Request a prescription DHT Blocker

Response time: 1-2 working days

Board-certified dermatologists
Available in all 50 states
Choice between oral, topical, generic or compounded medication

*Your medication requests undergo review by an independent, board-certified dermatologist to ensure they are suitable for your skin condition. The cost of the medication is not included.

Medically reviewed by:
Dr. Eric Howell
Dermatologist

minoxidil and finasteride topical solutions for hair loss

What is a DHT blocker and how do they work?

DHT blockers are substances that inhibit the action of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that is linked to hair loss in conditions like androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). DHT blockers inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, minimizing DHT levels in the scalp and reducing hair follicle shrinkage and the associated hair loss.¹

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What prescription DHT Blockers are available via Miiskin?

Your dermatologist will determine the type of medicine that is best for your condition: oral, topical, generic or compounded. They may also choose to compound a DHT blocker with other ingredients (if they deem it adequate for your hair concern).

Topical formulas may include:

Minoxidil
Finasteride
Dutasteride
Spironolactone
Latanoprost
Tretinoin
Salicylic acid
Ketoconazole

Oral formulas may include:

Minoxidil
Finasteride
Dutasteride
Spironolactone
Vitamin D

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Important Disclaimer: Compounded medications are not reviewed by the FDA for safety or efficacy.

How can I get a DHT blocker prescription?

Do you need a prescription to get a DHT blocker?

Finasteride and dutasteride are both prescription-grade medications, therefore you need to have a consultation with a healthcare professional.

How to get a prescription for a DHT blocker?

You can have an online consultation via Miiskin. The doctor may write a prescription for finasteride or dutasteride if they believe it is safe and adequate for you. Consultation price is $59 for new patients, and $39 for prescription renewals.

How much do DHT blockers cost?

Your dermatologist can prescribe your medication to any pharmacy your prefer, and the price of medication will vary depending on your state and the pharmacy your choose.

Through Miiskin, you can choose Foothills Pharmacy as your preferred pharmacy and place your order directly once your prescription is issued.

Oral medications from Foothills typically cost between $24.99 – $38.99, based on the pill count your clinician prescribes (30, 60, 90, or 120 pills). This price includes free delivery.

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What is DHT?

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that evolves from testosterone, a major androgen responsible for developing male traits. Produced by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, this transformation of testosterone into DHT happens in various body tissues, including the skin, liver, and prostate.

DHT plays a vital role in male sexual development from fetal stages through adulthood, aiding in the differentiation of sexual organs and contributing to characteristics like facial and body hair growth, as well as prostate enlargement. It also supports libido and muscle mass maintenance in adults.

However, DHT is linked to several health issues, such as androgenetic alopecia (commonly known as male pattern baldness) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). To combat these conditions, medications like finasteride and dutasteride are employed to inhibit DHT production by blocking the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, effectively reducing DHT levels.

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Benefits of getting a prescription-strength DHT Blocker

Reduction in hair loss

Finasteride is primarily used to slow down or stop hair loss by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the hormone responsible for hair follicle shrinkage.

Increase in hair regrowth

Finasteride can also promote new hair growth but this can vary significantly from person to person, but most users report an increase in hair density over time.

Maintenance of existing hair

By lowering scalp levels of DHT, finasteride helps to maintain existing hair by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle and preventing further follicular miniaturization.

Improved self-esteem

Hair loss can be a significant source of stress and anxiety for many people. Managing hair loss can improve self-esteem and overall quality of life.

Requesting a prescription DHT blocker is very simple with Miiskin

Select “Start your consultation” to sign-up with Miiskin.
Use the consultation form to request DHT blocker.
If medically appropriate, you will receive a prescription from a dermatologist.
Pick up your DHT blocker at the pharmacy of your choice.

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Side-effects of a prescription-strength DHT blocker

Sexual side-effects: These are some of the most commonly reported issues, including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorders. These effects occur in a minority of patients but can be significant and sometimes persist after stopping the medication.
Psychological effects: There have been reports of depression and anxiety in users taking finasteride, which should be monitored closely.
Hormonal changes: Finasteride reduces DHT levels, which can lead to a decrease in certain masculine physical characteristics or changes in the way the body metabolizes hormones.
Effect on fertility: Some studies have noted a potential impact on sperm parameters, but these effects are generally reversible after discontinuation of the drug².

Who can take prescription DHT blockers for hair growth?

