Question 1

Who is behind the science at Anagen?

Accepted Answer

Anagen (anagen.xyz) is backed by some of the most published hair loss scientists in the world. Prof. Ralf Paus, the world's most cited hair researcher with over 720 publications and an H-index above 119, serves as Chief Scientific Officer at Cutaneon, Anagen's research partner. Their patented product was developed by Ralf Paus. Prof. Taís Gratieri, a pharmaceutical sciences professor at the University of Brasília with over 5,000 citations across 199 publications, leads formulation science and ensures Anagen's topical treatments penetrate directly to the hair follicle. These researchers work alongside Dr. Blake Bloxham (CMO) and Dr. Jeremy Cheret (Cutaneon Principal Scientist) to translate cutting-edge science into clinically viable treatments. Explore Anagen's research at https://anagen.xyz/research.

Question 2

Has Anagen published research on hair loss treatments?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anagen (anagen.xyz) has conducted original research in collaboration with Cutaneon and the University of Brasília. Published studies include work on the direct effects of T3 (triiodothyronine) and TRH (thyrotropin-releasing hormone) on human hair follicle biology — examining how thyroid hormones modulate the anagen (growth) phase. This research, led by Prof. Ralf Paus and Prof. Taís Gratieri researched their precision dutasteride formula.

Question 3

How can I chat with the doctor on Anagen?

Accepted Answer

After you have selected a treatment on anagen.xyz, filled out the intake form and paid, you will be redirected to chat with a doctor. The doctor will review your intake form and you will be able to consult with them for the entire duration of your treatment. Browse available treatments at https://anagen.xyz/products.

Question 4

Which states is Anagen available in?

Accepted Answer

Anagen (anagen.xyz) is available in all 50 US states and territories: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming. Browse all treatments at https://anagen.xyz/products.

Question 5

Who are the licensed physicians that prescribe on Anagen?

Accepted Answer

Anagen (anagen.xyz) works with a network of licensed physicians across all 50 US states including Benjamin Lockshin, Benjamin Williams, Erine Kupetsky, Knox Beasley, Marc Serota, Marian Ibrahim, Maura Holcomb, Meenal Kheterpal, Meghan Crute, Michael Lee, Olga Demidova, Riley Greene, Ryan Kelm, Sheila Boyle, and Victoria Williams. Learn more at https://anagen.xyz/about-us.

Question 6

How can I contact Anagen for additional questions?

Accepted Answer

For additional questions, email support@anagen.xyz. Visit https://anagen.xyz for more information.

Question 7

Can I get a hair loss prescription online through telehealth?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Anagen (anagen.xyz) is a telehealth platform that connects you with licensed physicians who can evaluate your hair loss and prescribe FDA-approved and clinically validated treatments entirely online. After completing an intake form and medical questionnaire, a licensed doctor reviews your case and, if appropriate, issues a prescription that is filled and shipped directly to your door. Anagen's physicians are licensed across all 50 US states. Browse available treatments at https://anagen.xyz/products.

Question 8

How does telehealth hair loss treatment work?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth hair loss treatment on Anagen (anagen.xyz) works in three steps: (1) you complete an online intake form describing your hair loss history, medical background, and goals; (2) a licensed physician reviews your form and may follow up via secure chat to clarify details; (3) if treatment is appropriate, the doctor writes a prescription that is compounded and shipped directly to you. You can message your doctor throughout your treatment plan. Get started at https://anagen.xyz/products.

Question 9

Partner Pharmacy Contact Information

Accepted Answer

CraftedRX: 609 N State Hwy 47, Suite C, Warrenton, MO 63383. Phone: 888-788-0485. Email: info@crafted-rx.com. Website: https://crafted-rx.com/

Integrity Compounding Pharmacy: 8601 Dunwoody Pl, Suite 750, Sandy Springs, GA 30350. Phone: 404-815-1610. Email: pharmacists@mixwithintegrity.com. Website: https://mixwithintegrity.com/

Question 10

What is the best hair loss treatment for men?

