Male Pattern Baldness,
Clinically Treated.
Two-thirds of men experience hair loss by 35. Finasteride and minoxidil are clinically proven to stop it and reverse it — prescribed by licensed UK clinicians, delivered discreetly to your door.
90%+
stop further hair loss with prescription treatment
66%
experience visible regrowth within 12 months
24h
delivered to your door
No video call needed · Clinician-reviewed form
Designed for women
Minoxidil & anti-androgen therapy
Licensed UK clinicians
Underlying cause investigation
What our patients say
Understanding Male Pattern Baldness
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of hair loss in men — and it's almost entirely driven by genetics and a hormone called DHT. Understanding the pattern helps your clinician choose the right treatment.
Receding Hairline
The classic first sign. The hairline pulls back from the temples forming an M-shape, often starting in the late teens or early twenties. The most treatable stage if caught early.
Miniaturisation
Before hair is lost, it first becomes finer and lighter — a process called miniaturisation driven by DHT. You may notice wispy, thinner hairs replacing your normal ones.
Crown Thinning
A circular area of thinning at the top of the head, expanding outward over time. Often unnoticed until someone points it out or you see yourself on camera.
Diffuse Thinning
Less common in men but does occur — overall reduction in hair density across the entire scalp without a clear pattern. Can be confused with other causes.
Early Onset (Under 25)
Starting to thin in your teens or early twenties can feel alarming, but it's common — and the earlier you start treatment, the more hair you can save. This is the highest-impact window for finasteride.
Hairline + Crown Combined
The receding hairline and crown thinning eventually meet, leaving hair only on the sides and back. This is the Norwood V–VII stage and benefits most from dual therapy.
What Causes Male Pattern Baldness?
Unlike female hair loss, the cause of male pattern baldness is well understood. It comes down to one hormone: DHT. The good news? We can block it.
The DHT Mechanism
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
DHT is a byproduct of testosterone. In men genetically susceptible to hair loss, DHT binds to receptors on hair follicles, causing them to shrink — a process called miniaturisation.
Follicle Miniaturisation
Over time, DHT causes each growth cycle to produce thinner, shorter, lighter hairs until the follicle eventually stops producing visible hair entirely.
Genetic Predisposition
Your sensitivity to DHT is inherited — from both sides of the family, not just your mother's. If your father, uncles, or grandfathers lost their hair, you're at higher risk.
The 5-Alpha Reductase Enzyme
This enzyme converts testosterone to DHT. Finasteride works by inhibiting this enzyme, reducing DHT levels by approximately 70% and stopping follicle damage at the source.
Why Early Treatment Matters
Active Follicles Respond Best
Treatment is most effective while hair follicles are still alive but miniaturised. Once a follicle dies completely, no medication can bring it back. The earlier you start, the more hair you keep.
Prevention Is Easier Than Regrowth
Stopping further loss is easier than regrowing what's already gone. 90%+ of men on finasteride maintain their existing hair — that's the primary goal.
Regrowth Takes Time
New hair grows at approximately 1cm per month. Visible regrowth typically requires 3–6 months of consistent treatment. Full results are seen at 12–18 months.
Stopping Means Reversal
Hair loss treatment works only while you're on it. If you stop, DHT levels return to baseline and follicle miniaturisation resumes within 3–6 months. Ongoing treatment maintains results.
The window of opportunity
If you can still see thinning hair where you're losing it (even very fine hair), the follicles are still alive and can be revived with treatment. If the area is completely smooth and shiny, those follicles may be permanently lost. This is why starting sooner gives dramatically better results than waiting.
How It Works
No video call, no waiting room. Complete a short form, get clinician-approved treatment, and have it delivered to your door.
1
Complete the Form
Answer a few clinical questions about your hair loss, medical history, and preferences.
2
Clinician Review
A licensed UK clinician reviews your form and approves the right treatment — usually within hours.
3
Prescription Issued
Your prescription is issued same day. Collect from any pharmacy or get it delivered.
4
See Results
Hair loss slows from week 4–8. Visible regrowth from month 3. Full results at 12–18 months.
Treatments for Female Hair Loss
Evidence-based, prescription-strength treatments specifically for women. Your clinician will recommend the best option based on your type and cause of hair loss.
Topical
Minoxidil
Topical solution · 5%
40%
of users see significant regrowth
Stimulates blood flow directly to hair follicles
Extends the active growth phase of hair
Applied to the scalp once or twice daily
Works best on crown thinning
Results visible from month 3–4
From £19.99/month
Gold standard
Finasteride
Oral tablet · 1mg daily (Propecia)
83%
maintain existing hair after 2 years
Blocks DHT — the hormone that shrinks follicles
Reduces DHT by approximately 70%
66% experience measurable regrowth
One tablet daily — simple routine
Most effective for hairline and crown
From £24.99/month
Best results
Combined
Finasteride + Minoxidil
94%
stop further hair loss with dual therapy
Blocks DHT internally + stimulates growth topically
Clinically superior to either treatment alone
Maximum chance of visible regrowth
Recommended for moderate-to-advanced loss
Clinician-monitored with ongoing adjustments
From £34.99/month
A note on side effects
Finasteride is well-tolerated by the vast majority of men. A small percentage (around 1–2%) may experience sexual side effects such as reduced libido, which typically resolve on stopping the medication. Your clinician will discuss the benefit-risk profile transparently before prescribing. The clinical evidence overwhelmingly supports finasteride as safe and effective for long-term use.
Results Backed by Real Science
Decades of clinical trials. Millions of men worldwide. These aren't promises — they're published outcomes.
83%
of men on finasteride maintained their hair after 2 years (Kaufman et al.)