Finasteride is primarily prescribed for adult men with androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), particularly effective for those with mild to moderate hair loss. It helps prevent further hair loss and encourages hair regrowth. Continuous use is necessary to maintain benefits, and stopping the medication will likely result in the loss of any hair gained during treatment. It’s crucial for men considering finasteride to consult with a healthcare provider to evaluate if it’s suitable based on their health condition and to discuss potential side effects. Women, especially pregnant ones, should avoid finasteride due to the risk of birth defects in male fetuses.

Who cannot take prescription DHT blockers (finasteride) for hair growth?

Women and children: Finasteride is not approved for use in women and children. The drug can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Additionally, finasteride has not been shown to be safe or effective in children.
Patients allergic to finasteride: Anyone who has a known allergy to finasteride or any of its components should avoid taking it. Allergic reactions can include rash, itching, hives, and swelling of the lips or face.
Patients with liver disease: Those with liver function impairments should use finasteride with caution, as it is metabolized in the liver and could potentially lead to increased side effects or reduced clearance of the drug from the body.
Those at risk of prostate cancer: Men considering finasteride for the treatment of BPH should be evaluated for prostate cancer before starting and during treatment, as finasteride can alter PSA levels, which are used to screen for prostate cancer.
Men taking medications similar to finasteride: such as dutasteride, should be aware of potential interactions and compound effects, especially concerning side effects associated with these types of drugs.

Provider & Prescription Information

Miiskin connects patients with independent dermatologists who provide care through their private practices. Compounded prescriptions can be ordered via Miiskin and are dispensed by Foothills pharmacy. Generic prescriptions can be filled at any local or online pharmacy.

What patients say about Miiskin

Very happy with this service. Quick and easy. With someone with not the greatest insurance and super busy. This was perfect. Got my prescription next day and great advice for my condition.

Marcus Liniarski,
Patient Review →

I had a great experience with Miiskin – I was able to get my prescription very quickly and their app is easy to use. It was very convenient and their team is very responsive. I highly recommend them and will likely use them in the future for other skin issues.

Susie Tse,
Patient Review →

What a technology! I was very impressed by the speed of communication with a doctor using the Miiskin app. Losing my hair has been my biggest concern, but I didn’t have the courage to reveal my bald spot to a doctor in person. Miiskin solved all my issues instantly. I just took a photo in my own room, uploaded it, and wrote about my concerns. That’s it. The best part is that without insurance, the consultation fee was much lower than any health insurance. I submitted my photo at midnight and received a prescription the very next morning. The doctor at Miiskin was very professional and empathetic, which really helped ease my emotional distress. Although I’m just at the beginning stage of my treatment and haven’t seen significant results yet, I feel reassured and supported. I will definitely upload my progress in 3 to 4 months to show my appreciation for the prescription from Miiskin.

Jiyeon Kang,
Patient Review →

My dermatologist was extremely quick, reviewed my consultation request within 2hrs and I had my Rx the next day! The Miiskin team also responds within minutes and are very polite and communicated concisely. I’ll never make a in person appointment again after experiencing this outstanding and affordable telehealth service!

Dion H,
Patient Review →

Quick response from the dermatologist — I wanted a fast turnaround for a skin concern that would be more immediate than going through health insurance, making an appointment, traveling to the doctor.

Timothy C.
Patient Review →

Got more questions about getting a DHT Blocker prescription?

What will a DHT blocker do?

Dr. Om says that a DHT blocker helps lower levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone or stops it from affecting your hair follicles. Since DHT is one of the main causes of pattern hair loss, blocking it can slow down or even stop hair thinning. He adds that many people even see regrowth, especially if the hair follicles haven’t fully shut down.

What are signs of high DHT?

Dr. Om explains that high DHT levels usually show up as hair loss, especially at the temples or crown in men, or thinning around the part line in women. Other signs can include oily skin, acne (especially on the jawline or back), and increased facial or body hair. In men, it may also be linked to an enlarged prostate.

What does high DHT feel like?

Dr. Om says you probably won’t feel high DHT directly—it’s more about what you notice over time. That could be more hair falling out, skin getting oilier, breakouts, or more coarse body hair. He points out that it’s not something you sense physically, but the changes in your skin and hair can be pretty obvious.

How to tell if there is too much DHT?

