The Norwood Scale Explained: Understanding Your Hair Loss Stage

Losing hair can be distressing, and understanding your stage of hair loss is the first step towards effective treatment. If you're looking to get a prescription for hair loss medication online, you've come to the right place. Hi-Doctor connects you with EU-licensed doctors who can assess your case and, if appropriate, issue a prescription in under 24 hours. The consultation fee is just €25, and your prescription will be valid at any pharmacy across the EU. No risk involved – if the doctor determines treatment isn't for you, your €25 is refunded automatically.

How it works — get your hair loss medication prescription in 4 steps

1. Fill out a short online medical questionnaire (2–3 minutes) about your health and hair loss, then pay the €25 consultation fee.
2. A licensed EU doctor privately reviews your case. If the doctor determines the treatment is not appropriate for you, your €25 is refunded automatically — you pay nothing.
3. If approved, you receive a REMPE electronic prescription (PDF file) in your Hi-Doctor account and by email within 24 hours.
4. Print the PDF or show it on your phone — present it at any pharmacy in the EU (e.g., Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Ireland) to collect your hair loss medication.

Who qualifies for hair loss medication

Our EU-licensed doctors review each case individually to ensure treatment is safe and appropriate for you. They look for specific criteria:

• Diagnosis of Androgenetic Alopecia (Male Pattern Baldness): The Norwood Scale helps doctors assess the pattern and severity of your hair loss.
• Overall Health: Doctors will assess your medical history, current medications, and any existing health conditions to ensure there are no contraindications.
• No Known Allergies: You must not have any known allergies to the active ingredients in the prescribed medications (e.g., finasteride, minoxidil, dutasteride).
• Realistic Expectations: While effective, these medications aim to slow hair loss and promote regrowth, not necessarily to restore a full head of hair.

Common contraindications that might prevent a prescription include certain liver conditions, prostate issues, or specific medication interactions. The doctor will discuss these with you during your private chat.

What hair loss medication actually does (and doesn't do)

Hair loss treatments like finasteride and dutasteride primarily work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone largely responsible for shrinking hair follicles in genetically susceptible men. Minoxidil, often used topically, helps stimulate hair growth by widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to hair follicles.

These medications aim to:

• Slow Down Hair Loss: Prevent further thinning and recession.
• Promote Regrowth: Encourage new hair growth, especially in areas where follicles are still active but dormant.
• Thicken Existing Hair: Improve the density and quality of your current hair.

What they don't do:

• Cure Hair Loss: Treatment typically needs to be continuous to maintain results. If stopped, hair loss will likely resume.
• Work Instantly: Visible results usually take 3–6 months for finasteride/dutasteride and 2–4 months for minoxidil, with full effects often seen after 12–24 months.
• Work for All Types of Hair Loss: They are most effective for androgenetic alopecia; other types of hair loss may require different approaches.

Side effects and when to stop

Like all medications, hair loss treatments can have side effects. It's important to be aware of these and discuss any concerns with your EU-licensed doctor.

• Finasteride/Dutasteride: Potential side effects are rare but can include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast tenderness. These are usually reversible upon stopping the medication.
• Minoxidil: Common side effects mostly involve the scalp, such as irritation, itching, or dryness. Some users may experience initial increased hair shedding, which is typically temporary.

When to stop: If you experience severe or persistent side effects, or notice any unexpected changes, stop taking the medication and immediately contact your Hi-Doctor EU-licensed doctor through your private chat. They will advise you on the next steps.

Why Hi-Doctor vs. walking into a clinic

Choosing Hi-Doctor for your hair loss medication prescription offers unparalleled convenience and efficiency compared to traditional clinic visits:

• Speed: Get your prescription in under 24 hours with Hi-Doctor, versus weeks of waiting for a clinic appointment.
• Price: A flat €25 consultation fee with Hi-Doctor, backed by a money-back guarantee, compared to variable and often higher private clinic fees.
• Privacy: All interactions happen within your secure, RGPD-compliant Hi-Doctor app — no reception desks or waiting rooms.
• Convenience: Conduct your consultation and receive your prescription from anywhere, using your phone or computer. No travel, no parking, no time off work.
• Trust: Join over 50,000 satisfied patients with a 4.8 Trustpilot rating. Our EU-licensed doctors ensure safe, ethical, and effective care.