Hair Loss Treatment Options

Prescription Hair Loss Treatment: Finasteride

Best suited for: Many men with male pattern hair loss, after clinical review.

Finasteride is a prescription tablet used for male pattern hair loss. It works by reducing the effect of DHT, a hormone linked to hair follicle shrinkage in genetically sensitive men.

Male pattern hair loss usually develops gradually. It often starts with:

• A receding hairline
• Thinning at the temples
• Thinning around the crown
• Finasteride may help:
• Slow further hair loss
• Maintain existing hair
• Support regrowth in some men
• Target the hormonal cause of male pattern baldness

It needs to be taken consistently. Results take time, and treatment usually needs to be continued to maintain benefits.

Important Safety Note

Finasteride is not suitable for everyone. It is generally not recommended for women and must not be handled by anyone who is pregnant or could become pregnant if tablets are broken or crushed.

Possible side effects include:

• Reduced libido
• Erectile difficulties
• Changes in ejaculation
• Breast tenderness
• Mood changes

A Pharmulous clinician will review your suitability before treatment is supplied.

Start your online hair loss consultation to see whether finasteride may be suitable for you.

Minoxidil for Hair Loss

Best suited for: Men or women with pattern hair loss, depending on product strength and suitability.

Minoxidil is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp. It can help support hair growth and slow shedding in some people.

Unlike finasteride and dutasteride, minoxidil does not work by blocking DHT. Instead, it supports the hair growth cycle and may encourage thicker, healthier-looking hair over time.

Minoxidil may be useful for:

• Male pattern hair loss
• Female pattern hair loss
• Thinning around the crown
• Patients who are not suitable for oral prescription hair loss treatment
• People who prefer a topical option

It must be used consistently. If treatment is stopped, any benefit may gradually be lost.

Pharmulous Tip

Minoxidil is often a good option for people who want a non-tablet approach, but it still requires patience. Visible results may take several months.

Which Pharmulous Hair Loss Option Should I Choose?

Finasteride

• Best for male pattern hair loss
• Prescription tablet that targets DHT

Minoxidil

• Suitable for men or women with appropriate pattern hair loss
• Topical treatment that supports the hair growth cycle

Nutritional Support

• Best for shedding linked to weight loss, diet, or deficiencies
• Supports healthy hair growth when nutrition is contributing to the problem

For many people, the strongest approach is not simply choosing one product. It is about matching the right treatment to the right cause.

That is why a Pharmulous consultation is important.

Nutrients and Supplements: What Helps Hair Health?

Hair is not essential for survival, so when the body is under stress, dieting heavily, or not receiving enough nutrients, hair growth can be affected.

Supplements may help when there is a deficiency or increased need, but they are not magic hair growth tablets. The key is choosing the right support for the right person.

Protein

Hair is made primarily from keratin, a protein. If protein intake is too low, the body may prioritise essential organs and reduce support for hair growth.

This can happen during:

• Rapid weight loss
• GLP-1 treatment when appetite is significantly reduced
• Meal skipping
• Low-calorie diets
• Poorly planned vegetarian or vegan diets
• Illness or recovery

Helpful Protein Sources

• Eggs
• Fish
• Chicken
• Lean meat
• Greek yoghurt
• Cottage cheese
• Tofu
• Lentils
• Beans
• Protein shakes if required

Pharmulous Tip

If you are losing weight and shedding hair, review whether you are consuming enough protein each day.

Collagen

Collagen is a protein found in skin, joints, and connective tissue. It is often marketed for hair, skin, and nails.

Collagen may support overall skin and structural health by providing amino acids the body can use. However, collagen is not a guaranteed hair growth treatment and should not replace clinically proven options such as minoxidil or suitable prescription treatment.

Collagen may be worth considering if:

• Your protein intake is low
• You want additional skin and nail support
• You are losing weight and struggling to meet nutrition goals
• You understand it is supportive rather than curative

Marine collagen is not suitable for people with fish allergies, and collagen is not suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets.

Biotin

Biotin is a B vitamin often promoted for hair and nails. True biotin deficiency is uncommon, but low levels can contribute to thinning hair, brittle nails, and skin changes.

Biotin may be helpful if:

• Your diet is restricted
• You have signs of deficiency
• You have brittle nails alongside hair concerns
• A clinician or pharmacist recommends it

However, taking high-dose biotin without deficiency does not guarantee improved hair growth.

Important Biotin Note

Biotin can interfere with certain blood test results, including thyroid and hormone tests.

Always tell your doctor, pharmacist, or clinician if you take biotin, particularly before blood testing.

Zinc

Zinc is important for normal cell growth, immune function, and tissue repair. Low zinc levels can contribute to hair loss in some people.

Zinc may be worth considering if:

• Your diet is low in meat, fish, eggs, or dairy
• You follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
• You have experienced rapid weight loss
• You have digestive issues
• You have poor wound healing
• You experience frequent infections
• A clinician suspects deficiency

Important Note

Too much zinc can cause:

• Nausea
• Stomach upset
• Long-term copper deficiency

Iron and Ferritin

Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair shedding, especially in women.

