Guide

Knowledge and answers about hair loss and healthy hair.

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Dutasteride for hair loss: how it works, its approval status and what the evidence shows

In Germany, dutasteride is approved only for benign enlargement of the prostate, but not for hereditary hair loss: there it is used exclusively off-label. What the active ingredient does, what the studies show and for whom a doctor might consider it.

Dr. Christian Drerup

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Switching from finasteride to dutasteride: when a change makes sense

Dr. Christian Drerup

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Finasteride: side effects explained honestly

Dr. Christian Drerup

Latest articles

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Finasteride: How It Works, Benefits and Side Effects

Finasteride lowers the level of the hormone DHT, which causes the hair follicles to shrink in people with a hereditary predisposition. For men with hereditary hair loss it is approved in Germany. How it works, how well this is proven and which side effects are possible, you can read here.

Dr. Christian Drerup

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Spironolactone for hair loss in women: how it works, the evidence and when it may be considered

For hereditary hair loss in women, spironolactone is not approved in Germany and is used only off-label on prescription, usually together with topical minoxidil. The active ingredient is a blood-pressure-lowering medication with an antiandrogenic effect. Here is what that means for you.

Dr. Christian Drerup

A couple in their mid-thirties sits relaxed side by side on the sofa, talking calmly.

Finasteride, dutasteride and trying to conceive: what applies when your partner is pregnant?

For women who are trying to conceive or are pregnant, 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors such as finasteride and dutasteride are ruled out entirely. For the man being treated, the picture is more nuanced and depends on the product and its form. What this means for you is explained here.

Dr. Christian Drerup

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Finasteride without a prescription? What applies in Germany and how to get a prescription

In Germany, finasteride is prescription-only and available only with a doctor's prescription. Here you can read how to get a prescription through a local practice or an online medical assessment, and what to look out for when obtaining it.

Dr. Christian Drerup

A woman and a man stand in a bright kitchen in the morning; the woman holds a glass of water and a small, plain white tablet in her hand.

Oral minoxidil for hair loss: how it works, how it compares to topical minoxidil, and when it may be an option

In studies, oral minoxidil works about as well as the topical solution, but in Germany it is not approved for hair loss and is only available off-label with a prescription. Read here what that means for you.

Dr. Christian Drerup

A man in his late thirties sits relaxed in the barber's chair while his hair is being cut, a calm bright scene.

DHT and hair loss: how the hormone drives hereditary hair loss

Hereditary hair loss develops when the hormone DHT gradually causes genetically sensitive hair follicles to shrink. DHT blockers act precisely here, by lowering the hormone level. Read here what medicinal and “natural” blockers can really do.

Dr. Christian Drerup

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Why minoxidil does not work for some people: 5 possible reasons and what you can do

Topical minoxidil can slow hereditary hair loss, but it does not work equally well for everyone. When it seems not to be taking effect, there is usually one of five specific reasons behind it, from judging too early to the wrong cause.

Dr. Christian Drerup

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Hair transplant or medication? An honest comparison

Medication slows active hair loss and preserves existing hair, while a hair transplant fills in areas that are already bald. Neither approach on its own stops the hereditary predisposition, which is why they often complement each other. Read here about when each approach makes sense.

Dr. Christian Drerup

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Why you should treat hereditary hair loss early.

Medications can protect existing hair and slow hereditary hair loss. But they don't bring new hair back to areas that are already bald. The sooner you have the loss assessed by a doctor, the more can be preserved.

Dr. Christian Drerup