Losing your hair is a natural part of ageing, but that still doesn’t make it any easier to deal with — especially when it happens prematurely. Treatment for hair loss can range from natural remedies to hair transplants, both offering potential hair regeneration.
One method of treating hair loss involves using a medication, either orally or topically. Knowing where to get reputable, FDA-approved medications is essential. There are multiple hair loss medication providers on the market, if you’re confused refer to our review guide Hims vs Keeps.
In this blog post, we’re going to look at where and how you can get hair loss medications, as well as how to make sure you choose the right one. Learn all you need to know in our comprehensive guide.
What is hair loss medication?
Hair loss medication can come in different forms — oral and topical — but essentially the results should be the same.
The most common brands of hair loss medications are:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine)
- Finasteride (Propecia)
- Spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone)
- Oral dutasteride (Avodart)
Before taking any hair loss medications, it is important to speak with your doctor as some of them can interact with certain medications or health conditions.
Hair loss medication for women
Some hair loss medications aren’t recommended for women. Finasteride isn’t approved for use in women as it can cause birth defects and pregnancy complications. Similarly, Minoxidil isn’t often recommended for breastfeeding women as it can be passed from mother to baby through the milk. However, Minoxidil has been approved for use in women when they aren’t breastfeeding.
How does hair loss mediation work?
Each hair loss medication can work in slightly different ways, and with some of them, we still aren’t entirely sure why they work. Topical Minoxidil is one such medication, but it’s thought to reverse the miniaturization of your hair follicles and stimulate them into the growth phase.
Finasteride works by decreasing the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that your body produces. DHT causes your hair follicles to shrink, preventing nutrients from getting to them. This then leads to hair thinning and loss. However, with the help of Finasteride, this process can potentially be reversed.
Some medications are taken daily in the form of a pill, while others are applied topically to your scalp to help promote hair regrowth.
Can I get a hair loss prescription treatment?
Some hair loss medications are only available on prescription Finasteride is one example, as it’s only available in pill form after being prescribed by your doctor. It’s important that you do not take any prescription-only medications without consulting your doctor, as they could have negative side effects.
Are there online hair loss prescriptions?
There are websites out there that offer prescription hair loss medications, but only after you have been diagnosed and prescribed them by your doctor. You should be wary of websites or companies that offer prescription medications without seeing a doctor, as they could be scammers or sell you harmful products.
If you’re ever unsure whether or not to buy hair loss prescription medications online, speak with your doctor and see what they recommend.
Which hair loss medication is right for me?
Knowing which hair loss medication is right for you will depend on many different factors, such as:
- Your age
- Your biological sex
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
- The type of hair loss you have
Not all hair loss medications work for all types of hair loss, so speaking with a doctor or hair loss specialist can be a great first step to take. You also need to consider if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant or are breastfeeding too. Some hair loss medications aren’t suitable for use when you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, as they can cause birth defects and be passed through breast milk.
How to get hair loss medication
Depending on what type of hair loss medication you want, the best way to get it is from your doctor. Prescription hair loss medications often have better success rates, and these will only be available once approved by your doctor.
Buying it online can be useful, but make sure you choose a reputable company and never buy something that is prescription strength without the approval of a doctor.
Always be smart about where you purchase hair loss medication from, and remember — if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.
Sources
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-loss-medication#fa-qs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20372932
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
- https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/features/thinning-hair-medications
