Hair Loss

Hair loss, also known as alopecia, is a condition in which a person experiences partial or complete loss of hair from areas where it normally grows, most commonly the scalp. It can be temporary or permanent, and can affect both men and women.

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Hair Loss

Male pattern baldness (also known as androgenetic alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss in men. It follows a characteristic pattern - hair recedes at the temples and crown of the head, often leading to partial or complete baldness over time.

It is gradual, progressive, and strongly linked to genetics and male hormones (androgens).

Causes

Male pattern baldness is primarily caused by:

1. Genetics

Inherited from either parent, though the gene is often passed through the maternal line.
If close male relatives have experienced baldness, the risk increases significantly.

2. Hormonal Factors

Caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone.
DHT binds to hair follicle receptors, causing them to shrink (miniaturize) and eventually stop producing hair.

3. Aging

The likelihood and severity of male pattern baldness increases with age, particularly after age 40.

Risk Factors

You are more likely to experience male pattern baldness if you:

Have lifestyle factors such as stress, smoking, or poor diet (these may worsen the condition)
Use anabolic steroids or experience hormonal imbalance
Have certain health conditions, like prostate enlargement
Have elevated levels of DHT
Are aging (especially >40 years old)
Have a family history of baldness

Treatment Options

1. Medications

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Needs to be used continuously.
Slows hair loss and may promote regrowth.
Over-the-counter topical treatment.

Finasteride (Propecia)

More effective than minoxidil but may cause side effects like decreased libido or erectile dysfunction.
Blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Prescription oral medication.

Dutasteride

Similar to finasteride, sometimes prescribed off-label.
Blocks more types of DHT but with slightly higher risk of side effects.

Frequently asked questions

Why does hair loss occur?
Hair loss can occur for many reasons, including genetics, hormones, ageing, illness, stress, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications and underlying medical conditions.

The most common cause of hair loss in adults is pattern hair loss, which affects both men and women. This type of hair loss occurs when hair follicles gradually shrink over time, producing thinner and shorter hairs until growth may eventually stop.

Early treatment is often more effective because it helps protect existing hair follicles before significant hair loss occurs.

Not all hair loss is caused by pattern hair loss. Other causes include:

• Weight loss
• Stress-related hair shedding
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Thyroid disorders
• Hormonal changes
• Pregnancy and childbirth
• Certain medications
• Autoimmune conditions such as alopecia areata
• Scalp infections or inflammatory conditions

These causes may require medical assessment and different treatment approaches.
What are the different types of hair loss?
Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Male pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It is usually inherited and influenced by hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

Common signs include:

• A receding hairline
• Thinning at the temples
• Thinning at the crown (top of the head)
• Gradual progression over time

Female Pattern Hair Loss

Female pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair thinning in women.
Common signs include:

• Widening of the hair parting
• General thinning over the top of the scalp
• Reduced hair density
• Gradual progression over time

Unlike male pattern hair loss, complete baldness is uncommon.
Should I seek medical advice about hair loss?
Many cases of gradual hair thinning are caused by male or female pattern hair loss and may be suitable for treatment following clinical assessment.

However, you should seek medical advice if your hair loss is:

• Sudden or rapidly worsening
• Patchy or occurring in distinct bald patches
• Associated with redness, itching, pain or scalp inflammation
• Associated with excessive hair shedding
• Occurring after illness, surgery, childbirth or significant stress
• Associated with tiredness, unexplained weight changes or other symptoms
• Associated with changes to your menstrual cycle or signs of hormonal imbalance

These symptoms may indicate an underlying condition that requires further investigation.
What hair loss treatments are available?
Pharmulous offers a range of treatment options depending on the cause of hair loss and individual suitability.

Finasteride Tablets

Finasteride is a prescription-only treatment for adult men with male pattern hair loss.

It works by reducing levels of DHT, a hormone involved in hair follicle shrinkage. Finasteride can help slow further hair loss and may promote regrowth in some men.

Regaine for Men Foam

Regaine for Men Foam contains minoxidil and is used to help stimulate hair growth in men with hereditary hair loss.

Regaine for Women Solution

Regaine for Women Solution contains minoxidil and is designed specifically for women experiencing female pattern hair loss.

Alpecin Shampoo

Alpecin Shampoo is a cosmetic hair care product that may help support hair health as part of a wider hair care routine.

A Pharmulous clinician can help determine which treatment option may be most appropriate based on your symptoms and assessment.
Do I need a prescription for hair loss treatment?
Some hair loss treatments require a prescription, while others do not.

At Pharmulous:

• Finasteride tablets are prescription-only and require assessment and approval by a prescribing clinician.
• Regaine for Men Foam and Regaine for Women Solution are available following suitability assessment.
• Alpecin Shampoo does not require a prescription.

All treatment requests are reviewed to ensure they are suitable and safe.
Is it safe to order hair loss treatment online?
Yes, provided you use a regulated UK healthcare provider and complete a proper clinical assessment.

Pharmulous is a GP-led service. Before treatment is supplied, your assessment is reviewed by a prescribing clinician to ensure the treatment is appropriate and safe for you.

Depending on the treatment requested, we may assess:

• Your pattern of hair loss
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Allergies
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding status (where relevant)
• Previous hair loss treatments
• Treatment-specific safety considerations

If your symptoms suggest an underlying medical condition or require further investigation, we may recommend that you seek further medical advice before treatment is supplied.
When should I start treating hair loss?
Hair loss treatment is generally most effective when started early.

If you notice:

• A receding hairline
• Thinning at the crown
• Widening of the hair parting
• General thinning over the scalp

it may be beneficial to start treatment sooner rather than later.

Most treatments require consistent use and can take several months before noticeable results are seen.
How long does it take for hair loss treatment to work?
Hair loss treatments do not work immediately.

Most people need to use treatment consistently for at least 3 to 6 months before noticing improvement. Some people may require longer before visible results occur.

Hair loss treatment generally needs to be continued to maintain results. If treatment is stopped, hair loss may gradually return.
Who should not use Finasteride?
Finasteride is only suitable for adult men with male pattern hair loss.

Finasteride should not be used by:

• Women
• Children or adolescents
• Anyone allergic to finasteride
• Anyone already taking finasteride-containing products, such as Proscar
• Anyone already taking dutasteride or another 5-alpha reductase inhibitor unless advised by a specialist

You should discuss treatment with a healthcare professional before use if you:

• Have severe liver disease
• Have breast symptoms such as lumps, swelling, pain or nipple discharge
• Have concerns regarding prostate investigations or PSA testing
• Have a history of depression, low mood or suicidal thoughts

A prescribing clinician will review your suitability before treatment is approved.
Can women use hair loss treatments?
Yes. Women experiencing female pattern hair loss may be suitable for treatment.

Regaine for Women Solution may help reduce hair thinning and encourage regrowth in some women.

Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding should seek medical advice before starting hair loss treatment.

Finasteride is not suitable for women and must not be used during pregnancy because it may harm a developing male baby.
Why choose Pharmulous for hair loss treatment?
Pharmulous is a GP-led online healthcare service offering clinically reviewed hair loss treatment.

Every assessment is reviewed by a prescribing clinician who considers:

• Your hair loss pattern
• Medical history
• Current medications
• Previous treatments
• Treatment suitability and safety

Where appropriate, treatment can be prescribed and supplied directly. If further investigation is needed, we will advise on the most appropriate next steps.