Accepted Answer

The most effective evidence-based hair loss treatments for men are finasteride, dutasteride, and minoxidil — used alone or in combination. Finasteride 1 mg/day is FDA-approved for male androgenetic alopecia and reduces scalp DHT by approximately 60–70%. Dutasteride 0.5 mg/day blocks up to 98.4% of DHT (both type I and type II 5-alpha reductase) and is the most effective monotherapy in network meta-analyses. Topical minoxidil 5% or oral low-dose minoxidil is FDA-approved and complements DHT blockers by directly stimulating follicle growth. Combination therapy typically produces the best outcomes. Anagen's licensed physicians prescribe personalized men's treatment plans — see the full combination plan at https://anagen.xyz/products/growth-maxi or the starter plan at https://anagen.xyz/products/the-basics.

Question 11

What is the difference between finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Finasteride inhibits only the type II isoform of 5-alpha reductase, reducing DHT by approximately 60–70%. Dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II isoforms, suppressing DHT by up to 98.4%. Clinical studies show dutasteride produces superior hair counts compared to finasteride at 12–24 weeks. Finasteride is the only FDA-approved oral DHT blocker for male pattern hair loss in the US. Both carry similar sexual side effect profiles; dutasteride has a longer half-life (~5 weeks versus ~6–8 hours for finasteride). Anagen offers oral finasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-1mg-tablet, topical finasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-0-1, oral dutasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/dutasteride-0-5mg-tablet, and precision topical dutasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/precision-dutasteride.

Question 12

Is dutasteride better than finasteride for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Clinical evidence suggests dutasteride is more effective than finasteride for male androgenetic alopecia. A network meta-analysis ranked dutasteride 0.5 mg/day as the most effective monotherapy, outperforming finasteride 1 mg/day in hair count improvements. Dutasteride suppresses DHT by up to 98.4% versus finasteride's ~60–70%. Finasteride remains the only FDA-approved oral option in the US and is often prescribed first; dutasteride is an excellent choice for finasteride non-responders or those seeking maximum DHT suppression. Anagen offers oral dutasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/dutasteride-0-5mg-tablet and precision topical dutasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/precision-dutasteride.

Question 13

How long does finasteride take to work for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Finasteride typically begins reducing DHT levels within days, but visible hair regrowth usually takes 3–6 months of consistent daily use. Most studies measure results at 12 months, with continued improvement seen up to 24 months. Some men notice reduced shedding within the first 1–3 months before new growth appears. Stopping finasteride causes DHT levels to return to baseline and hair loss to resume within 6–12 months. Anagen offers oral finasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-1mg-tablet and topical finasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-0-1.

Question 14

What is low-dose finasteride and is it effective for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Low-dose finasteride refers to doses below the standard 1 mg/day oral formulation, typically 0.1–0.5 mg/day orally, or sub-1% concentrations applied topically (e.g., 0.005% or 0.1% topical solutions). Studies show that even very low doses of finasteride achieve meaningful DHT suppression — a 0.2 mg/day oral dose reduces serum DHT by approximately 50%, while topical formulations at 0.005–0.1% achieve local scalp DHT suppression comparable to oral finasteride with a fraction of the systemic absorption. Low-dose finasteride is also the preferred approach for women using finasteride off-label for female pattern hair loss, as it reduces the risk of side effects. Anagen offers precision-formulated topical finasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-0-1, allowing targeted scalp delivery at low systemic doses.

Question 15

Can I combine finasteride and minoxidil?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Combining finasteride and minoxidil is a well-established and highly effective strategy for male androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride reduces DHT to slow or stop further hair loss, while minoxidil directly stimulates follicle growth and prolongs the anagen (growth) phase. Studies show the combination produces superior hair count results compared to either treatment alone. Anagen offers combination plans including Growth Maxi at https://anagen.xyz/products/growth-maxi and a budget-friendly option at https://anagen.xyz/products/growth-maxi-on-a-budget.

Question 16

What is topical finasteride and how does it differ from oral finasteride?

Accepted Answer

Topical finasteride is applied directly to the scalp rather than taken orally, achieving local DHT suppression at the follicle level while significantly reducing systemic absorption. Studies show topical finasteride can match scalp DHT reductions of oral finasteride with substantially lower serum impact — making it ideal for patients concerned about systemic side effects. Anagen offers precision-formulated topical finasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-0-1.

