Hair Loss treatments
Explore information about Hair Loss. An independent doctor decides whether a prescription is appropriate. Dispensing and delivery depend on a valid prescription, the available route and an independent licensed pharmacy.
Choose a treatment to review
Pricing is indicative where shown. Final route, fulfilment, and whether treatment is clinically appropriate remain subject to independent doctor review. Check platform, independent doctor, pharmacy and delivery charges before payment. A listed medicine amount is not a complete route quotation.
Propecia (Finasteride)
Propecia (finasteride 1 mg): Spanish indication, dosing, sexual and mood warnings, PSA interpretation and independent medical assessment.
Rogaine (Minoxidil)
Topical minoxidil: Spanish men's Regaine foam and distinct UK women's dosing, shedding warnings, adverse effects and safe application.
About hair loss treatments
Hair loss — medically referred to as alopecia — affects a significant proportion of the European population. Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss, is common and becomes more common with age.[2]
Androgenetic alopecia is driven primarily by genetic predisposition and the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen derived from testosterone via the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. DHT causes miniaturisation of hair follicles, leading to progressively finer and shorter hair until follicles are no longer productive. The pattern of loss differs between males and females: men typically experience recession at the temples and crown, while women more commonly experience diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp.
The psychological impact of hair loss should not be underestimated. Research published in peer-reviewed journals has consistently documented associations between hair loss and reduced self-esteem, anxiety, and in some cases clinical depression. The availability of effective pharmacological treatments has improved significantly over recent decades, offering meaningful benefit for many patients when treatment is initiated early.
Prescription medications for hair loss work through different mechanisms. Finasteride and dutasteride reduce DHT levels systemically. Minoxidil, available in both topical and oral formulations, acts as a vasodilator that prolongs the growth phase of hair follicles. All treatment decisions should be made by a qualified, independent doctor based on thorough clinical assessment.
Available treatments
The following medications are described here for hair loss treatment. Independent doctors make prescribing decisions. Licensed pharmacies dispense only where approved and available. This comparison is provided for informational purposes only. A doctor will assess which medication, if any, is appropriate for your individual situation.
| Medication | Active Ingredient | Form | Primary Use | Authorised indication |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride | Finasteride | Oral tablet | Male pattern hair loss | Androgenetic alopecia in men (1 mg) |
| Minoxidil | Minoxidil | Topical solution / foam | Male and female pattern hair loss | Androgenetic alopecia |
| Dutasteride | Dutasteride | Oral capsule | Male pattern hair loss (off-label) | Authorised for BPH; off-label for hair loss |
Key distinctions:
- Finasteride: The first-line oral treatment for male androgenetic alopecia. Clinical studies show it can halt progression and promote regrowth in the majority of men. Not appropriate for women of childbearing potential.
- Minoxidil: Topical formulations are authorised for alopecia in specified patient groups. Oral minoxidil use for hair loss is off-label and requires individual medical assessment; oral and topical authorisations are not interchangeable.
- Dutasteride: Achieves higher DHT suppression than finasteride due to dual enzyme inhibition. Some clinical evidence supports greater efficacy, but it carries an off-label status for hair loss in most EU jurisdictions. A doctor will advise whether it is appropriate for you.
How to get hair loss treatment online
Prescrivia operates as a technology intermediary. We do not prescribe medications, employ doctors, or sell medicines. Our platform collects your health assessment for review by an independent licensed prescriber.
The process:
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Complete a health assessment — Answer a structured set of medical questions covering the pattern and duration of your hair loss, family history, current medications, and relevant medical history. Photos may be requested to support the clinical assessment.
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Independent doctor review — An independent doctor reviews your assessment. If a hair loss medication is clinically appropriate, the doctor may issue a prescription. If it is not appropriate for your circumstances, the doctor will explain the reasoning.
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Pharmacy fulfilment — A valid prescription does not guarantee dispensing or delivery. An independent licensed pharmacy checks lawful supply, stock and an available supply route for the destination country.
