Hair Loss Treatment

For some men, it starts with a slightly higher hairline. For others, it is thinning at the crown, more hair coming out in the shower, a wider part line, or photos suddenly showing more scalp than they used to.

It can affect confidence, self-image, dating, work, and how you feel when you look in the mirror.

At Doctor360, we provide doctor-led assessment and treatment for male hair loss, thinning hair, and male pattern baldness. Our consultations are available online across New Zealand, making it easier to get discreet medical support from home.

The earlier you act, the more options you usually have.

You may benefit from a hair loss consultation if you are noticing:

• A receding hairline

• Thinning at the crown

• More scalp showing through your hair

• Hair shedding in the shower, sink, or pillow

• Hair feeling thinner or weaker

• Slower hair growth

• Patchy hair loss

• Family history of baldness

• Hair loss after stress, illness, weight loss, medication, or hormone changes

• Loss of confidence because of your hair

Hair loss is common, but that does not mean you need to ignore it.

Hair loss can happen for several reasons. The most common cause in men is male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia.

This is usually driven by genetics and hormone sensitivity, particularly the effect of DHT, a hormone derived from testosterone, on hair follicles.

Other causes of hair loss may include:

• Stress or illness

• Low iron or nutrient deficiencies

• Thyroid problems

• Rapid weight loss

• Medication side effects

• Scalp inflammation or skin conditions

• Autoimmune hair loss, such as alopecia areata

• Hormonal changes

• Poor sleep or high stress load

• Anabolic steroid or testosterone use in some men

• Over-styling, harsh products, or traction on the hair

The right treatment depends on the cause, which is why proper assessment matters.

Not all hair loss is the same.

Some men need treatment for male pattern baldness. Others need blood testing, scalp assessment, medication review, or investigation for an underlying health issue.

At Doctor360, your doctor may ask about:

• When the hair loss started

• Pattern of hair loss

• Family history

• Hair shedding versus gradual thinning

• Stress, illness, or recent weight change

• Diet and nutrient intake

• Current medications

• Testosterone, anabolic steroid, or SARMs use

• Scalp symptoms such as itching, scaling, pain, or redness

• General health, energy, sleep, and hormone symptoms

Where appropriate, blood tests may be arranged to check for contributing factors such as iron, thyroid function, vitamin levels, hormones, inflammation, or metabolic health.

Hair loss treatment is not one-size-fits-all.

Your plan depends on the type of hair loss, how advanced it is, your goals, your medical history, your tolerance for side effects, and whether you prefer topical, oral, or procedural options.

At Doctor360, treatment may include prescription medication, topical treatments, compounded options, scalp care advice, blood testing, and referral for procedural treatments where appropriate.

Minoxidil is one of the most commonly used treatments for hair loss.

It may help slow hair loss, support thicker hair growth, and improve hair density in some men. It is usually used long-term, and results take time.

Most men need to use it consistently for at least several months before judging whether it is working.

Minoxidil may be used as:

• Topical foam

• Topical solution

• Prescription-strength compounded topical treatment

• Oral minoxidil, where clinically appropriate

Possible side effects can include scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth in nearby areas, shedding in the early stages, dizziness, fluid retention, or changes in heart rate depending on the form used.

Your doctor can help decide whether minoxidil is appropriate for you.

Finasteride is a prescription medication used for male pattern hair loss.

It works by reducing conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone that contributes to hair follicle miniaturisation in genetically susceptible men.

For many men, finasteride can help slow hair loss. Some may also notice improved thickness or regrowth over time.

It usually needs to be taken consistently and long-term to maintain benefits.

Possible side effects may include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, changes in mood, breast tenderness, or changes in ejaculation. These are not common for every patient, but they are important to discuss properly before starting treatment.

Doctor360 can help you weigh the benefits and risks based on your situation.

Dutasteride is another medication that reduces DHT and may be considered in some men.

