Finasteride tablets
Finasteride may be considered for men with male pattern hair loss. It is prescription only, and the benefits and possible sexual or psychiatric side effects should be discussed before treatment.
Belfast clinician-led treatment
Hair loss treatment, chosen with a clinician
Compare the treatments commonly used for pattern hair loss. Tell the Belfast team what you have noticed, then discuss the option that fits your diagnosis and medical history.
Start your consultation
How it works
How treatment is arranged
Tell the clinic what has changed, which medicines you take and what you have already tried. Dr Harpreet Kalra reviews the information before discussing a treatment plan with you.
If medication is suitable, the clinic explains the options, likely results, possible side effects and follow-up before anything is prescribed.
Step 1
Complete the consultation
Describe your hair loss and provide the medical details needed for review.
Step 2
Dr Kalra reviews it
Your answers are checked against your diagnosis, health and current medicines.
Step 3
Discuss the options
The clinic explains what may be suitable before treatment is arranged.
Treatment range
Options for pattern hair loss
The same treatment is not right for everyone. Start with the route you want to discuss, or ask the Belfast clinic to talk you through the differences.
Topical minoxidil
Topical minoxidil is used for male and female pattern hair loss. The product strength and application schedule should follow the supplied leaflet and clinical advice.
Oral minoxidil
Oral minoxidil is not licensed in the UK specifically for hair loss. A clinician may prescribe it off-label in selected cases after reviewing medical history and cardiovascular risk.
A combined plan
Some people discuss more than one approach. The combination, timing and monitoring depend on the diagnosis, previous treatment and the risks discussed with the clinician.
Diagnosis before treatment
Why the cause of hair loss matters
Male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and scarring alopecia are not treated in the same way. The consultation helps the clinic understand your symptoms, but it cannot replace an examination when one is needed.
Read the clinic’s alopecia guide, or contact the team if the hair loss is sudden, patchy, painful or accompanied by scalp inflammation.
Your Belfast clinician
Dr Harpreet Kalra
Hair transplant surgeon and practising GP · GMC 7126076
Dr Kalra reviews your pattern of hair loss, medical history and current medication before discussing treatment. If the cause needs further investigation, he may advise you to see your GP or a dermatologist first.
Meet Dr KalraPrivate online consultation
Tell the Belfast clinic about your hair loss
Use our contact page to send your enquiry to the Belfast team.
Hair-loss medication FAQs
Questions patients ask us
Clear answers about treatment, prescriptions and what happens after you contact the Belfast clinic.
Which hair-loss treatments are available?
Options on this page include topical minoxidil, finasteride tablets for suitable men, oral minoxidil used off-label in selected cases and combined treatment plans. The right choice depends on the cause of your hair loss, your medical history and previous treatment. See the treatment options.
Do I need a prescription?
Finasteride and oral minoxidil need a prescription. They are not supplied automatically. A clinician must review your answers and decide whether treatment is suitable.
How does the online consultation work?
You answer questions about your hair loss, health, current medicines and allergies. Dr Harpreet Kalra reviews the information, then the clinic contacts you about the next step. Go to the consultation.
How long can treatment take to work?
Hair-loss medication is assessed over months, not days. NHS guidance says improvement with finasteride may be seen after 3 to 6 months. Timing varies by treatment and by person, and the benefit generally lasts only while treatment continues. Read the NHS finasteride guidance.
What side effects need discussing?
The risks depend on the medicine. Finasteride has warnings about sexual and psychiatric side effects. Topical minoxidil can irritate the scalp, while oral minoxidil can affect blood pressure and heart rate. Your prescriber will explain the risks that apply to you. Read the latest MHRA safety update.
Can women use hair-loss medication?
Topical minoxidil may be used for female pattern hair loss. Women should not use finasteride for hair loss. Treatment choices also need extra care during pregnancy, while trying to conceive or when breastfeeding. Read the NHS hair-loss guidance.
Can medication be used after a hair transplant?
Medication may be discussed before or after a transplant to manage continuing pattern hair loss. It does not replace surgery or guarantee a result. The plan depends on your hair-loss pattern, donor area and treatment history. Read the clinic's finasteride guide.
What happens after I submit the consultation?
The Belfast team reviews your answers and contacts you. If more information or an examination is needed, they will explain that first. Treatment is arranged only after the appropriate clinical checks and discussion.
Start with a conversation
Choose the route you want to discuss
If you are unsure, describe the change in your hair and let the clinic guide the next step.
Start your consultation