> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.hi-doctor.ai/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Androgenetic alopecia — treatment options a doctor reviews

> Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men and women. The treatments a doctor considers, and how the consultation works.

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men and women, caused by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible hair follicles. A licensed doctor reviews the case through a questionnaire and decides, case by case, whether a medical treatment is appropriate — and if so, which one.

## Treatments a doctor considers

A licensed doctor decides case by case. Hi-Doctor never prescribes without an evaluation.

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Oral finasteride" icon="pills" href="/library/medicines/finasteride">
    A 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor taken daily. A doctor may prescribe it after reviewing history and ruling out contraindications.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Oral minoxidil" icon="pills" href="/library/medicines/minoxidil">
    Low-dose oral minoxidil, used off-label by some dermatologists. Requires close medical supervision for potential cardiovascular effects.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Topical minoxidil" icon="spray-can" href="/library/medicines/minoxidil">
    Solution or foam applied directly to the scalp. Can be combined with other actives in a compounded formulation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Dutasteride 0.5mg" icon="pills">
    A more potent 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. Reserved for specific cases, always under medical evaluation.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

A [personalised compounded formulation](/library/guides/dutasteride-sprays) — combining finasteride, minoxidil, tretinoin or other actives — can also be prepared by a pharmacy after a medical prescription.

Medication is paid for separately at the pharmacy of the patient's choice — Hi-Doctor does not sell medications. See [pricing](/essentials/pricing) for what the consultation covers.

## Your path to treatment

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start the online visit">
    Answer a questionnaire about health and goal. No in-person appointment, no travel — an eligibility answer arrives within 24 hours.
  </Step>

  <Step title="A doctor reviews the case">
    A licensed doctor reviews the answers personally. If they need clarification, they message through the private chat in the account. If treatment is appropriate, they sign an electronic prescription.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Review and payment">
    If the doctor does not approve treatment, the consultation fee is refunded in full within 48 hours.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Ongoing support">
    Private chat with the doctor for questions, a 4-week check-in, and renewal before the prescription expires.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Who it is not suitable for

A doctor reviews your pattern and history to assess whether androgenetic alopecia is the likely diagnosis and to rule out other causes of hair loss such as telogen effluvium, traction alopecia or alopecia areata. Treatment is an individual medical decision — not every case needs it, and the doctor may recommend against medication depending on your history and the pattern of loss.

## Common questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="How does a doctor evaluate a hair-loss case in an online consultation?">
    The doctor reviews the questionnaire answers about your hair-loss pattern, duration, family history, medical history and current medicines. They assess whether the pattern matches androgenetic alopecia and rule out other causes. If they need clarification, they message you through the private chat in your account.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can I consult for hair loss from anywhere in the EU?">
    Yes. Hi-Doctor operates across the European Union. If a doctor approves treatment, they issue an electronic prescription valid under EU Directive 2011/24/EU, which you can take to any pharmacy in the EU.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What happens if the doctor does not approve my treatment?">
    If the doctor decides treatment is not appropriate for your case, the consultation fee is refunded in full within 48 hours.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="How long until you see results from hair-loss treatment?">
    Results vary by person and by medicine. Finasteride and minoxidil typically require several months of consistent use before changes are noticeable. The doctor reviews your progress at the 4-week check-in and during renewals to assess whether the treatment is working.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What causes androgenetic alopecia?">
    Androgenetic alopecia is driven by the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) on genetically susceptible hair follicles. DHT is made from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, and in people with a genetic predisposition it shortens the hair growth cycle and shrinks follicles over time.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Can finasteride and minoxidil be taken together?">
    Yes. Minoxidil stimulates the follicle while finasteride blocks the hormonal cause. The combination is frequently used and a doctor may consider it based on your history and pattern of loss.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What is an electronic prescription and why is it valid across the EU?">
    An electronic prescription is a digital document signed by a licensed doctor. Under EU Directive 2011/24/EU, a prescription issued in one member state can be dispensed by a pharmacy in any other member state, so you can collect your medicine wherever you are in the EU.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="What other types of hair loss does Hi-Doctor review?">
    Hi-Doctor also reviews female hair loss, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, alopecia areata and postpartum hair loss. Each condition has a separate evaluation pathway. See the [conditions overview](/library/conditions/overview).
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Related reading

* [Androgenetic alopecia condition overview](/library/conditions/androgenetic-alopecia)
* [Female hair loss](/library/conditions/female-hair-loss)
* [Finasteride — how it works and evidence](/library/medicines/finasteride)
* [Minoxidil — topical vs oral](/library/medicines/minoxidil)
* [Topical dutasteride spray guide](/library/guides/dutasteride-sprays)
* [How a consultation works](/essentials/how-it-works)
* [Safety and eligibility](/essentials/safety)

## Start a consultation

<Card title="Hair-growth consultation" icon="stethoscope" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/hair-growth/1">
  Answer the hair-growth questionnaire and a registered doctor reviews it.
  They decide whether treatment is appropriate, which one, and at what dose —
  and declining is a normal outcome. See [what it costs](/essentials/pricing)
  and [how the review works](/essentials/how-it-works).
</Card>

<Warning>
  This page is reference information, not medical advice and not a prescription. Whether a medicine is appropriate for you is decided by a registered doctor after reviewing your consultation.
</Warning>