It is generally more potent at reducing DHT than finasteride, but it also needs careful medical consideration because side effects and suitability vary between patients.

Dutasteride may be discussed where clinically appropriate, especially if hair loss is progressing or previous treatment has not been enough.

As with any prescription medication, it should be used under medical guidance.

Some men may benefit from compounded treatment options that combine several active ingredients into one formulation.

These may include combinations such as:

• Minoxidil

• Finasteride

• Dutasteride

• Anti-inflammatory scalp support

• Other supportive ingredients depending on the formulation

Compounded topical treatments can be useful for men who want a targeted scalp approach or who are not suitable for certain oral medications.

The best option depends on your type of hair loss, medical history, side effect profile, and treatment goals.

Some men may also consider procedural options such as PRP for hair loss.

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, involves using components from your own blood to support the scalp and hair follicles. It is commonly used as a supportive treatment for hair thinning and male pattern hair loss.

PRP may be more useful when hair follicles are still active. It is not a magic fix, and it is not suitable for every type or stage of hair loss.

Doctor360 can help you understand whether PRP, microneedling, exosome-based treatments, or referral for hair transplant advice may be worth considering depending on your goals and the stage of your hair loss.

Some men notice hair loss after using testosterone, SARMs, anabolic steroids, or other performance-enhancing substances.

This can happen because some compounds may increase androgen exposure or DHT-related effects in men who are genetically prone to male pattern hair loss.

If you are using testosterone, TRT, SARMs, anabolic steroids, or black market products, you do not need to hide this during your consultation.

Our role is not to judge you. Our role is to help you understand what may be contributing, check relevant health markers where appropriate, and discuss safer options.

Hair loss should be assessed more carefully if it is:

• Sudden

• Patchy

• Associated with scalp pain, redness, itching, or scaling

• Occurring after illness, surgery, major stress, or rapid weight loss

• Happening alongside fatigue, low mood, low libido, or other hormone symptoms

• Associated with unexplained weight change

• Occurring with other skin or autoimmune symptoms

In these cases, blood testing or specialist referral may be recommended.

Hair growth is slow.

Most treatments take at least 3 to 6 months before early changes are noticeable. More meaningful results often take 6 to 12 months.

The aim is usually to:

• Slow further hair loss

• Stabilise shedding

• Improve thickness where possible

• Preserve existing hair

• Support regrowth if follicles are still active

The earlier treatment starts, the better the chance of maintaining what you have.

Doctor360 offers discreet, doctor-led care for men’s hair loss across New Zealand.

With Doctor360, you get:

• Online consultations from home

• Doctor-led assessment

• Prescription hair loss treatment where clinically appropriate

• Advice on finasteride, dutasteride, minoxidil, and compounded options

• Support with male pattern baldness and thinning hair

• Blood testing where needed

• Review of hormones, medications, testosterone, SARMs, or anabolic steroid use where relevant

• Practical treatment plans based on your goals

• Honest advice about what is realistic

We do not promise miracle results. We give you a proper medical plan and help you act early.

1. Book your consultation

Choose an online appointment time with Doctor360.

2. Complete your health information

You may be asked to complete a short health questionnaire about your hair loss, medical history, medications, family history, and treatment goals.

3. Speak with a doctor

Your doctor will assess the pattern of hair loss, possible causes, and treatment options.

4. Blood testing may be arranged

If clinically appropriate, blood tests may be recommended to check for underlying contributors.

5. Receive a personalised treatment plan

Your plan may include minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, compounded treatments, scalp care advice, further testing, or referral for procedural options.

6. Review progress

Hair loss treatment takes time. Follow-up helps assess response, side effects, and whether the plan needs adjusting.

If your hairline is changing, your crown is thinning, or you are noticing more hair shedding than usual, it is worth getting proper advice early.

Doctor360 provides discreet, doctor-led hair loss treatment for men across New Zealand.

Book a Doctor360 hair loss consultation and get a practical treatment plan before more hair is lost.