Men’s Hair Loss Treatments and Medications

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men. In most cases, it is primarily caused by genetics and hormones called androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT). With age, men's hair follicles grow increasingly sensitive to DHT, causing them to shrink and eventually stop growing new hair. Other factors contributing to hair loss include aging, stress, certain medical conditions, metabolic health, smoking and alcohol use, sleep hygiene and health, and medication side effects.

Male pattern baldness can begin as early as the teenage years but more often starts in the 20s or 30s. It tends to progress gradually with age. Hair loss is a prevalent issue among men, with about 80% experiencing significant hair loss during their lifetime.

Men’s hair loss treatment that is caused by Androgenic Alopecia (male pattern baldness) falls into two broad categories: 1) primary and 2) adjunct.

• Primary therapies take aim at the root cause of Androgenic Alopecia in men. This is why finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart) are used. They block the formation of DHT – the primary driver of male pattern baldness in men. Finasteride (Propecia) is FDA-approved for hair loss in men while dutasteride (Avodart) is used off-label to treat hair loss in men. There are DHT-blocking supplements like saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil, and Zinc.

Adjunct therapies are used to help stimulate hair growth.  These kinds of treatments do not treat the cause of the hair loss but are used to improve new hair growth and thickness. It is commonplace and best practice to combine primary and adjunct therapies for best results. Adjunct treatment options include over-the-counter medications like topical minoxidil (Rogaine), supplements (Rosemary oil, etc.), and prescription-strength oral minoxidil (Loniten). Other adjunct options include low-level laser therapy (LLLT), microneedling, PRP injections, ketoconazole shampoo, and scalp massage.

Hair transplantation is also used to help men struggling with hair loss.

Prescription medications like finasteride (Propecia), dutasteride (Avodart), and oral minoxidil (Loniten) have an excellent track record for safety in treating male pattern baldness. There are literally millions of men using these kinds of medications on a daily basis with little to no unwanted side effects. Many men will take these medicines for years and years with no ill effects. However, it's essential to discuss any potential side effects and risks with your doctor before starting treatment.

Hair loss is all about the long game. Your hair naturally cycles through growth and shedding phases. Your hair growth cycle can take years to complete. So it takes at least 6 months to see the results you want from hair loss medication.  Some men do not start to see the results they want for 1-2 years because of this slow growth cycle. Results from hair loss treatments vary from person to person. Patience and adherence to the hair loss treatment plan are key to achieving optimal results.

Yes, PonteVita Rx provides convenient and confidential men's hair loss medication prescription refill solutions, allowing patients to access their prescriptions from the comfort of their homes or anywhere in the country. PonteVita Rx can also work with the mail-order delivery service of your choice to get your medications mailed to your front door.

PonteVita Rx offers a convenient telehealth prescription refill service for men experiencing hair loss due to Androgenic Alopecia (aka male pattern baldness). Our board-certified physicians provide up to 1- year of men's hair loss medication prescription refills to eligible patients.

Our online prescription refill service is designed to assist patients who are safely established on routine maintenance medications. However, it's important to note that not all prescriptions or conditions are eligible for 1-year refills. Depending on individual needs, hair loss treatment may require ongoing evaluation and adjustments by healthcare providers.

No, PonteVita Rx operates independently of insurance coverage for its depression medication prescription online refill services. Although you can utilize your health insurance to cover pharmacy expenses, direct insurance payments for the prescription refill service are currently not accepted. We are unable to bill insurance at this time. We accept HSA/FSA accounts and cards.

At PonteVita Rx, we understand the importance of convenient and affordable access to medication for men's health concerns like hair loss. This is why we offer a tier-based subscription model tailored to your needs:

• $10/month for 1-2 medications
• $15/month for 3-4 medications
• $20/month for 5 medications

We collect the full-year payment upfront to provide hassle-free and uninterrupted access to our services. Here's the breakdown of the annual costs for your reference:

• $120 for 1-2 medications
• $180 for 3-4 medications
• $240 for 5 or more medications

This upfront payment ensures you won't have to worry about monthly bills and can focus on managing your hair loss effectively. Please note that these subscription fees do not include the cost of the medication itself.

PonteVita Rx also offers an evaluation service to men who are exploring whether or not hair loss medication is right for them. We can evaluate you and get you started on a hair loss medication regimen for $30 if medically indicated.

No insurance, no problem. PonteVita Rx offers a hassle-free men's hair medication prescription online refill service completely independent of insurance coverage. However, you can still use your health insurance for pharmacy payments and your HSA/FSA accounts or cards to cover the service fees. Please note that direct insurance payments for our service are not accepted at this time.

At PonteVita Rx, we prioritize timely access to prescriptions. Our streamlined men's hair loss medication prescription refill process ensures convenience and efficiency. Once you've completed the renewal steps, your prescription for hair loss treatment will be promptly sent to your preferred pharmacy. You can expect to pick up your medication within 20-30 minutes, allowing you to address your hair loss concerns without delay.

Hair growth starts in the cells of your scalp, so a healthy lifestyle can promote overall hair health. This includes maintaining a balanced diet, managing stress levels, good quality and quantity of sleep, good metabolic health, keeping your blood vessels strong and healthy, eliminating alcohol and smoking, avoiding harsh styling practices that put a lot of tension on the hair follicles with certain braids, tight ponytails, etc., and practicing good scalp hygiene.

Yes, there can be side effects associated with hair loss medications. Each medication will have particular potential side effects:

• Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine) - Scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the face/hands if the solution drips. Rarely it can cause dizziness and low blood pressure.
• Finasteride (Propecia) and Dutasteride (Avodart) - Sexual side effects like ED, lower libido, PE, or ejaculatory dysfunction (1-5%), mental health impact (very rare), and breast tissue growth or tenderness, and nipple discharge (uncommon).
• Oral Minoxidil (Lontetin) - Fluid Retention (slight swelling in the hands, ankles, or feet) and headache, fast heartbeat or palpitations, low blood pressure, dizziness, lightheadedness, hair growth in unwanted areas, or pericardial effusion (may cause fluid to collect around the heart – very rare at low hair loss doses).

Not everyone will experience side effects, and the severity and frequency of side effects can vary from person to person. Many side effects are mild and transient, resolving on their own with continued use or after discontinuation of the medication. Always consult your healthcare provider immediately if you are concerned about any side effects. Before starting any hair loss medication, discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider.

Consult your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any adverse effects from hair loss medications. They can assess your symptoms, adjust your treatment plan if necessary, or recommend alternative options to minimize side effects.