Adult Male Pattern Hair Loss Treatment (Androgenetic Alopecia)
Fast MD-only male pattern hair loss care by secure online video visit, $49 flat-fee, no insurance required.
Male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is a common, genetically influenced condition in which scalp hair gradually thins over the temples and crown. Our board-certified MDs use guideline-based evaluation to confirm a typical pattern, screen for red flags, and provide an evidence-based treatment and refill plan that fits your goals and medical history.
- $49 flat-fee adult visit
- MD-only care (no mid-levels)
- No insurance required
- Secure video visits in 25+ states
Online MD-Only Male Pattern Hair Loss Care
- Adult-only evaluation of gradual thinning over hairline and crown
- Focus on continuation and monitoring of appropriate oral finasteride therapy
- Review of OTC topical options such as minoxidil and scalp care
- Clear criteria for when in-person dermatology or biopsy is needed
Adults 18+ only. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances, oral minoxidil, or perform procedural therapies such as injections or hair transplantation. Atypical or scarring hair loss patterns may require in-person dermatology evaluation.
What Is Adult Male Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)?
Male pattern hair loss, also called androgenetic alopecia, is a hereditary condition driven by a combination of genetics, hormones, and age. Hair follicles over the temples and crown gradually miniaturize, producing thinner and shorter hairs until growth slows or stops in those regions. The classic pattern includes recession at the temples, thinning at the vertex, or both.
The condition is not caused by poor hygiene, wearing hats, or usual shampooing. While there is no complete cure, several evidence-based treatments can slow progression and promote partial regrowth in many adults. Telehealth is often appropriate for evaluation and refills when the pattern is typical and there are no red-flag features such as scarring, sudden patchy loss, or systemic symptoms.
Symptoms and Red Flags in Adult Male Pattern Hair Loss
Most cases of male pattern hair loss progress slowly and can be managed through virtual care. Some findings, however, suggest a different cause of hair loss or underlying disease that requires in-person evaluation and sometimes scalp biopsy or additional testing.
| Symptom | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring urgent in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gradual thinning at the temples | Typical early male pattern hair loss | Yes, usually well-suited for telehealth | Not a red flag alone if gradual and symmetric |
| Thinning at the crown (vertex) over years | Common pattern of androgenetic alopecia | Yes, if no scalp pain or scarring | Rapid onset with scalp tenderness or visible scars |
| Family history of similar hair loss in male relatives | Supports genetic male pattern hair loss | Yes, appropriate for telehealth evaluation and refills | Not a red flag if pattern and history are typical |
| Sudden diffuse shedding over weeks | Possible telogen effluvium from stress, illness, or medications | Telehealth may help triage and identify triggers | Systemic symptoms, weight loss, or other signs of serious illness |
| Round, smooth bald patches in the beard or scalp | Possible alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition | Telehealth can often identify concern and guide referral | Extensive loss including eyebrows or body hair with systemic symptoms |
| Red, scaly, or painful scalp with hair loss | Possible inflammatory or scarring alopecia, or fungal infection | Telehealth may guide initial treatment or referral | Rapidly spreading pain, pustules, or fever suggesting infection |
| Loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair | Not typical of simple male pattern hair loss | Telehealth may identify concern but is not sufficient alone | Needs timely in-person dermatology or medical evaluation |
| New neurologic or systemic symptoms with hair loss | Possible endocrine, nutritional, or systemic disease | No | Requires in-person primary care evaluation and testing |
| Scalp burns, trauma, or scarring with hair loss | Scarring alopecia from injury or inflammatory disease | No for definitive management | Needs in-person dermatology and possible biopsy |
Differential Diagnosis: Male Pattern Hair Loss vs Other Causes of Hair Shedding
Not all hair loss in adult men is androgenetic alopecia. During your TeleDirectMD visit, the MD will review the pattern, timing, associated symptoms, and medications to distinguish male pattern hair loss from other causes that may need different treatment or in-person testing.
Androgenetic Alopecia (Typical Male Pattern)
- Gradual recession of the frontal hairline and thinning at the crown
- Stable scalp skin without scarring, redness, or significant scaling
- Often a strong family history of similar hair loss
- Responds to finasteride and topical minoxidil in many adults
Other Conditions That Can Mimic or Overlap
- Telogen effluvium: Diffuse shedding after illness, surgery, major stress, or medication change.
- Alopecia areata: Sudden round or oval smooth bald patches on scalp or beard.
- Tinea capitis: Fungal scalp infection with scaling, broken hairs, or lymph node swelling.
