Hair Loss Medication
During your free consultation with our Trichologist, you will discuss appropriate treatment options for hair loss and thinning.
Where clinically indicated, prescription-only medicines may be recommended following assessment by an independent prescriber. We partner with a UK registered compounding pharmacy to dispense treatments tailored to individual requirements.
All treatment decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, with careful consideration of your medical history and current health. Ongoing clinical review is included, typically every 3-6 months, to monitor response and assess tolerability.
Subject to suitability, the following prescription treatments may be considered:
- Topical minoxidil 5% with tretinoin 0.01%
- Topical minoxidil 6% with tretinoin 0.01%
- Topical minoxidil 10% with tretinoin 0.01%
- Topical finasteride 0.1%
- Topical finasteride 0.3%
- Topical dutasteride 0.1%
- Oral minoxidil 2.5mg
- Oral minoxidil 5mg
- Oral finasteride 1mg
- Oral dutasteride 0.5mg
All medicines are prescribed only where clinically appropriate and may not be suitable for everyone. As with all prescription treatments, potential risks and side effects will be discussed prior to initiation.
MINOXIDIL
Minoxidil was originally developed as an oral treatment for high blood pressure, with increased hair growth observed as a secondary effect. It is now widely used in the clinical management of certain types of hair loss.
Topical minoxidil is commonly used for androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss), one of the most common causes of thinning hair. It is available in solution or foam formulations and is typically applied once or twice daily. Standard strengths include 2% and 5%, with higher-strength formulations available on prescription where clinically appropriate.
Oral minoxidil may be prescribed off-label in selected cases, following assessment by a qualified prescriber. This option may be considered where topical treatments are not suitable or have not been well tolerated. As an off-label hair loss treatment, suitability is assessed on an individual basis, taking into account medical history and overall health.
Minoxidil is understood to influence the hair growth cycle. During the early stages of treatment, some individuals may notice temporary increased shedding. Any potential stabilisation of hair loss or visible improvement typically requires several months of consistent use, and outcomes can vary between individuals.
In some cases, combination approaches to hair loss treatment may be considered. For example, topical minoxidil may be prescribed alongside other agents, such as tretinoin, where clinically appropriate. Tretinoin is a topical retinoid that is sometimes used in dermatology to support skin turnover. Within hair loss treatment, it may be included in compounded formulations based on clinical judgement. The potential role of such combinations is still being evaluated, and responses can vary between individuals.
The rationale for any combined treatment will be discussed during consultation, based on your individual presentation, treatment history, and tolerability.
It is important to note that the effects of minoxidil are maintained only with continued use. If treatment is discontinued, any changes may gradually reverse over time.
As with all medicines, side effects are possible. These will be discussed with you prior to starting treatment and may include:
- Scalp irritation, dryness, or itching (with topical use)
- Unwanted hair growth in areas such as the face or body
- Increased hair shedding during the initial stages of treatment, and when discontinuing medication
- Changes in heart rate (such as palpitations)
- Fluid retention or swelling
- Changes in blood pressure
- Headache or dizziness
Combination treatments (for example, with tretinoin) may increase the likelihood of local skin irritation in some individuals.
Patients undergoing hair loss or thinning hair treatment are typically reviewed every 3–6 months to monitor progress and ensure treatment remains appropriate.
FINASTERIDE
Finasteride is a prescription medication used in the management of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair follicle miniaturisation in genetically predisposed individuals.
By reducing DHT levels, finasteride may help to slow the progression of hair loss in some men. Individual response to treatment can vary.
Oral finasteride is commonly prescribed for male pattern hair loss, typically at a dose of 1mg daily. It may take several months of consistent use before any stabilisation of hair loss is observed. Continued treatment is required to maintain any effects, and if treatment is discontinued, hair loss may resume over time.
Topical finasteride may be considered in certain cases as an alternative approach. This formulation is applied directly to the scalp and is usually prepared by a compounding pharmacy. As this is an off-label treatment, it is prescribed only where clinically appropriate following individual assessment.
As with all prescription medicines, side effects are possible. These will be discussed prior to treatment and may include:
- Reduced libido (sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Changes in mood, including low mood
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia)
- Reduced semen volume
If you are considering using finasteride we are advised to make you aware of the below patient alert card: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/finasteride-and-dutasteride-updated-safety-warnings-for-psychiatric-side-effects-and-sexual-dysfunction
Not all individuals will experience side effects, and in many cases these may be reversible on discontinuation. Suitability for treatment will be carefully assessed by a qualified prescriber.
Patients undergoing hair loss treatment are typically reviewed every 3–6 months to monitor progress and ensure ongoing suitability.
DUTASTERIDE
Dutasteride is a prescription medication used in the management of hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss). It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair follicle miniaturisation.
By reducing DHT levels, dutasteride may help to slow the progression of hair loss in some individuals. Response to treatment can vary depending on the individual.
Oral dutasteride is licensed in the UK for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). Its use in hair loss treatment is considered off-label and may be prescribed in selected cases following assessment by a qualified prescriber. Treatment decisions are made on an individual basis, taking into account medical history and suitability.
Topical dutasteride may also be considered in certain cases. This involves application directly to the scalp and is typically prepared by a compounding pharmacy. As with oral use for hair loss, this approach is off-label and prescribed only where clinically appropriate.
As with all prescription medicines, side effects are possible. These will be discussed prior to treatment and may include:
- Reduced libido (sex drive)
- Erectile dysfunction
- Changes in mood, including low mood
- Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynaecomastia)
- Reduced semen volume
If you are considering using dutasteride we are advised to make you aware of the below patient alert card: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/finasteride-and-dutasteride-updated-safety-warnings-for-psychiatric-side-effects-and-sexual-dysfunction
Not all individuals will experience side effects, and in some cases these may improve following discontinuation. Suitability for treatment will be carefully assessed by a qualified prescriber.
Patients undergoing hair loss or thinning hair treatment are typically reviewed every 3–6 months to monitor progress and ensure ongoing suitability.