Hair-loss treatment,
explained.

Finasteride 1 mg is licensed for male pattern hair loss in men. It is not suitable for women or children. Important risks include sexual side effects and mood changes, including depression and suicidal thoughts. Benefits take time and may be lost after stopping. A clinician should discuss these risks and relevant medical history before prescribing.

Minoxidil applied to the scalp is used for some types of pattern hair loss. Minoxidil tablets are licensed for severe high blood pressure; their use for hair loss is off-label. Oral treatment needs an individual assessment, including cardiovascular history and monitoring. Possible effects include unwanted hair growth, dizziness, palpitations and fluid retention. Tablets and scalp preparations are not interchangeable.

Dutasteride 0.5 mg is licensed for benign enlargement of the prostate, not hair loss. Hair-loss prescribing is off-label and requires an individual explanation of the evidence, alternatives and risks. Sexual side effects, fertility considerations and mood symptoms are relevant to the assessment. It is not suitable for women or children.

It means using a licensed medicine outside the conditions covered by its licence. It is not an automatic next step. The prescriber must consider the individual circumstances and explain the reasons, uncertainties, risks and follow-up.

Addressing an underlying cause, hair-care changes, camouflage, wigs or specialist assessment may be more appropriate. Sudden loss, distinct patches or an inflamed or painful scalp need assessment rather than assuming pattern hair loss.