Trichoscopy: A Non-Invasive Method for Diagnosing Hair Loss

Dealing with hair loss can be distressing. You're searching for solutions, and understanding the diagnostic tools available is a crucial first step. While trichoscopy is a powerful diagnostic method used by dermatologists to examine hair and scalp conditions, you can also get a prescription for effective hair loss treatments online, quickly and discreetly. Hi-Doctor connects you with EU-licensed doctors who can assess your condition. For just €25, you can have a private online consultation and, if appropriate, receive a prescription within 24 hours. This prescription is valid at any pharmacy across the EU, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, Germany, and more.

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

1. Fill out a comprehensive online medical questionnaire (this takes about 2–3 minutes) and 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 fee is refunded automatically. There's no risk.
3. If approved, you receive a REMPE electronic prescription (a downloadable 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 to collect your prescribed medication.

Who qualifies for hair loss treatments

Our EU-licensed doctors carefully evaluate your medical history and current health status through your online questionnaire. They look for specific criteria to ensure the prescribed treatment is safe and effective for you. Generally, eligibility for hair loss treatments like Finasteride, Minoxidil, or Dutasteride depends on:

• The type and cause of your hair loss (e.g., androgenetic alopecia).
• Your overall health and any pre-existing medical conditions.
• Current medications you are taking that might interact with hair loss treatments.
• Your age and gender (some treatments are specific to male or female pattern hair loss).

The doctor will determine if the treatment is appropriate and safe for your specific situation. They will also consider any contraindications based on your health profile.

What hair loss treatments actually do (and don't do)

Hair loss treatments primarily work by targeting the underlying causes of hair loss, such as hormonal imbalances (e.g., DHT in androgenetic alopecia) or by stimulating hair follicle activity. For example:

• Finasteride and Dutasteride are oral medications that inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles in genetically susceptible individuals. This can slow down hair loss and promote regrowth.
• Minoxidil, available as a topical solution or oral tablet, is a vasodilator that is thought to improve blood flow to hair follicles and prolong the growth phase of hair.

It's important to have realistic expectations. These treatments aim to slow down hair loss, encourage new growth, and improve hair density. Results are not immediate and typically become noticeable after several months of consistent use. They do not cure the underlying genetic predisposition to hair loss, meaning continued use is often necessary to maintain benefits. They also don't guarantee a full head of hair for everyone.

Side effects and when to stop

Like all medications, hair loss treatments can have side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some can be more serious. Common side effects for oral Finasteride or Dutasteride might include decreased libido or erectile dysfunction, though these are rare. Minoxidil, especially topical, can cause scalp irritation, itching, or unwanted facial hair growth. Oral Minoxidil can sometimes cause changes in blood pressure or heart rate.

It is crucial to inform your doctor about any side effects you experience. You should stop the medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice serious side effects such as allergic reactions, chest pain, dizziness, or swelling of the hands or feet. Your Hi-Doctor EU-licensed doctor will provide comprehensive guidance on potential side effects and when to discontinue treatment, and you can communicate with them privately through your secure in-app chat.

Why Hi-Doctor vs. walking into a clinic

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

• Speed: Get your prescription in under 24 hours with Hi-Doctor, versus waiting weeks for an in-person appointment.
• Price: A flat €25 consultation fee with Hi-Doctor, with a money-back guarantee if treatment isn't appropriate, compared to variable and often higher private clinic fees.
• Privacy: All interactions happen securely within the Hi-Doctor app, maintaining your privacy without the need for reception desks or waiting rooms.
• Convenience: Consult from the comfort of your home using your phone or computer, eliminating travel to a city-centre clinic.
• Trust: Join over 50,000 satisfied patients who trust Hi-Doctor, reflected in our 4.8 Trustpilot rating. Our EU-licensed doctors individually review every case to ensure safe and appropriate care.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the doctor decides I'm not a candidate for the medication?

If the EU-licensed doctor determines that the treatment is not appropriate for your specific case, your €25 consultation fee is automatically refunded. You pay nothing if the treatment isn't approved.

Is the REMPE prescription valid outside Spain?

Yes, absolutely. REMPE is Spain's official private electronic prescription standard. Under EU Directive 2011/24/EU, any EU pharmacy (including those in France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Ireland, etc.) can dispense medication from it. You receive a downloadable PDF that you can print and present at the pharmacy counter.

How do I actually collect the medication once I have the prescription?

Once you receive your REMPE prescription as a PDF, you can either print it out or display it on your phone. Simply present it at any EU pharmacy. The pharmacist will read the QR code or digital signature and dispense your medication.

Is it legal to get hair loss treatment online in my country?

Yes, it is legal to obtain a prescription for hair loss medication online via an EU-licensed doctor issuing a REMPE prescription under the cross-border healthcare directive. This allows you to fill your prescription at any pharmacy within the European Union.

How long does the prescription take?

After you complete your medical questionnaire and the EU-licensed doctor reviews your case, you will receive your REMPE electronic prescription (if approved) within 24 hours.

Is my data private?

Yes, your privacy is paramount. Hi-Doctor is fully RGPD-compliant, ensuring all your medical and personal data is handled with the highest level of security and confidentiality. All communications happen within your private, auditable chat inside your Hi-Doctor account.

How much does it cost?

The online consultation with an EU-licensed doctor costs a flat €25. This fee includes the doctor's review of your case and the issuance of a REMPE prescription if appropriate. Remember, if the doctor deems the treatment unsuitable, your €25 is refunded.