- Scarring alopecias: Inflammatory diseases that destroy follicles and can cause permanent loss.
Telehealth is best suited when the pattern and history are classic for male pattern hair loss and you are seeking education, refills, or a structured plan. Atypical, painful, or rapidly changing hair loss often requires in-person dermatology evaluation for definitive diagnosis and management.
When Is a Video Visit Appropriate for Male Pattern Hair Loss?
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult male 18+ with gradual thinning at temples and crown
- Stable pattern over months or years without scalp pain or scarring
- Interest in starting or continuing guideline-based medical therapy
- No sudden patchy loss of eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair
- No systemic symptoms such as fever, weight loss, or night sweats
- Able to show the scalp pattern clearly on camera
- Comfortable following a long-term treatment plan and monitoring for side effects
Red Flags Requiring In-Person or ER Care
- Rapid onset of diffuse or patchy hair loss over weeks
- Scalp pain, ulceration, or thick scarring areas
- Significant redness, scaling, or pustules suggesting infection or inflammatory disease
- Hair loss associated with systemic illness or neurologic symptoms
- History of cancer therapy with acute changes that need oncology follow-up
- Signs of severe infection such as fever, chills, or spreading redness
- Any situation where you feel acutely ill or unsafe at home
If any red-flag symptoms are present, seek in-person or emergency care immediately. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service and does not manage aggressive scarring alopecia, serious infections, or systemic disease solely by telehealth.
Treatment Options for Adult Male Pattern Hair Loss
Treatment for male pattern hair loss focuses on slowing further loss and promoting partial regrowth where follicles are still active. Our MDs follow evidence-based guidelines and emphasize realistic expectations, medication safety, and clear timelines for assessing benefit.
Nonprescription Measures and Scalp Care
- Use gentle shampoos and avoid harsh chemical treatments that irritate the scalp.
- Consider OTC topical minoxidil solutions or foam as part of your regimen when appropriate.
- Optimize general health, including sleep, nutrition, and stress management.
- Avoid tight hairstyles or traction that can worsen loss along the hairline.
- Use sun protection on thinning areas to reduce sunburn and long-term skin damage.
Prescription Options (When Appropriate)
- Oral finasteride 1 mg once daily in adult males without contraindications, with counseling on sexual side effects and pregnancy handling precautions.
- Prescription-strength scalp therapies when seborrheic dermatitis or inflammation is contributing to shedding.
- Structured plans for combining finasteride with OTC topical minoxidil when tolerated.
- Referral to dermatology or hair restoration specialists for procedural options such as injections or hair transplantation when indicated.
TeleDirectMD focuses on safe use of oral finasteride in appropriate adult males, clear discussion of potential adverse effects, and coordination with in-person dermatology when patterns are atypical or when procedural therapies are being considered. We do not prescribe oral minoxidil or controlled substances for hair loss.
Common Medications Used for Adult Male Pattern Hair Loss
The exact regimen is individualized based on your hair loss pattern, prior treatments, other medical conditions, and preferences. The table below shows typical examples your MD may consider or discuss. Not all medications listed will be used in every case.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When it is used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride 1 mg tablet | 1 mg by mouth once daily | Long-term; evaluate response over 3–6 months | Adult males with typical male pattern hair loss and no contraindications, seeking medical therapy |
| Topical minoxidil 5% foam or solution (OTC) | Apply to affected scalp areas 1–2 times daily as directed | Ongoing; reassess after at least 3–6 months | Men willing to use topical therapy consistently, often combined with finasteride for added benefit |
| Ketoconazole 2% shampoo | Apply to scalp, leave on for several minutes, then rinse, 2–3 times per week | Weeks to months with periodic reassessment | Men with seborrheic scalp symptoms where reducing inflammation and scaling may support hair health |
| Fluocinolone or similar low-potency scalp steroid solution | Apply thin layer to inflamed scalp areas 1–2 times daily | Short courses, typically 1–2 weeks | Selected cases with coexisting inflammatory scalp conditions, used cautiously to avoid overuse |
| Other systemic or injectable therapies | Dose and schedule determined by dermatology or hair restoration specialists | Requires in-person specialty care | Complex or advanced cases considering procedures or off-label regimens, not initiated solely by brief telehealth visit |
These are example regimens only. Actual medications, strengths, and durations are determined by the MD after reviewing your history, exam findings from available images, other diagnoses, and full medication list. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe controlled substances or oral minoxidil for hair loss and recommends in-person dermatology for scarring or atypical alopecia.
