Hair loss
Symptoms
- Receding hairline
- Thinning hair on the crown
- Gradual overall hair thinning
- Increased hair shedding
Who this service is for
- Men aged 18 and over with male pattern baldness
- Those in early stages of hair loss
- Men committed to long-term treatment
This service is not suitable for
- Women (different treatments available)
- Those with hair loss due to other conditions
- Men with scalp infections or skin conditions
When to seek urgent care
Contact your GP or seek emergency care immediately if you experience:
- Sudden or patchy hair loss
- Hair loss accompanied by scalp pain or itching
- Hair loss after starting new medication
Treatment information
Male pattern hair loss can be slowed, and sometimes partly reversed, with the two licensed medicines: a daily tablet that lowers the hormone driving follicle loss, and a topical solution or foam applied to the scalp. Any benefit takes three to six months to show and continues only while treatment continues. Your prescriber will confirm the pattern is male pattern hair loss, check for causes that need a GP instead, and discuss which option fits.
Prescription treatment is only supplied following a clinical assessment. If treatment is not clinically appropriate, you will not be charged for medication.
Treatment options
- A daily prescription tablet that reduces the hormone driving follicle loss; prescribed only after assessment and not for everyone.
- A topical solution or foam applied to the scalp, which can be bought without a prescription.
- Realistic expectations: three to six months before any change, maintained only with continued use.
Reviewed by
Anand Sharma
MRPharmS, Independent Prescriber
Superintendent Pharmacist (designate)
Important information
This is a private healthcare service. Prescription medications are only supplied following a clinical assessment by a qualified prescriber. Treatment is not guaranteed and will only be provided where clinically appropriate. Alternative options may be discussed.