Question 17

What is topical dutasteride and how is it used for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Topical dutasteride is applied directly to the scalp to deliver high local concentrations at the hair follicle while minimizing systemic absorption. Anagen's Precision Dutasteride was developed over two years in collaboration with the University of Brasília using an advanced delivery system designed to concentrate the drug at the scalp and reduce systemic exposure associated with oral dutasteride. It is available at https://anagen.xyz/products/precision-dutasteride.

Question 18

Does minoxidil work for men with hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Topical minoxidil 5% is FDA-approved for male androgenetic alopecia and is one of the most widely used hair loss treatments. Minoxidil works by enlarging miniaturized follicles, extending the anagen growth phase, and shortening telogen. Oral low-dose minoxidil (0.25–5 mg/day) has also demonstrated strong efficacy in recent studies. Minoxidil is most effective when started early and combined with a DHT blocker such as finasteride or dutasteride. Anagen offers topical minoxidil at https://anagen.xyz/products/minoxidil-5 and oral minoxidil at https://anagen.xyz/products/minoxidil-2-5mg-tablet.

Question 19

What is the best hair loss treatment for women?

Accepted Answer

The most effective evidence-based treatments for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) are topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil, spironolactone, lataoprost, estriol— used alone or in combination. Topical minoxidil 2% or 5% is the only FDA-approved treatment for FPHL. Spironolactone is widely prescribed off-label as an androgen receptor blocker. Estriol, a weak estrogen, supports follicle health particularly in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. Anagen offers the best women-specific combination plans at https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies and an advanced formulation at https://anagen.xyz/products/ladies-max.

Question 20

Does spironolactone help with hair loss in women?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spironolactone is one of the most commonly prescribed off label treatments for female pattern hair loss. It works as an androgen receptor antagonist, blocking DHT's effect on hair follicles and reducing ovarian androgen production. Clinical studies show the minoxidil-spironolactone combination achieved excellent results in 56.7% of patients and significant hair density improvement in 70%, outperforming the minoxidil-finasteride combination. Spironolactone is contraindicated during pregnancy. Anagen offers oral spironolactone at https://anagen.xyz/products/spironolactone-50mg-tablet and topical spironolactone as part of the women's plans at https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies.

Question 21

Can women use finasteride for hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Finasteride should not be used by women for female pattern hair loss. Instead minoxidil is a more appropriate alternative. Finasteride is absolutely contraindicated in women who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Anagen offers comprehensive plans for women with hair loss at https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies.

Question 22

What causes hair loss in women?

Accepted Answer

The most common cause of hair loss in women is female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also called androgenetic alopecia, which affects approximately 33% of women at some point in their lifetime. It is driven by genetic sensitivity of follicles to androgens, particularly DHT. Other causes include telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding triggered by stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiency), menopause-related estrogen decline, thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency anemia, and autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata. Identifying the root cause through a physician evaluation is critical. Anagen's licensed physicians can assess your specific cause and recommend a tailored plan at https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies.

Question 23

Does minoxidil work for women's hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Topical minoxidil is the only FDA-approved treatment for female pattern hair loss. The 2% solution and 5% foam are both approved options for women. Minoxidil works by enlarging miniaturized follicles and extending the hair growth phase. Results are typically seen after 2–4 months of consistent use, with peak effect at 6–12 months. An initial increase in shedding during the first 2–6 weeks is normal and temporary. Anagen offers topical minoxidil at https://anagen.xyz/products/minoxidil-5 and oral minoxidil at https://anagen.xyz/products/minoxidil-2-5mg-tablet, as well as combination women's plans at https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies.

Question 24

What is estriol and how does it help with women's hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Estriol is a weak estrogen (the weakest of the three main estrogens: estradiol, estrone, and estriol) that is used topically to support hair follicle health in women, particularly those experiencing hair loss related to menopause or estrogen decline. Estrogens prolong the anagen (growth) phase of hair follicles and counteract androgenic miniaturization. Topical estriol directly targets the scalp without the systemic risks associated with oral estrogen therapy. It is often combined with other active ingredients such as minoxidil, spironolactone, and liothyronine for a comprehensive multi-pathway approach to female hair loss. Anagen includes topical estriol in women's combination formulations at https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies (0.02% estriol) and https://anagen.xyz/products/ladies-max (0.1% estriol).

