively inhibits the Type 2 isoenzyme whereas Dutasteride is a dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor inhibiting both Type 1 and Type 2 Isoenzymes.
Thus Dutasteride is believed to be more potent (and could potentially have more side effects).
Finasteride, also known by the brand name Propecia, is available online in the form of Finasteride 1mg tablets.
Dutasteride, also known by the brand name Avodart, is available online in the form of Dutasteride 0.5mg tablets.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil works to reverse the effects of male pattern baldness by reversing the miniaturisation of hair follicles, increasing blood flow around follicles, stimulating follicle movement to the growth phase and extending each follicle growth phase.
Topical Minoxidil can be used in combination with Oral Finasteride or Dutasteride to increase treatment efficacy.
Tretinoin
Tretinoin is a retinoid (vitamin A derivative) which is normally used for the treatment of acne and wrinkles but also aids in the treatment of hair loss by supporting the effects of Minoxidil.
Studies have shown that the effectiveness and safety of combined 5% minoxidil and 0.01% tretinoin once-daily works as well as traditional 5% minoxidil twice-daily therapy for the treatment of male pattern baldness. In more simple terms, the study shows that Tretinoin helps Minoxidil get to work twice as fast.
When should I expect to see results?
Like most hair loss treatments, it can take a while to notice the positive effects. With treatment, you will start to notice fewer hairs on your pillow and less hair coming out in the shower.
By 3 months
You should start to notice changes to your hair. During this time, you might still be seeing some hair shedding. This is normal and temporary.
By 6 months
You should notice your hair loss has stopped or slowed right down. At this stage of treatment you should also start to see hair regrowth, normally on the crown at first.
By 9 – 12 months
This is when you should see the maximum benefits. You will notice improvement in hair colour and thickness and your hair density (number of hairs growing) will continue to improve.