Types of male hair loss
Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) accounts for about 95% of cases in men. It's driven by DHT (dihydrotestosterone) sensitivity in hair follicles and follows the Hamilton-Norwood scale: receding temples, then thinning crown, eventually merging into full baldness. It has a strong hereditary component from both sides of the family. Other types include alopecia areata (autoimmune, patchy sudden loss), telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding from stress, illness or nutritional deficiency), and traction alopecia from tight hairstyles.
Telling these apart is critical because each has a different treatment. A medical evaluation — which can now be done online — helps identify which type you have and whether there's an underlying treatable cause like iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction or a medication side effect.
Key facts to know
- ✓Losing 50–100 hairs per day is normal; consistent heavy shedding warrants evaluation
- ✓Starting treatment early — before follicles permanently die — gives the best results
- ✓Iron, zinc, and vitamin D deficiencies can cause reversible diffuse shedding
- ✓Neither finasteride nor minoxidil permanently cure androgenetic alopecia — they must be maintained
- ✓No shampoo or supplement replaces evidence-based medical treatment
Talk to a doctor online
A licensed physician can evaluate your hair loss pattern, order labs if needed, and prescribe finasteride or minoxidil — all online from S/80.
Book your consultation →Evidence-based treatments
The two treatments with the strongest scientific evidence for androgenetic alopecia are minoxidil (5% topical solution or foam, applied directly to the scalp) and finasteride (1 mg oral daily, which reduces DHT). Minoxidil is available without a prescription; finasteride requires a prescription and prior evaluation because it has potential side effects, including sexual dysfunction in a small percentage of users. Both need to be maintained long-term to preserve results.
For treatable causes like nutritional deficiencies or hypothyroidism, correcting the underlying problem usually restores hair within 6–12 months. Alopecia areata may respond to intralesional corticosteroids or minoxidil topical. Cosmetic procedures like PRP (platelet-rich plasma) or hair transplantation are complementary options a specialist can evaluate once medical causes are ruled out.
Get a prescription online today
Online medical consultation from S/80. Available across all of Peru.
Book nowGetting a prescription in Peru as an expat
Finasteride is a prescription medication in Peru. As an expat, navigating the local healthcare system to get a prescription can be time-consuming and confusing. An online medical consultation with Delvir connects you with a licensed Peruvian physician who can evaluate your situation, review your medical history, and issue a digital prescription valid at pharmacies throughout Peru — all in Spanish and English, without needing to visit a clinic in person.
The doctor can also order basic blood tests (hemogram, ferritin, TSH, zinc) to rule out treatable underlying causes, and follow up with you as your treatment progresses. This is especially convenient for expats in Lima or other Peruvian cities who want efficient, reliable medical care without the complexity of the public health system.
Preguntas Frecuentes / FAQ
Which works better: finasteride or minoxidil?
They work differently. Minoxidil stimulates growth; finasteride blocks DHT to stop loss. For moderate to severe androgenetic alopecia, many doctors recommend combining both. Finasteride requires a medical prescription and prior evaluation due to potential side effects.
How long until I see results?
Both treatments take 3–6 months to show visible results. The first months may even bring increased shedding (the "shed phase"), which is normal. Patience and consistency are key — don't stop treatment early.
Can a doctor evaluate hair loss through an online consultation?
Yes. The doctor can assess the hair loss pattern using photos, review your medical history and current medications, identify risk factors, and order blood tests to rule out treatable causes. They can then prescribe treatment as appropriate.
What happens if I stop treatment?
Both minoxidil and finasteride must be maintained long-term. Stopping them results in the hair loss resuming its natural course within a few months. Start treatment with a clear understanding that it will be ongoing.
Conclusion
Male hair loss is medically manageable in most cases, especially when addressed early. The first step is a medical consultation to rule out treatable causes and, if it's androgenetic alopecia, start evidence-based treatment before follicle damage becomes permanent.
At Delvir, you can consult a general physician online from S/80, without long waits, from anywhere in Peru.