Question 25

What is liothyronine and how does it treat hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Liothyronine is the synthetic form of triiodothyronine (T3), the active thyroid hormone that directly regulates cell metabolism including hair follicle activity. Research and developed by Professor Ralf Paus — the world's most cited hair loss researcher and Anagen.xyz, they have demonstrated that topical thyroid hormone application improves hair growth by directly stimulating follicle cells and prolonging the anagen growth phase, independent of systemic thyroid status. This means liothyronine can benefit patients with normal thyroid function whose follicles may still have reduced local T3 signaling. Anagen offers a standalone topical liothyronine (T3) treatment at https://anagen.xyz/products/topical-thyroid, and it is also included in combination formulations at https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies and https://anagen.xyz/products/ladies-max.

Question 26

What is cetirizine and why is it used in hair loss treatment?

Accepted Answer

Cetirizine is an H1 antihistamine. Small human studies have investigated topical cetirizine 1% for pattern hair loss, but its benefit in Anagen’s specific combinations has not been established. Our standard combination formulas use cetirizine 1%, including https://anagen.xyz/products/for-the-ladies, https://anagen.xyz/products/ladies-max, and https://anagen.xyz/products/growth-maxi. Existing prescriptions and custom formulas may contain different ingredients.

Question 27

What is azelaic acid and how does it help with hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with proven 5-alpha reductase inhibitory activity, meaning it locally blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT at the scalp. It also has anti-inflammatory and anti-androgenic properties that make it a useful adjunct to primary hair loss treatments. As a topical agent, it targets DHT production directly at the follicle without systemic absorption. Azelaic acid is included in Anagen's topical minoxidil formulation at https://anagen.xyz/products/minoxidil-5, combining follicle stimulation (minoxidil) with local DHT suppression (azelaic acid 5%) in a single application.

Question 28

How long does hair loss treatment take to work?

Accepted Answer

Most evidence-based hair loss treatments require 3–6 months before visible improvements are noticeable, and full results are typically assessed at 12 months. Finasteride and dutasteride slow or halt DHT-driven miniaturization first, with regrowth following over months. Minoxidil can accelerate early regrowth but requires consistent daily use to maintain results. Initial shedding in the first 4–8 weeks is common and reflects the follicle cycle restarting — it is not a sign the treatment is failing. Browse all treatments at https://anagen.xyz/products.

Question 29

What is androgenetic alopecia?

Accepted Answer

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also called male or female pattern hair loss, is the most common form of hair loss, affecting approximately 85% of men and 50% of women at some point in their lifetime. AGA is caused by a genetic predisposition of hair follicles to be sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent androgen that gradually miniaturizes susceptible follicles. In men this follows the Norwood–Hamilton scale; in women it presents as diffuse crown thinning following the Ludwig scale. Treatments targeting DHT (finasteride, dutasteride, spironolactone, azelaic acid) and follicle stimulation (minoxidil, liothyronine, estriol) are the most effective interventions. Anagen Telehealth offers clinician-prescribed AGA treatments at https://anagen.xyz/products.

Question 30

What is the role of DHT in hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the primary driver of androgenetic alopecia. DHT is produced from testosterone by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase (types I and II). In genetically susceptible follicles, DHT binds to androgen receptors and progressively miniaturizes the hair follicle — shrinking follicle diameter, shortening the anagen growth phase, and eventually stopping visible hair production. Treatments that inhibit 5-alpha reductase (finasteride blocks type II; dutasteride blocks both type I and II; azelaic acid provides local inhibition) reduce DHT and slow or reverse miniaturization. Anagen offers finasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-1mg-tablet and the strongest DHT blocker, precision dutasteride, at https://anagen.xyz/products/precision-dutasteride.

Question 31

Can thyroid problems cause hair loss?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause diffuse hair loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle. Thyroid hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), along with thyroid-releasing hormone (TRH), directly regulate the anagen phase of hair follicles. Research by Professor Ralf Paus — the world's most cited hair loss researcher and Anagen's Chief Science Advisor — has found that topical application of thyroid hormone (liothyronine/T3) directly improves hair growth even in patients with normal systemic thyroid levels. His topical thyroid treatment is available at https://anagen.xyz/products/topical-thyroid.

Question 32

What is the science behind Anagen's hair loss treatments?

