Hair loss: what’s really causing it and what you can do

Noticing more hair in the drain or thinner parts on top? Hair loss can feel personal and confusing. The good news: a lot of causes are treatable or reversible if you spot them early. This guide gives clear, practical steps: what to check, which treatments work, and how to buy prescription meds safely online.

Quick causes to check first

Start with the basics. Genetics (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause — it’s what people mean when they say “male pattern” or “female pattern” hair loss. Hormones matter: DHT (a testosterone breakdown product) shrinks hair over time. Medical problems can cause shedding too — low iron (low ferritin), underactive or overactive thyroid (check TSH), sudden weight loss, severe stress, and some meds (like certain blood pressure drugs or acne medicines).

Also look for signs on the scalp: patchy bald spots, redness, scaly patches, or pain suggest an infectious or autoimmune problem (like alopecia areata or fungal infection) and need a doctor sooner rather than later.

Treatment choices and buying meds safely

For genetic thinning the two main evidence-backed options are topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Minoxidil (over-the-counter) helps keep hairs in the growth phase. Men usually use 5% foam once daily; women often use 2% solution twice daily or 5% foam once daily — follow the product directions. Expect 3–6 months before you see improvement. Side effects: scalp irritation and temporary shedding at first for some people.

Finasteride is a prescription pill (commonly 1 mg daily) that lowers DHT and can stop or reverse male pattern loss. It works for many men but needs a prescription and a discussion about rare sexual side effects. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take it. Other options include topical finasteride, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), low-level laser therapy, and, if damage is advanced, hair transplant surgery.

Before starting meds, ask your provider for simple labs: TSH, ferritin, and a basic blood count. If hair loss started fast or in patches, see a dermatologist — they can do a scalp exam and sometimes a biopsy or fungal test.

Buying meds online? Be careful. Use pharmacies that require a prescription, show a physical address and license, offer secure checkout, and provide a pharmacist contact. Avoid sites that sell prescription pills without asking for a script or that have unrealistic low prices. Our site covers tips for spotting safe online pharmacies and reviews of common sellers if you want a place to start.

Small steps matter: check iron and thyroid, try minoxidil consistently, talk to a clinician about finasteride if you’re a man, and only buy prescription meds from trusted pharmacies. If you’re unsure, a short visit to a dermatologist can save months of worry and wasted money.