Hair Loss in Men: What Causes It and How Modern Medicine Can Help

By LifeRxUpdated December 6, 20254 min read
Hair Loss in Men: What Causes It and How Modern Medicine Can Help

If you’re noticing more hair on your pillow or a receding hairline in the mirror, you’re not alone. Over 50 million men in the U.S. experience hair loss—and most begin...

If you’re noticing more hair on your pillow or a receding hairline in the mirror, you’re not alone. Over 50 million men in the U.S. experience hair loss—and most begin seeing changes before age 40. While genetics play a major role, hair loss isn’t something you have to accept as inevitable.

Today, medical treatments can slow, stop, or even reverse thinning hair with the right clinical guidance.

At LifeRx.md, we help men take control of their hair health through science-backed, personalized care. Here’s what’s really happening beneath the scalp—and what modern medicine can do about it.

Why Hair Loss Happens — The Role of DHT and Genetics

The most common cause of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness. It’s driven by a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT)—a byproduct of testosterone.

Here’s what DHT does:

  • It binds to receptors in hair follicles.

  • Over time, it causes follicles to shrink, producing thinner, shorter hairs.

  • Eventually, follicles can stop growing hair altogether.

Your genetic sensitivity to DHT determines where and how quickly this process occurs—typically beginning at the temples or crown (known as the Norwood pattern).


Other factors that may contribute to hair loss include:

  • Chronic stress and poor sleep

  • Nutrient deficiencies (iron, vitamin D, zinc)

  • Thyroid or hormonal imbalance

  • Certain medications

The good news: Modern treatments target these exact pathways—helping preserve and restore your natural hair.

The Most Effective Medical Treatments for Hair Loss

Not all “hair growth” products work. The key is using clinically proven, FDA-approved treatments under medical supervision.

1. Finasteride: Stopping Hair Loss at the Source

Finasteride (oral or topical) blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, reducing scalp DHT levels by up to 60–70%.

This helps slow or completely stop hair loss in most men—and often leads to visible regrowth within 3–6 months.

LifeRx approach:
Our clinicians prescribe personalized finasteride doses and, when appropriate, topical compounded formulas to help minimize systemic side effects while maintaining strong results.

2. Minoxidil: Reawakening Dormant Follicles

Minoxidil improves blood flow to the scalp and lengthens the hair growth cycle.
With consistent use, it helps dormant follicles produce thicker, stronger strands.

Available as a foam or topical serum, minoxidil works best when paired with finasteride.

3. Combination Therapy: The Power Duo

Research shows that combining finasteride + minoxidil produces significantly better results than either treatment alone.

  • Finasteride stops future hair loss.

  • Minoxidil promotes regrowth.

Together, they address both the cause and the symptom.

4. Emerging Treatments

Beyond medications, these therapies can support results:

  • Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) – Enhances scalp blood flow and cellular activity.

  • Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) – Uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to rejuvenate follicles.

  • Nutritional & Hormonal Support – Vitamin optimization, thyroid checks, and testosterone testing through LifeRx telehealth panels.

What Makes Medical Hair Care Safer and More Effective


Hair loss is a medical condition—not a cosmetic inconvenience.
Self-prescribing or using unregulated products can delay treatment or increase risk.

LifeRx.md offers a safer, clinically guided approach:

  • Telehealth consultations with licensed U.S. clinicians

  • Personalized prescription plans based on your scalp type, history, and goals

  • Follow-up monitoring to track regrowth and adjust treatment if needed

  • Transparent education about the FDA alert on compounded topical finasteride, so you fully understand benefits and risks

When medical care is personalized and monitored, your results—and your safety—both improve.

How to Know Which Treatment Is Right for You

Choosing between oral finasteride, topical finasteride, minoxidil, or combination therapy depends on:

  • Your stage of hair loss (early, moderate, or advanced)

  • Your sensitivity to medications

  • Your lifestyle and routine

  • Your overall health and hormonal profile

At LifeRx.md, you’ll complete a virtual assessment with photos and a short questionnaire.
A provider then recommends a treatment plan tailored to your goals and comfort level.

When to Start Treatment

The earlier you begin, the better your chances of preserving your hair.

Ideal time to start treatment:

  • You’ve noticed shedding for more than 3 months

  • Your hairline or crown looks thinner in photos

  • You have a family history of male pattern baldness

Once follicles shrink completely, regrowth becomes more difficult—so early action matters.

Key Takeaway

Hair loss may be common, but it’s not something you have to accept.
Modern medicine makes it possible to protect, preserve, and regrow hair safely—especially when your care is personalized by clinicians who understand the science.

At LifeRx.md, we take the guesswork out of men’s hair health with evidence-based prescriptions, ongoing support, and discreet telehealth care.

Ready to take control of your hair health?

Get a personalized treatment plan designed by LifeRx clinicians—delivered discreetly to your door.
[Start Your Hair Loss Consultation →]