> ## 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.

# Your first month on treatment

> What the first four weeks usually look like on a weight-loss, hair-growth or sexual health treatment, and what the doctor is actually measuring.

The first month is mostly about tolerating the treatment, not judging it. Across
all three areas the pattern is the same: the starting dose is held steady, early
effects are at their most noticeable, and the assessment that decides anything
comes later.

## Before anything starts

An EU-licensed doctor reads your questionnaire and answers within 24 hours. If
the doctor decides it is not safe to prescribe, the consultation fee is refunded
in full — see [pricing](/essentials/pricing).

Follow-up happens in the private chat inside your account, under GDPR. No
WhatsApp, no SMS. That thread is where you report anything unexpected.

## Weight-loss treatment

The first four weeks follow the same order for everyone, whichever pen you are
on.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Weeks 1–4 — the starting dose is held">
    The published schedules keep the lowest dose for the first four weeks and do
    not increase during that period: 0.25 mg once weekly for
    [Wegovy](/library/guides/how-to-inject-wegovy), 2.5 mg once weekly for
    [Mounjaro](/library/guides/how-to-inject-mounjaro).
    [Saxenda](/library/guides/how-to-inject-saxenda) is the exception — it is a
    daily pen and steps up week by week from 0.6 mg.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Early side effects arrive first, benefit arrives second">
    Nausea is very common in the first weeks and usually improves within 1–2
    weeks. Some people feel tired in the first weeks; this usually passes. See
    [side effects of weight-loss medicines](/library/guides/side-effects-weight-loss).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Reduced appetite, typically at 2–4 weeks">
    Most patients notice reduced appetite within 2–4 weeks. Effects build
    gradually and vary from person to person.
  </Step>

  <Step title="The real assessment is at 3 months">
    Weight loss is assessed at 3 months. A loss of 5% or more of your starting
    weight is considered a good response. The doctor reviews progress and
    adjusts the plan as needed, and reassesses every 3 months thereafter.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  The medicine is prescribed alongside changes to diet and activity, as part of a
  medically supervised plan — not on its own. Semaglutide is not a substitute for
  lifestyle change, and neither is anything else in this group.
</Note>

## Hair-growth treatment

Month one is the quietest month. Nothing visible is supposed to have happened
yet.

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Finasteride — months 1–3" icon="calendar">
    Daily 1 mg; changes build silently. In the first 3–6 months you may notice
    shedding. Hair stabilisation and visible regrowth become noticeable for many
    patients between 6 and 12 months. Consistent daily use for 6–12 months is
    needed before judging effectiveness.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Minoxidil — first 2–6 weeks" icon="calendar">
    Some people experience a temporary increase in shedding. New hair growth
    becomes visible around 3–6 months and may look thin or fuzzy at first;
    maximum visible results come at 6–12 months. Topical minoxidil is reviewed
    after at least 4 months.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Dutasteride — months 0–3" icon="calendar">
    One capsule daily. Early changes may be subtle, and temporary shedding does
    not by itself show whether treatment will help. Hair-loss use is off-label
    in the EU.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

Photographs taken in the same light are more useful than day-to-day checking.
Do not increase a dose to speed results. Full detail in
[side effects of hair-loss medicines](/library/guides/side-effects-hair-growth).

## Sexual health treatment

These are on-demand medicines, so the first month is a series of individual
attempts rather than a build-up.

* Sildenafil acts in 30–60 minutes and lasts around 4–6 hours. If the first dose
  does not work well, the doctor may adjust the strength.
* Tadalafil has an effect window of up to 36 hours; the low daily dose reaches a
  steady effect in a few days.
* Never more than one dose in 24 hours, for any of them.
* Record dose, timing, food, stimulation, response and side effects. Do not
  increase the dose yourself after one unsuccessful attempt — message the doctor
  to adjust the regimen.

Sexual stimulation is still required. These medicines do not create desire.

## What the doctor is watching for

Report a suspected side effect through your message thread even if you are not
sure the treatment caused it. Contact the medical team if a symptom prevents you
eating or drinking, does not go away, or simply worries you.

<Warning>
  For severe, sudden or unexpected symptoms, call your local emergency number or
  go to the nearest emergency department, then let your doctor know through your
  account chat. See [Safety](/essentials/safety).
</Warning>

Related: [missed or late doses](/library/guides/missed-dose) ·
[injection sites and sharps](/library/guides/injection-sites) ·
[how Hi-Doctor works](/essentials/how-it-works)

## Start a consultation

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Weight loss" icon="weight-scale" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/weight-loss/1">
    Weekly pens and daily tablets for weight management.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Hair growth" icon="user" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/hair-growth/1">
    Daily tablets and scalp applications.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Sexual health" icon="heart-pulse" href="https://hi-doctor.ai/consultation/sexual-health/1">
    On-demand and daily tablets.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<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>