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Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia: Causes, Genetics, and Solutions

Struggling with hair loss? Get your finasteride or dutasteride prescription online from an EU-licensed doctor for just €25. Receive your valid EU prescription in under 24 hours, accepted at any pharmacy across the EU.

6 April 2026
Understanding Androgenetic Alopecia: Causes, Genetics, and Solutions —

DIRECT ANSWER

An online consultation lets an EU-licensed doctor review your case and, if appropriate, issue a prescription that is valid across the EU.

Less than 4 hours on average

Prescription issued in less than 4 hours on average if approved.

EU-licensed doctors

Every case is reviewed by a licensed clinician.

Valid across the EU

Approved prescriptions can be used at any EU pharmacy.

In this article

Dealing with hair loss can be frustrating, but effective solutions are available. If you're looking to get a finasteride prescription online or a dutasteride prescription online from an EU-licensed doctor, you've come to the right place. Hi-Doctor makes it simple: complete an online consultation for just €25, and if appropriate, receive your digital prescription in under 24 hours. This prescription is valid at any pharmacy in the EU, allowing you to quickly access the medication you need to combat androgenetic alopecia.

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

  1. Fill the online medical questionnaire (2–3 minutes) and pay the €25 consultation fee.
  2. A licensed EU doctor reviews your case in private. If the doctor decides the treatment is not appropriate, your €25 is refunded automatically — no risk.
  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 to collect your finasteride, dutasteride, or minoxidil.

Who qualifies for finasteride or dutasteride

When you complete your online medical questionnaire, the EU-licensed doctor looks for specific criteria to determine if finasteride, dutasteride, or minoxidil is appropriate for you. Generally, these treatments are for men experiencing male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). Finasteride and dutasteride are typically prescribed for men, while minoxidil is suitable for both men and women. The doctor considers your medical history, current health conditions, and the extent and pattern of your hair loss. Contraindications might include certain liver conditions, prostate issues, or allergies to the medication's components. For women, finasteride and dutasteride are not usually prescribed due to potential risks, especially during pregnancy.

What finasteride and dutasteride actually do (and don't do)

Finasteride and dutasteride are oral medications that work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that plays a key role in shrinking hair follicles and causing hair loss in androgenetic alopecia. By reducing DHT levels, these medications can slow down, stop, and in some cases, reverse hair thinning and promote hair regrowth. Dutasteride is generally more potent than finasteride, blocking both types of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme. It's important to understand that these medications do not cure baldness permanently. They manage the condition. Consistent, daily use is essential to maintain results. If you stop taking the medication, hair loss will likely resume. You can typically expect to see initial results, such as reduced hair shedding, within 3-6 months, with more noticeable improvements in hair density and thickness after 6-12 months of continuous treatment.

Side effects and when to stop

Like all medications, finasteride and dutasteride can have side effects. The most commonly discussed side effects are sexual, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory problems. These occur in a small percentage of men and are usually reversible upon stopping the medication. Other potential side effects are breast tenderness or enlargement. Minoxidil, a topical treatment, can cause scalp irritation, dryness, or unwanted hair growth in other areas if not applied carefully. It's crucial to consult with your doctor if you experience any concerning side effects. You should stop taking the medication and seek medical advice immediately if you develop symptoms of an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, itching, swelling) or severe side effects. Your EU-licensed doctor will discuss these potential risks during your online consultation and guide you on when it might be necessary to discontinue treatment.

Why Hi-Doctor vs. walking into a clinic

Choosing Hi-Doctor for your hair loss prescription offers significant advantages over traditional in-person clinic visits:

  • Speed: Get your prescription in under 24 hours, compared to weeks of waiting for an in-person appointment.
  • Price: A flat €25 consultation fee, regardless of outcome, versus variable and often higher private clinic fees.
  • Privacy: Everything happens securely within the app — no waiting rooms, no awkward conversations at a reception desk.
  • Convenience: Consult from anywhere using your phone or computer, saving travel time and hassle.
  • Trust: Join over 50,000 satisfied patients with a 4.8 Trustpilot rating. Our EU-licensed doctors provide individual, RGPD-compliant care.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently asked questions

If the doctor determines the treatment is not appropriate for you, your €25 consultation fee is refunded automatically. You pay nothing if the treatment isn't approved.

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