Important: Prescrivia does not guarantee that a prescription will be issued. Prescribing decisions are made entirely by independent medical professionals. Prescription hair loss medications require a valid prescription from a licensed doctor.
How we compare
| Through Prescrivia | In-person GP appointment | |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Online assessment, subject to platform availability | Subject to appointment availability |
| Wait time | Review time depends on clinical needs and availability | Depends on appointment availability |
| Travel required | No | Yes |
| Prescribing decision | Made by independent doctor | Made by your GP |
| Ongoing monitoring | Supported via follow-up assessments | Managed by your GP |
| Cost | Transparent pricing displayed upfront | Varies by country and healthcare system |
Note: Sudden or patchy hair loss, hair loss accompanied by scalp changes, or loss that may be secondary to an underlying medical condition (such as thyroid disease or nutritional deficiency) warrants in-person investigation before treatment. Prescrivia’s platform is designed for adults whose hair loss pattern is consistent with androgenetic alopecia suitable for remote assessment.
Sources
Medical information on this page is based on the following sources:
- [1] European Medicines Agency (EMA). Propecia (finasteride) — Summary of Product Characteristics. Available at: ema.europa.eu
- [2] Blumeyer A, et al. Evidence-based (S3) guideline for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in women and in men. JDDG. 2011;9(Suppl 6):S1–57. PubMed.
Medical information may change as clinical guidance is updated. It is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for advice relevant to your individual health circumstances.
Availability, dispensing and delivery depend on the country, clinical assessment, pharmacy and applicable law. A Spanish-language page does not establish eligibility for supply in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
- How does an online assessment for hair loss medication work?
- Yes. Prescrivia connects you with independent doctors who can review your health profile and, where clinically appropriate, issue a prescription for hair loss medication. A pharmacy may dispense after confirming a valid prescription, applicable requirements, stock and availability for the destination. Dispensing and delivery are not guaranteed.
- What is the difference between finasteride and dutasteride?
- Both medications work by inhibiting 5-alpha reductase enzymes that convert testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for male pattern hair loss. Finasteride inhibits only the type II enzyme; dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II. Dutasteride achieves greater DHT suppression but is not authorised for hair loss, meaning its use for this indication is off-label.
- Can women use finasteride or minoxidil?
- Finasteride is not generally prescribed for women who may become pregnant due to the risk of harm to a male foetus. Topical minoxidil is used for female pattern hair loss, depending on the authorised formulation. A doctor will assess what is appropriate based on your gender, age, and health profile.
- How long does it take to see results from hair loss medication?
- Most clinical evidence indicates that meaningful results from finasteride or minoxidil require consistent use over at least 3 to 6 months. Hair regrowth, where it occurs, is typically gradual. Stopping medication usually results in reversal of benefit over time.
- Are there side effects associated with finasteride?
- Finasteride is associated with sexual side effects in a minority of men, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. Sexual symptoms have also been reported to persist after stopping treatment. Mood changes, depression and suicidal thoughts are recognised risks of finasteride tablets; seek medical advice if these occur. Patients taking finasteride 1 mg for hair loss should also stop treatment if mood changes occur. The prescribing doctor will discuss risks and benefits based on your individual health profile before issuing a prescription.
Intermediary notice: Prescrivia connects patients with independent doctors and licensed pharmacies. We do not provide medical advice, employ doctors, or sell medicines. All medical decisions are made by independent healthcare professionals, and prescription-only medicines require a valid prescription. Treatment is not guaranteed — whether a prescription is issued depends on an independent doctor's clinical assessment.
Ready to begin your assessment?
Complete a short health assessment and, where clinically appropriate, connect with an independent doctor for review.
Prescrivia is not a doctor or pharmacy — it is a technology platform. Any prescription decision is made by an independent doctor; medicines are dispensed by licensed pharmacies only where available.