Dr. Om says the best way to tell if you have too much DHT is by paying attention to patterns like ongoing hair loss, sudden acne flare-ups, or extra hair growth in places you didn’t have it before. While there are blood tests for DHT, most of the time, a doctor can figure it out just by looking at your symptoms and asking about your history.

Are DHT blockers safe to use over long periods?

Dr. Om says that DHT blockers are generally safe to use long term if they’re monitored by a dermatologist. Many people use medications like finasteride for years with good results and minimal side effects. You just need regular check-ins to make sure your body continues to respond well.

Can DHT blockers fully prevent hair loss?

DHT blockers can slow or stop hair loss in many men, but according to Dr. Om, they don’t guarantee complete prevention. You might still notice some thinning over time, especially if you started treatment later. However, they can help you maintain more hair than if you didn’t use them at all.

Do DHT inhibitors have any impact on testosterone levels?

Dr. Om says that DHT blockers don’t usually lower your total testosterone. Instead, they reduce how much testosterone gets converted into DHT. This means your testosterone levels might slightly increase or stay the same, but DHT (the more potent form) goes down.

Is lowering DHT levels harmful?

Lowering DHT levels is safe for most people, says Dr. Om, especially when done under medical supervision. Some people may experience mild side effects like reduced libido or mood changes, but these aren’t common for everyone. You should talk to your provider if you notice anything unusual.

Is it possible to reverse DHT-related hair loss?

Yes, according to Dr. Om, in many cases you can reverse DHT-related hair loss, especially if you start treatment early. DHT blockers can help restore miniaturized follicles and lead to regrowth, but once a follicle is completely inactive, it may not come back.

Do DHT blockers interfere with beard growth?

According to Dr. Om, DHT blockers may slightly slow beard growth in some people, but it’s usually not dramatic. Since beard follicles also respond to DHT, you might notice less thickness or slower growth if you’re very sensitive to changes in hormone levels.

Which vitamins help reduce DHT?

According to Dr. Om, saw palmetto and green tea extract are natural supplements that may help lower DHT activity, though they work more gently than prescription treatments.

He also added that vitamins like B6, zinc, and biotin don’t directly block DHT, but they support hormonal balance and healthy hair growth.

Is pumpkin seed oil an effective DHT reducer?

Dr. Om says that pumpkin seed oil may have some mild DHT-blocking properties thanks to its plant sterols, but it is not a FDA-approved hair loss medication like finasteride. It might support overall scalp health, especially when used as a supplement in addition to treatment.

Are DHT blockers safe for women to use?

According to Dr. Om, DHT blockers may be safe for women if they are postmenopausal. However, oral medications like finasteride or dutasteride are not recommended for women of childbearing age as they can affect hormone-sensitive tissues and carry risks during pregnancy.

Will my hair start shedding again if I stop taking DHT blockers?

Yes, according to Dr. Om, if you stop taking DHT blockers, your hair will likely start shedding again over time. The medication only works while you’re using it. When DHT levels return to normal, hair loss may gradually pick up where it left off.

Are there lifestyle habits that naturally decrease DHT?

Dr. Om says that staying active, reducing stress, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding high-sugar or processed foods may partially help balance hormones and potentially reduce DHT naturally. Foods rich in zinc, green tea, or plant-based fats may also support healthier DHT levels.

Do DHT blockers work for every type of hair loss?

According to Dr. Om, DHT blockers are only effective for hair loss caused by DHT, like male or female pattern baldness. They won’t help with hair loss from alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, or nutritional deficiencies, so it’s important to know the cause of your hair loss first.

How can I determine whether DHT blockers are right for me?

A dermatologist can figure out if DHT blockers are right for you. By having a consultation via Miiskin, they can assess your pattern of hair loss and overall health. Remember that the earlier you get treatment, the better chance you have of keeping your hair.

Do DHT blockers influence muscle development or hormone levels?

Dr. Om says that DHT blockers may slightly affect hormone levels, but they don’t usually have a big impact on muscle development. Since they reduce DHT and not testosterone itself, most men don’t see noticeable changes in strength or muscle mass.

Can DHT blockers be used together with treatments like Minoxidil?

Yes, absolutely! Dr. Om says you can safely use DHT blockers along with Minoxidil. In fact, this combination often works better than either treatment alone. While the DHT blocker addresses the hormonal cause of hair loss, minoxidil helps stimulate new growth and improve hair density.

References:
¹https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK555930/
²https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/finasteride-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063819