Home Care, Expectations, and Return to Work
Male pattern hair loss is a chronic, slowly progressive condition. The goal of treatment is usually to slow further loss and achieve modest regrowth, not to fully restore a teenage hairline. Consistency and realistic timelines are essential.
- Use prescribed medications and any topical treatments exactly as directed, even when early changes are subtle.
- Expect several months before deciding whether a regimen is helping, and continue follow-up as advised.
- Maintain gentle scalp care and sun protection to support long-term skin and hair health.
- Report new side effects such as mood changes, sexual symptoms, or breast changes promptly.
- Consider in-person dermatology if results plateau or if you wish to explore procedural options.
Male pattern hair loss does not by itself limit work or routine activities. If documentation is needed, TeleDirectMD can generally provide confirmation of evaluation and treatment rather than recommending time off from work.
TeleDirectMD Telehealth Disclaimer
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults using secure video visits to evaluate conditions like male pattern hair loss. Visits are $49 flat-fee with no insurance required and are available in 25+ states. Our physicians follow evidence-based guidelines, clarify what can be safely managed via telehealth, and explain when in-person primary care, dermatology, or hair restoration evaluation is more appropriate. TeleDirectMD is not an emergency service or a replacement for comprehensive in-person care.
Male Pattern Hair Loss Treatment FAQs
Male pattern hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is a hereditary condition in which scalp hair follicles in certain areas gradually shrink under the influence of hormones and genetics. Over time, the hairs become thinner and shorter until some follicles stop producing visible hair. It is not caused by hats, regular shampooing, or everyday styling alone.
Yes. In many adults with a classic pattern of thinning at the temples and crown and no red-flag features, telehealth is well-suited to confirm a likely diagnosis, review history and medications, and discuss treatment options such as finasteride continuation and topical therapies. If your pattern is atypical, painful, or rapidly changing, we will recommend in-person dermatology instead of relying on telehealth alone.
Hair growth cycles are slow. Most adults need at least 3–6 months of consistent therapy before judging the benefit of finasteride or topical regimens, and full effect may take 12 months or longer. Early goals often focus on slowing further loss rather than dramatic regrowth. Stopping treatment generally leads to loss of any gains over time as the underlying process continues.
Finasteride is generally well-tolerated in many adults, but potential side effects can include reduced libido, erectile changes, changes in ejaculation, and breast tenderness or enlargement in some men. There are also rare reports of mood changes. Your TeleDirectMD physician will review your history, discuss risks and benefits in clear terms, and advise you to report any concerning symptoms promptly for reassessment and possible discontinuation.
Many men use finasteride alone, while others combine finasteride with topical minoxidil for added benefit. Minoxidil works through a different mechanism and may help maintain or thicken hair in some regions. Whether to add it depends on your pattern, tolerance for daily topical use, and treatment goals. Telehealth visits can help you decide on a regimen that is realistic for you to follow consistently over time.
When treatment is stopped, hair that was being maintained or thickened by the medication often gradually returns to the baseline pattern over several months. This can feel like increased loss, but it generally reflects the underlying condition resuming its natural course rather than a rebound damage effect beyond your pre-treatment state. Your MD can discuss how to stop or change regimens safely if needed.
Many healthy adults with typical male pattern hair loss do not need extensive laboratory testing before starting standard therapies. However, if your hair loss is diffuse, rapid, or accompanied by other symptoms, your MD may recommend in-person evaluation and tests to look for thyroid disease, nutritional deficiencies, or other conditions. Telehealth can help decide when labs are reasonable and how to coordinate them with local care if needed.
No. TeleDirectMD does not prescribe oral minoxidil or perform procedures such as injections or hair transplantation. Our focus is on safe, evidence-based use of standard oral finasteride in appropriate adults, guidance on OTC topical options, and clear counseling about when referral to in-person dermatology or hair restoration specialists is the next step for you based on your pattern and goals.
In-person dermatology is recommended if your hair loss is patchy, rapidly progressive, painful, associated with scarring or thick scaling, involves eyebrows or body hair, or occurs with other systemic symptoms. You also may want in-person care if you are considering biopsies, procedural therapies, or more complex regimens. Telehealth can help identify these situations and outline what questions to bring to your dermatology visit.
TeleDirectMD offers MD-only, guideline-based male pattern hair loss care through secure video visits with a simple $49 flat-fee model and no insurance required in 25+ states. We focus on realistic expectations, safe use of finasteride and topical options, clear timelines for assessing benefit, and explicit guidance on when in-person dermatology or hair restoration evaluation is safer or more appropriate than telehealth alone.