Male pattern hair loss is the most common cause of thinning hair in men, and it can be slowed with prescription treatment. With Global Health you can request male hair loss treatment online in Portugal. You complete a secure questionnaire, a licensed doctor reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable the doctor issues an electronic prescription that you receive in your Global Health account and can use at any pharmacy in Portugal. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by a licensed doctor
- A prescription for licensed or established hair loss medication, if clinically suitable
- An electronic prescription in your Global Health account, which you can use at any pharmacy in Portugal
- Written advice on how to take the treatment and what to expect
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The request fee covers the doctor's review. The medication is paid for separately at the pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
Our doctors cannot safely prescribe hair loss treatment online if you:
- are under 18
- are female (this treatment can harm an unborn baby and is not used for female hair loss)
- have a history of prostate or breast cancer, or take medication for an enlarged prostate
- have sudden, patchy or rapid hair loss, a sore or scaly scalp, or hair loss with feeling unwell
- are trying to conceive in the near future, unless you have discussed it with your doctor
If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your hair loss, general health and any medication you take. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. A licensed doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Prescription issued. If treatment is suitable, the doctor issues an electronic prescription that you receive in your Global Health account and can take to any pharmacy in Portugal.
What is male pattern hair loss?
Male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness, usually starts with a receding hairline at the temples, thinning at the crown, or both. It can begin as early as the late teens and affects most men to some degree by later life. It is not caused by poor hygiene, hats or hair products.
What causes it?
It is mainly genetic. Hair follicles on the top of the scalp are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone made from testosterone. Over time DHT shrinks these follicles, so each new hair grows thinner and shorter until some follicles stop producing visible hair. Hair at the back and sides of the head is less sensitive, which is why it is usually kept.
Other causes of hair loss in men
Not all hair loss is male pattern baldness. Thyroid problems, low iron, recent illness or surgery, significant stress, rapid weight loss, some medicines and scalp conditions can all cause thinning. Patchy hair loss may be alopecia areata. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy or comes with other symptoms, your family doctor should assess you before any treatment.
Hair loss treatment options
Prescription treatment for male pattern hair loss works by lowering the effect of DHT on the hair follicles. Taken every day, it can stop further loss in most men and help some hair regrow. Results build slowly:
- you may notice less shedding after about three months
- visible improvement usually takes six to twelve months
- if there is no improvement after twelve months of continuous use, the treatment is unlikely to work for you
- the benefit is lost gradually over several months if you stop
Your doctor will discuss which medication is suitable for you. Non-prescription options, such as topical lotions from a pharmacy, can be used alongside it. Hair transplant surgery is a separate option that needs an in-person specialist assessment.
Side effects and safety
Most men have no side effects. A small number notice lower sex drive, difficulty getting an erection, or a lower volume of ejaculate. These usually settle when treatment stops. Rarely, men report low mood. Stop the medication and contact a doctor if you notice changes in your mood, breast lumps, breast pain or nipple discharge.
The tablets must not be handled when crushed or broken by a woman who is pregnant or may become pregnant, because the medication can affect the development of a male baby. This treatment can also lower the result of a PSA blood test, so tell any doctor checking your prostate that you are taking it.
When to see a doctor in person
See your family doctor if your hair falls out in clumps or patches, your scalp is red, scaly or painful, or you have other symptoms such as tiredness, weight change or feeling cold. These signs can point to a cause other than male pattern baldness. For non-urgent advice you can call SNS 24 on 808 24 24 24. You can also meet our doctors or see all online prescription services.