66%
experienced measurable regrowth with finasteride 1mg daily
94%
stopped further hair loss with combination therapy (finasteride + minoxidil)
150k+
patients treated through The GP Service
Your Hair Regrowth Journey
From first tablet to full results — here's what the next 12 months look like with prescription treatment.
Week 1–4
Treatment begins
Getting started
Your clinician reviews your form and prescribes the right treatment for your hair loss type. Medication arrives within 24 hours. In the first few weeks, your body begins adjusting to the treatment as it starts working at the follicle level. This is a normal part of the process and a sign that your hair cycle is resetting. Most patients report the process is simpler than expected.
"The whole process was so easy — filled out the form, had my prescription the same day. By week 6 I could already tell something was different."
Daniel K. · Visible improvement by month 3
Month 3–6
Visible progress
Regrowth begins
This is where things get exciting. Hair loss has stopped, and new growth starts appearing at the hairline and crown. Hair feels thicker when you run your fingers through it. Friends, family, and hairdressers start noticing the difference. Your clinician monitors progress and adjusts treatment if needed. Most patients say this is the moment they knew it was working.
My barber asked what I'd been doing differently. The crown area that was thinning is noticeably thicker now."
Clare T. · Started treatment 5 months ago
Month 12+
Full results
Confidence restored
After 12 months of consistent treatment, you're seeing the full effect. Hair is visibly thicker and stronger. The hairline has filled in. The thinning patches are covered. Patients consistently tell us it's one of the best decisions they've made for their confidence. With ongoing treatment, these results are maintained long-term — and many continue to see further improvement into year two.
"I look at photos from a year ago and can't believe the difference. I genuinely feel like a different person."
Rebecca T. · 12 months on treatment
Ongoing results
Continue treatment to maintain and improve results. Automatic repeats. No hassle.
What's Included With Every Consultation
Every consultation includes a full assessment by a licensed UK clinician experienced in children's and young people's health.
Prescription-Strength Treatment
Finasteride, minoxidil, or combination therapy — the same treatments proven in clinical trials.
Clinician-Reviewed & Approved
Every form reviewed by a licensed UK clinician who checks suitability and approves the right treatment.
Discreet Delivery
Plain, unmarked packaging delivered to your door. Or collect from any of 6,000+ UK pharmacies.
Automatic Repeats
Treatment arrives monthly without resubmitting forms. Pause, adjust, or cancel any time.
Clinician Support
Questions about side effects or progress? Message our clinical team at any time for guidance.
Secure & Confidential
Fully encrypted data. Confidential treatment history. We never share without your consent.
Trusted by Over 150,000 Patients
Here's what patients say about their experience with our services
I have used this service a few times, most recently today. Despite being remote, the GPs have been unfailingly professional, caring and thorough. I felt they asked a great many questions to understand my condition, then really thought about the best solution for me. They were polite and cared about whether I was happy with their recommended action, they made it easy for me to get the prescription and medication I needed. At a time when it is increasingly hard to see a GP or access any care outside of an emergency (and even then, not easy) this feels like a much-needed service.
Cahrlie Mulcare
The Earlier You Start, The More You Keep.
Complete our short clinical form and a licensed UK clinician will prescribe the right treatment to stop your hair loss and promote regrowth — delivered to your door.
Start Treatment
Finasteride & Minoxidil
90%+ stop further loss
Visible regrowth from month 3
Discreet delivery
Licensed UK clinicians
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have questions about The GP Service, check below. Still need help? Contact our friendly patient care team.
How common is male pattern baldness?
Very common. Around 50% of men experience some degree of hair loss by age 50, and two-thirds are affected by age 35. It can start as early as the late teens. It's the most common cause of hair loss in men worldwide.
What's the difference between finasteride and minoxidil?
They work differently and are most effective when used together. Finasteride is an oral tablet that blocks DHT — the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles. Minoxidil is a topical solution applied to the scalp that stimulates blood flow and extends the growth phase. Finasteride stops the cause; minoxidil stimulates regrowth.
What treatment will I be prescribed?
This depends on your type and cause of hair loss. Most women are prescribed topical minoxidil as a first-line treatment. If androgen-related causes are identified (e.g. PCOS), spironolactone may be recommended. If nutritional deficiencies are found, targeted supplementation will be prescribed alongside topical treatment.
Are there side effects with finasteride?
Finasteride is well-tolerated by the vast majority of men. Around 1–2% may experience sexual side effects such as reduced libido or changes in erectile function, which typically resolve on stopping the medication. Your clinician will discuss the benefit-risk profile transparently before prescribing.
How quickly will I see results?
Most women notice a reduction in hair loss within 8 weeks of starting treatment. Visible thickening typically begins at 4–6 months, with full results at 12 months of continued use. The earlier you start, the better the outcome.
Do I need a video consultation?
No. Treatment is prescribed via our clinical form — no video or phone call is needed. Your form is reviewed by a qualified clinician who assesses your suitability. If they need any clarification, they'll contact you directly.
What happens if I stop treatment?
If you stop taking finasteride, DHT levels return to baseline and follicle miniaturisation resumes. Most men begin to lose the hair they regained within 3–6 months of stopping. This is why ongoing treatment is recommended for maintained results.
Is it too late to start if I've been losing hair for years?
It depends on the state of your follicles. If you can still see fine or thin hair in the affected areas, the follicles are alive and can respond to treatment. If the area is completely smooth, those follicles may be permanently lost. Either way, treatment can stop further loss — and many men with years of thinning still see meaningful regrowth.
Can I set up repeat prescriptions?
Yes. Hair loss treatment requires consistent, long-term use. We offer automatic repeats so your medication arrives every month without resubmitting forms. You can pause, adjust, or cancel at any time.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this page. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 999 or your local emergency services immediately.