Ferritin measures stored iron, and low ferritin levels can be linked to hair shedding even before anaemia becomes obvious.

Low iron may be more likely if you:

• Have heavy periods
• Eat little red meat
• Follow a vegetarian or vegan diet
• Have digestive conditions
• Have recently lost weight quickly
• Feel tired, dizzy, or short of breath

Iron should not be taken unnecessarily, as excessive iron can be harmful.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D plays a role in general health, immunity, and normal cell function.

Low vitamin D levels are common in the UK, particularly during autumn and winter.

Vitamin D may be useful as part of a wider hair health strategy, particularly if sunlight exposure or dietary intake is low.

Omega-3

Omega-3 fatty acids support overall health and may help maintain a healthy scalp environment.

They are not a direct treatment for hair loss but can form part of a balanced nutrition plan.

Food Sources Include:

• Salmon
• Sardines
• Mackerel

For vegans, algae-based omega-3 supplements may be suitable.

Hair Loss After GLP-1 Weight Loss: What To Do

If your hair has started shedding while using weight loss medication, focus on supporting your body rather than buying multiple supplements.

Start With These Steps:

• Review your protein intake — low protein can contribute to shedding
• Avoid crash dieting — rapid restriction may worsen hair loss
• Stay hydrated — dehydration can affect overall wellbeing
• Consider checking iron, vitamin D, zinc, and B12 status
• Aim for steady, sustainable weight loss
• Speak to Pharmulous for personalised advice

Hair shedding linked to weight loss often improves once weight stabilises and nutrition improves, although recovery can take time.

When Should You Seek Medical Advice?

Speak to a clinician if:

• Hair loss is sudden or severe
• You have bald patches
• Your scalp is painful, itchy, inflamed, or scaly
• You feel unusually tired or unwell
• You have heavy periods
• You have unexplained weight loss
• You have symptoms of thyroid problems
• You are losing hair after starting a new medicine
• Hair loss is affecting your confidence or mental wellbeing
• Treatment is not helping after several months

Hair loss can feel emotional, and it is entirely reasonable to seek support.

How Long Does Hair Loss Treatment Take To Work?

Hair grows slowly, so treatment requires patience.

First 1–3 Months

• Hair shedding may continue
• Some people experience temporary shedding when starting treatment

3–6 Months

• Early signs of reduced shedding may appear
• Hair density may begin to improve

6–12 Months

• More noticeable improvements may become visible if treatment is working

Ongoing

• Continued use is usually required to maintain benefits

Stopping treatment may result in gradual loss of progress.

Pharmulous Hair Loss Support: Discreet, Simple and Clinician-Reviewed

Hair loss can affect confidence, wellbeing, and self-image.

Pharmulous offers a discreet way to access support without needing to attend face-to-face appointments.

Our service can help suitable patients explore:

• Finasteride
• Minoxidil
• Supportive nutrition options
• Whether symptoms require further medical review

Every treatment request is reviewed by our clinician team to ensure it is safe and appropriate.

Start Your Pharmulous Hair Loss Consultation

If you are noticing:

• Thinning hair
• A receding hairline
• Hair shedding after weight loss
• Early signs of male pattern baldness

Starting treatment early can make a difference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can GLP-1 Weight Loss Injections Cause Hair Loss?

Some people notice hair shedding during or after weight loss treatment. This is often linked to rapid weight loss, reduced calorie intake, low protein intake, or nutrient deficiencies rather than direct damage to the hair follicle.

What Is the Best Treatment for Male Pattern Hair Loss?

Finasteride and minoxidil are commonly used treatments. Dutasteride may be considered in selected cases after clinical review.

Is Minoxidil Better Than Finasteride?

They work differently. Minoxidil supports the hair growth cycle, while finasteride targets DHT. Some people may benefit from one or both treatments.

Can Women Use Finasteride?

Finasteride is generally not recommended for women and must not be used during pregnancy.

Do Collagen Supplements Stop Hair Loss?

Collagen may support general skin and nail health, but it should be viewed as supportive rather than a replacement for clinically reviewed treatment.

Does Biotin Help Hair Grow?

Biotin may help if you are deficient, but high-dose biotin does not guarantee hair growth.

Does Zinc Help With Hair Loss?

Zinc deficiency can contribute to hair loss. Supplementation may help when levels are low, but excessive zinc intake can be harmful.

What Should I Do If I Am Shedding Hair After Weight Loss?

Focus on:

• Adequate protein intake
• Consistent nutrition
• Hydration
• Clinical advice

If you are using GLP-1 medication, speak to Pharmulous before changing or stopping treatment.

Resources

• NHS hair loss guidance
• NHS finasteride guidance
• Pharmulous hair loss treatment information
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements biotin information
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements zinc information
• Dermatology resources on telogen effluvium and pattern hair loss
• MHRA Yellow Card safety reporting information