Alopecia Areata vs. Androgenetic Alopecia: Understanding the Differences

Are you looking to understand the core differences between Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia, and find out if you can get a prescription for hair loss treatment online in Spain or any EU country? Yes, you can. Hi-Doctor connects you with EU-licensed doctors who review your case individually. If appropriate, you receive a valid electronic prescription in under 24 hours for just €45 every 90 days (cancel anytime) or €35 one-off. This prescription is valid at any pharmacy across the EU, making it simple to get your medication.

How it works: get your hair loss prescription in 4 steps

1. Complete your online medical questionnaire: It takes just 2–3 minutes to fill out your health details and pay the consultation fee of €45 every 90 days or €35 one-off.
2. Doctor review and refund guarantee: An EU-licensed doctor privately reviews your medical information. If the doctor determines the treatment is NOT appropriate for you, your fee is refunded automatically. There's no risk — you pay nothing if treatment isn't approved.
3. Receive your electronic prescription: If approved, you get a valid electronic prescription (a downloadable PDF file) in your Hi-Doctor account and by email within 24 hours.
4. Collect your medication: Print the PDF or show it on your phone at any pharmacy in the EU to collect your prescribed hair loss medication.

Who qualifies for hair loss medication

Our EU-licensed doctors assess each patient individually. They look for specific criteria to determine if treatment for Alopecia Areata or Androgenetic Alopecia is appropriate for you. This includes your medical history, the specific type and pattern of your hair loss, and any contraindications to the available treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, or Dutasteride. The doctor ensures your chosen treatment aligns with your health profile for safety and effectiveness.

What hair loss medication actually does (and doesn't do)

Treatments for hair loss, such as topical Minoxidil, oral Finasteride, or Dutasteride, work in different ways. Minoxidil typically stimulates hair follicles and increases blood flow to the scalp, prolonging the hair growth phase. Finasteride and Dutasteride work by inhibiting the production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that contributes to hair follicle miniaturization in Androgenetic Alopecia. These medications aim to slow down hair loss and stimulate regrowth. However, they do not offer instant results; visible improvements often take 3–12 months of consistent use, and results vary. Treatments generally need to be continued to maintain benefits.

Side effects and when to stop

Like all medications, hair loss treatments can have side effects. Common side effects for topical Minoxidil include scalp irritation, itching, or unwanted hair growth in other areas. Oral Finasteride and Dutasteride can have side effects like decreased libido or erectile dysfunction in a small percentage of men. It is crucial to discuss any concerns with your doctor. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or notice any red flags like allergic reactions, stop the medication and consult your doctor immediately through your private Hi-Doctor chat.

Why Hi-Doctor vs. walking into a clinic

Choosing Hi-Doctor for your hair loss prescription offers significant advantages over traditional clinic visits:

• Speed: Get your electronic prescription in under 24 hours, compared to weeks of waiting for an in-person appointment.
• Price: An online consultation fee of €45 every 90 days or €35 one-off with a money-back guarantee, versus variable and often higher private clinic fees.
• Privacy: Everything happens in your secure, RGPD-compliant Hi-Doctor account, away from reception desks and waiting rooms.
• Convenience: Access an EU-licensed doctor from anywhere, anytime, using your phone or computer – no travel required.

Join over 50,000 satisfied patients who trust Hi-Doctor, reflected in our 4.8 Trustpilot rating.