Anagen, Catagen, Telogen: Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

If you're looking for hair loss treatment, understanding the hair growth cycle is key. This cycle, with its anagen, catagen, and telogen phases, dictates how your hair grows, rests, and sheds. More importantly, it explains how treatments like finasteride or minoxidil work. Yes, you can get a prescription for effective hair loss medication through a licensed EU doctor online, quickly and conveniently. Hi-Doctor offers a €25 online consultation, and if approved, you receive a prescription in under 24 hours, valid at any EU pharmacy across the EU.

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

1. Fill out the online medical questionnaire (2–3 minutes) and pay the €25 consultation fee.
2. A licensed EU doctor reviews your case privately. If the doctor determines 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 medication.

Who qualifies for hair loss treatment

Our EU-licensed doctors assess each case individually to determine if treatment like finasteride or minoxidil is appropriate for you. They will look for:

• Diagnosis of androgenetic alopecia: This is the most common form of hair loss, also known as male or female pattern baldness.
• Overall health: Doctors check for any underlying health conditions or medications that might interact with hair loss treatments.
• Specific contraindications: For example, finasteride is generally not prescribed to women of childbearing potential or those who are pregnant due to potential risks.
• Medical history: A thorough review of your medical background helps ensure the treatment is safe and effective for you.

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

Hair loss treatments primarily work by targeting the anagen (growth) and telogen (resting) phases of your hair cycle. For example:

• Finasteride: This medication inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT levels shorten the anagen phase and shrink hair follicles. By lowering DHT, finasteride helps prolong the anagen phase, promoting thicker hair growth. Realistic timelines show visible improvements often after 6-12 months of consistent use. It doesn't grow new hair in completely bald areas but can significantly slow down hair loss and thicken existing hair.
• Minoxidil: Available as a topical solution or foam, minoxidil is believed to stimulate hair follicles, prolong the anagen phase, and increase blood flow to the scalp. This encourages follicles to shift from the resting (telogen) phase to the growth (anagen) phase. Results typically appear after 3-6 months. It can cause initial shedding as old hairs make way for new growth.

Neither treatment offers instant results, and consistency is crucial. They work to manage hair loss, not cure it, meaning continued use is necessary to maintain benefits.

Side effects and when to stop

Like all medications, hair loss treatments can have side effects. Our EU-licensed doctors will discuss these during your consultation. Common side effects include:

• Finasteride: Rarely, some men may experience sexual side effects such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculation problems. These are usually reversible upon stopping the medication.
• Minoxidil: Scalp irritation, itching, dryness, or unwanted hair growth on other body parts if the product drips. Initial shedding can occur but typically resolves as new hair grows.

You should stop treatment and consult a doctor if you experience severe allergic reactions, persistent scalp irritation, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, or swelling of hands and feet. Your Hi-Doctor account provides a private, RGPD-compliant chat for any concerns.

Why Hi-Doctor vs. walking into a clinic

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

• Speed: Get your prescription in under 24 hours versus weeks or months for an in-person appointment.
• Price: A flat €25 online consultation fee, with a money-back guarantee if treatment isn't approved, compared to variable and often higher private clinic fees.
• Privacy: Everything happens in your secure Hi-Doctor app – no waiting rooms, no reception desks, just discreet, RGPD-compliant care.
• Convenience: Consult from anywhere, anytime, using your phone or computer. No travel, no time off work.
• Trust: Join over 50,000 patients served with a 4.8 Trustpilot rating, benefiting from EU-licensed doctors and cross-border prescription validity.