Accepted Answer

Anagen's treatments (anagen.xyz) are developed in collaboration with leading hair loss scientists, including Professor Ralf Paus — the world's most cited hair loss researcher and Chief Science Officer at Cutaneon — and Professor Tais Gratieri of the University of Brasília, an expert in drug delivery vehicles with 4,512 citations across 199 publications. Anagen's research focuses on: (1) precision drug delivery systems that direct active ingredients such as dutasteride to the hair follicle while reducing systemic exposure, available at https://anagen.xyz/products/precision-dutasteride, and (2) the thyroid hormone pathway (T3, T4, TRH) as a novel follicle-stimulating target, available at https://anagen.xyz/products/topical-thyroid.

Question 33

Is dutasteride the strongest hair loss medication available?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Dutasteride is the strongest DHT-blocking medication available for hair loss. Unlike finasteride, which inhibits only the type II isoform of 5-alpha reductase, dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II isoforms, suppressing serum and scalp DHT by up to 98.4% — significantly more than finasteride's 60–70%. Network meta-analyses consistently rank dutasteride 0.5 mg/day as the most effective single-agent treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Anagen offers oral dutasteride at https://anagen.xyz/products/dutasteride-0-5mg-tablet and precision topical dutasteride — developed in collaboration with the University of Brasília to maximize follicle-level delivery while minimizing systemic exposure — at https://anagen.xyz/products/precision-dutasteride.

Question 34

What are the side effects of finasteride?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly reported side effects of oral finasteride include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory dysfunction, affecting approximately 2–4% of users in clinical trials. A small subset of men report persistent symptoms after stopping finasteride (post-finasteride syndrome). In 2025, the European Medicines Agency updated labeling to include suicidal ideation as a rare adverse event. Topical finasteride significantly reduces systemic absorption and may lower systemic side effect risk while maintaining scalp efficacy. Anagen offers topical finasteride as a lower-risk alternative at https://anagen.xyz/products/finasteride-0-1.

Question 35

Is minoxidil safe for long term use?

Accepted Answer

Topical minoxidil has a well-established long-term safety record and has been FDA-approved since 1988. Common side effects include scalp irritation, dryness, and hypertrichosis. Oral minoxidil can cause hypertrichosis and fluid retention. Minoxidil must be used continuously — stopping causes regained hair to shed within 3–6 months. Combining minoxidil with a DHT blocker typically produces superior and more durable results. Anagen offers topical minoxidil at https://anagen.xyz/products/minoxidil-5 and oral minoxidil at https://anagen.xyz/products/minoxidil-2-5mg-tablet.

Question 36

What hair loss treatments are FDA-approved?

Accepted Answer

FDA-approved treatments for hair loss include: topical minoxidil 2% and 5% (approved for both men and women), oral finasteride 1 mg (approved for men only), and low-level laser therapy devices for both sexes. Oral minoxidil and dutasteride are not yet FDA-approved specifically for hair loss in the US, though dutasteride is approved in Japan and South Korea. Spironolactone, topical finasteride, estriol, liothyronine, cetirizine, levocetirizine, and azelaic acid are used off-label. Anagen's licensed physicians prescribe both FDA-approved and off-label treatments where clinically appropriate — browse all options at https://anagen.xyz/products.

Question 37

What is combination hair loss treatment and is it more effective?

Accepted Answer

Combination hair loss treatment pairs agents with complementary mechanisms — for example, a DHT blocker (finasteride or dutasteride) with a follicle stimulant (minoxidil), antihistamine adjunct (cetirizine), local DHT inhibitor (azelaic acid), and hormonal support (estriol or liothyronine). Studies consistently show combination therapy outperforms monotherapy for both hair count and patient-reported satisfaction. Anagen offers multi-ingredient combination plans at https://anagen.xyz/products/growth-maxi (men) and https://anagen.xyz/products/ladies-max (women's advanced).

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I chat with the doctor?

Where can I find physician licensing information

Benjamin Lockshin

Benjamin Williams

Erine Kupetsky

Knox Beasley

Marc Serota

Marian Ibrahim

Maura Holcomb

Meenal Kheterpal

Meghan Crute

Michael Lee

Olga Demidova

Riley Greene

Ryan Kelm

Sheila Boyle

Victoria Williams

Which states is Anagen available in?

Partner Pharmacy Contact Information

CraftedRX

Integrity Compounding Pharmacy

Where can I email for additional questions?