DHT and Hair Loss: Understanding the Connection and Treatment

Experiencing hair loss? You're likely searching for effective solutions and wondering how to get the right treatment. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a key hormone in male and female pattern baldness. Understanding its role is crucial for finding the right medication.

At Hi-Doctor, you can get an online consultation with an EU-licensed doctor to discuss hair loss treatments like finasteride or dutasteride. The consultation costs just €45 every 90 days (cancel anytime) or €35 one-off, and if approved, you receive a downloadable prescription in under 24 hours. This prescription is valid at any pharmacy across the EU.

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

1. Fill out our quick online medical questionnaire (2–3 minutes) and securely pay the consultation fee of €45 every 90 days or €35 one-off.
2. An EU-licensed doctor reviews your case individually and in private. If the doctor determines the treatment is NOT appropriate for you, your fee is refunded automatically — you pay nothing. There's no risk.
3. If approved, you receive a valid electronic prescription (a downloadable PDF file) in your Hi-Doctor account and by email within 24 hours.
4. Simply print the PDF or show it on your phone and present it at any pharmacy in the EU (Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, etc.) to collect your medication.

Who qualifies for finasteride or dutasteride

Our EU-licensed doctors assess each case to ensure finasteride or dutasteride is safe and appropriate for you. Generally, doctors look for:

• Adult patients experiencing androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness).
• No known allergies to finasteride, dutasteride, or similar medications.
• No severe liver conditions.
• Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant are typically not prescribed these medications due to potential risks.
• A detailed medical history is required to rule out contraindications and ensure the medication's safety.

The doctor reviews all your information from the online questionnaire to make an informed decision about your eligibility.

What finasteride and dutasteride actually do (and don't do)

Finasteride and dutasteride are medications that target DHT to combat hair loss. They work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. Since DHT is responsible for shrinking hair follicles, reducing its levels can:

• Slow down hair loss: By protecting follicles from DHT's effects.
• Promote regrowth: In some cases, miniaturized follicles can recover and start producing thicker, healthier hair.
• Improve hair density: Leading to a fuller appearance.

Finasteride primarily inhibits type 2 5-alpha reductase, while dutasteride inhibits both type 1 and type 2, making it potentially more potent. Results are not immediate; expect to see initial improvements in 3-6 months, with full effects typically visible after 12 months of consistent use. These medications do not cure baldness and require continuous use to maintain benefits. They do not work for all types of hair loss, such as alopecia areata.

Side effects and when to stop

Like all medications, finasteride and dutasteride can have side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but it's important to be aware of them:

• Common side effects: Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, breast tenderness or enlargement. These are generally uncommon and often resolve with continued use or discontinuation.
• Less common but serious side effects: Allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling), depression, or changes in mood.
• When to stop: If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or if you notice any concerning changes, you should stop the medication and consult your doctor immediately. Our Hi-Doctor platform offers a private, RGPD-compliant chat with your doctor for any concerns.

Your EU-licensed doctor will discuss potential side effects during your online consultation and determine if these treatments are right for you.

Why Hi-Doctor vs. walking into a clinic

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

• Speed: Get your prescription in under 24 hours vs. waiting weeks for an appointment at a clinic.
• Price: An online consultation fee of €45 every 90 days or €35 one-off with a money-back guarantee vs. variable and often higher private clinic fees.
• Privacy: Everything happens securely within your Hi-Doctor account, maintaining your discretion. No reception desks or crowded waiting rooms.
• Convenience: Complete your consultation from anywhere using your phone or computer. No travel, parking, or time off work required.
• Trust: Join over 50,000 satisfied patients, reflected in our 4.8 Trustpilot rating. All cases are reviewed by EU-licensed doctors.

Hi-Doctor streamlines access to necessary care, bringing expert medical advice directly to you.