For most men, thinning hair is just a standard part of growing older. Some couldn’t care less, while others feel a massive hit to their confidence. If you’re in the second bracket, don’t worry, we completely get it. We’re here to support you through the whole process, from explaining why hair loss is happening to you, how we can support you and explaining your options!
So, let’s start at the basics. Male pattern baldness (which accounts for about 95% of hair loss in men) comes down to a mix of genetics and a specific male hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
It isn’t actually about losing hair overnight, instead, it is a slow process of the hair follicles shrinking over time.
Follicle Miniaturisation
Every man has testosterone running through his body. An enzyme called 5-alpha reductase converts a small percentage of that testosterone into a much stronger hormone called DHT. If you are genetically sensitive to DHT, that hormone binds to the hair follicles on your scalp (specifically on the top and crown of your head) and begins to slowly take them out.
Why Does It Only Thin in Certain Areas?
You’ve probably noticed that even men who are completely bald on top still have hair on the sides and back of their heads! This is because the hair follicles on the back and sides of your head are genetically immune to DHT. They simply don’t have the receptors that allow DHT to bind to and shrink them. When doctors perform hair transplants, they take these DHT-resistant follicles from the back of the head and move them to the top, where they keep their permanent, DHT-resistant traits.
Your Options
If you’re dealing with male pattern baldness, Finasteride is generally one of the most reliable prescription options on the table. It tackles the root cause of the issue by lowering your body’s levels of DHT. By keeping DHT in check, it helps stop shedding, protects the hair you still have, and can even trigger thicker regrowth!
The Science
Finasteride works by blocking the specific enzyme that turns normal testosterone into DHT. When you lower that DHT baseline, your hair follicles get a breather, allowing them to produce stronger, healthier strands. Just keep in mind that hair growth is a slow process; while you might notice less shedding in the first few months, real visible changes usually take 6 to 12 months of daily use.
How Coda Pharmacy Can Support You
With Coda Pharmacy, you can start by following a simple online assessment,then your treatment is prescribed based on your individual suitability.
We provide clear guidance on how to take the medication, what to expect, and how to monitor your progress, so you feel supported throughout your treatment journey.
We don’t just ship your pills and disappear. Our pharmacy team is here to help you navigate the entire process safely. We’ll give you clear expectations on what to look out for, including potential side effects and when you should check in on your progress. Our team is always available to answer any questions along the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I have to take it forever? Yes. This is the biggest catch with hair loss medications. They do not permanently cure male pattern baldness, they only hold the process at bay while the medicine is in your system. If you stop taking Finasteride or using Minoxidil, your DHT levels will return to normal, and any hair you saved or regrew will gradually shed over the next few months.
2. Why am I losing more hair since starting? If you start using Finasteride and notice your hair shedding like crazy in the first 2 to 6 weeks, do not panic. This is actually a sign that the medication is working. The treatment forces resting hair follicles to quickly transition into the growth phase. To do that, the follicle has to eject the old, thin hair to make room for a new, thicker strand. It is a temporary phase, and you have to push through it.
3. Will it make me grow hair on other parts of my body? Oral Finasteride, however, does not cause body hair growth (it actually sometimes reduces body hair slightly because it lowers DHT, while protecting scalp hair).
4. What about the side effects of Finasteride?
- The reality: Clinical trials show that a very small percentage of men (around 1% to 2%) experience sexual side effects, such as a lower sex drive or mild erectile dysfunction.
- The silver lining: For the vast majority of men who do experience these side effects, they completely disappear once they stop taking the medication. Many guys also find that switching to a topical Finasteride blend reduces systemic absorption and lowers the risk of these side effects even further.
5. How long until I see a difference?
- Months 1–3: You might experience some shedding, and you probably won’t see much progress.
- Months 3–6: Hair loss should slow down or stop completely.
- Months 6–12: This is when you’ll start to see visible regrowth and thickening. You shouldn’t judge whether a treatment is working for you until you’ve given it at least a solid year of consistent, daily use.
Coda Pharmacy is here to support you every step of the way. From offering expert advice, to delivering your NHS prescriptions free of charge. If you have any questions about what you have read in this article or any of the services that Coda Pharmacy can provide you with, please do not hesitate to reach out and contact us here.
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