Question 1

What are typical causes of hair loss in men?

Accepted Answer

Hair loss can result from a range of factors, including genetics, medical conditions, hormonal changes, and certain medications or treatments. Here are some common causes:

Genetics (hereditary hair loss): Also known as male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). This is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It often worsens with age and is typically seen as a receding hairline and/or thinning at the crown.
Medical conditions: Hair loss can be triggered by conditions such as alopecia areata (an immune-related cause of patchy hair loss), telogen effluvium (often temporary and linked to stress or illness), and trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling).
Hormonal changes: Hormone fluctuations can contribute to hair loss. For example, thyroid hormone changes or sensitivity to androgens like dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can play a role in male pattern baldness.
Medications and treatments: Some medicines (including certain cancer treatments) can cause hair loss as a side effect. Traction from tight hairstyles can also contribute to shedding.

Totiva’s online assessment helps identify the most likely cause of your hair loss and whether treatment is appropriate. If your hair loss is sudden, patchy, or associated with other symptoms, we may advise you to speak to your GP or a dermatologist.

Sources: American Academy of Dermatology, National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI).

Question 2

How do I know what type of hair loss I have?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes the pattern makes the cause fairly clear, but in other cases a clinician may need more information (and occasionally tests) to determine the root cause.

If you’re noticing a gradually receding hairline or thinning that slowly worsens with age, this is often consistent with male pattern baldness. While there’s no single “cure”, there are effective treatments that can slow loss and, for some men, support regrowth.

If you’re suddenly developing bald patches with no obvious pattern, it’s important to get checked. Sudden hair loss can be linked to medical causes such as alopecia areata, nutritional deficiency, or medication side effects. Many of these causes are temporary and can improve once the underlying issue is addressed.

Totiva’s consultation asks targeted questions and may request photos to help assess your pattern. If we suspect an underlying medical cause, we’ll advise the right next step (for example, seeing your GP).

Question 3

What medical treatments can help with hair loss?

Accepted Answer

The best treatment depends on the cause. For male pattern hair loss, there are evidence-based options that Totiva clinicians may recommend:

Minoxidil (topical): A scalp-applied treatment that can support regrowth and help improve density. It’s often most helpful for early hair loss or mild to moderate thinning.
Finasteride (oral prescription): Treats male pattern hair loss by reducing DHT (a hormone involved in follicle miniaturisation). It can help slow further loss and, for some men, support regrowth.

There are also procedural options such as hair transplantation. If your hair loss is driven by stress, nutritional deficiency, or an underlying medical condition, addressing the root cause is key.

Totiva clinicians will guide you towards the safest, most appropriate option based on your history, symptoms, and preferences.

Question 4

Is there a cure for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t a guaranteed “cure” for hair loss. However, there are effective medications and hair restoration approaches that can slow hair loss and, for some men, improve regrowth.

Be cautious of anyone promising a complete cure — outcomes vary and depend on the cause of hair loss and how consistently treatment is used.

Question 5

Can minoxidil and finasteride be used together for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Often, yes. They work in different ways, so they can be complementary. Finasteride helps reduce DHT (a key driver of male pattern hair loss), while minoxidil supports regrowth at the scalp.

Totiva clinicians can advise whether combined treatment is suitable for you based on your medical history, goals, and tolerance of potential side effects.

Question 6

How long does it take for hair loss treatments to work?

Accepted Answer

Hair regrowth takes time because hair grows in cycles. Even if treatment starts working biologically early on, visible changes usually take several months.

For many men using finasteride and/or minoxidil, early changes are often noticed around 3–6 months, with a clearer assessment at around 12 months of consistent use.

Tracking photos (same lighting/angle monthly) can help you judge progress more accurately.

Question 7

Why choose a topical hair loss treatment over an oral treatment?

Accepted Answer

Oral finasteride has strong evidence for treating male pattern hair loss, but some men prefer to avoid systemic exposure due to concern about side effects.

Topical treatments are applied directly to the scalp and may be preferred by some people for this reason. The best option depends on your circumstances, preferences, and medical history.

If you’re concerned about side effects (including sexual side effects), Totiva clinicians can help you weigh up options and decide what’s most appropriate.

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Frequently asked questions abouthair loss treatments

What are typical causes of hair loss in men?

How do I know what type of hair loss I have?

What medical treatments can help with hair loss?

Is there a cure for hair loss?

Can minoxidil and finasteride be used together for hair loss?

How long does it take for hair loss treatments to work?

Why choose a topical hair loss treatment over an oral treatment?

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