Hair loss is progressive; the earlier a provider evaluates you, the more there is to work with. A licensed provider reviews whether treatment fits your pattern and history. If it does, medication ships to you directly.
ForgeVita is set up to serve all 50 states, with state eligibility verified at intake. Availability and pricing for any specific treatment are subject to the licensure and clinical judgment of the affiliated providers in your state, and individual programs may open in different states at different times. Some treatments require synchronous (video) visits in certain states; others may be offered asynchronously.
Eligibility for treatment is determined by a licensed provider following a clinical assessment. Submission of an intake does not guarantee that any prescription will be issued. Results, timelines, and product availability may vary by individual and by state.
How hair loss treatment works
Known causes, clinically studied treatments
Male pattern hair loss has known causes and clinically studied treatments. Here's what the evaluation covers.
Male pattern hair loss is driven by a hormone called DHT, which is converted from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. In genetically susceptible follicles, DHT progressively shrinks the follicle over time, shortening the growth phase until the follicle stops producing visible hair.
The most clinically studied treatments work by blocking DHT conversion or by extending the growth phase. Medications a provider may consider include finasteride, which blocks the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, and minoxidil, which extends the active growth phase and increases blood flow to follicles. Both have been studied extensively and are prescribed at a provider's clinical discretion.
Treatment is most effective when started earlier, before follicles have been permanently miniaturized. Results take months to appear, and ongoing daily use is required to maintain them. If you stop treatment, hair loss typically resumes.
The information on this page is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not rely on this content to diagnose or treat any health condition; consult a licensed healthcare provider regarding any medical question.
Clinical review
What a provider evaluates
The provider's evaluation covers your pattern, history, and individual circumstances before any prescription is issued.
01
Your pattern and history
The provider evaluates the nature of your hair loss and how far it has progressed. Treatment is most effective earlier, before follicles are permanently miniaturized.
02
Whether treatment is appropriate for you
Providers evaluate both men and women for hair loss treatment, though some medications are not appropriate for women who are or may become pregnant.
03
Long-term fit
Results take months to appear and ongoing daily use is required to maintain them. The provider discusses long-term planning during evaluation.
What's included
Provider review and discreet delivery
Here is what the program covers from first contact to ongoing care.
01
Answer a provider's questions
Complete your health intake. Your state is checked before any clinical process begins. Your answers go to the licensed provider only.
02
Provider makes the decision
The secure clinical workflow connects you with a licensed provider. They review your history, disclose every charge, and decide if treatment is appropriate. Sometimes the answer is no.
03
Ships if prescribed
If the provider prescribes treatment, medication ships from a licensed pharmacy in plain, unbranded packaging.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Honest answers about treatment, results, and cost.
What does it cost?
We don't list prices on this site because clinical fees are set by the licensed providers and pharmacy, not by us. Before you pay anything, the secure clinical workflow shows you every charge and exactly who you're paying. No charge happens before you see and approve it.
How long until I see results?
Results typically take months to appear, and individual outcomes vary considerably. Hair that has already been permanently lost to follicle miniaturization does not regrow. A provider sets expectations based on your specific pattern and history at the time of evaluation.
Can women use this program?
Providers evaluate both men and women for hair loss. Some medications are not appropriate for women who are or may become pregnant. Finasteride is a teratogen and must not be handled by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant. The provider evaluates whether any treatment option is appropriate for you based on your individual circumstances.
Do I have to use it forever?
Both finasteride and minoxidil require ongoing daily use to maintain their effect. Stopping finasteride typically leads to resumed hair loss within months. Stopping minoxidil typically results in loss of the hair maintained by treatment. Your provider discusses long-term planning during evaluation.
What are the side effects?
Oral finasteride: a small percentage of patients report sexual side effects including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, or ejaculatory changes. A subset report persistent side effects after stopping (known as Post-Finasteride Syndrome). Discuss your full medical and mental health history with your provider. Low-dose oral minoxidil carries cardiovascular considerations including fluid retention and potential changes in blood pressure or heart rate. The provider evaluates appropriateness for you individually.
Is this for androgenetic alopecia only?
This program is designed for male pattern hair loss driven by DHT. It is not evaluated or indicated for alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, scarring alopecias, or other non-androgenetic causes. The licensed provider evaluates the nature of your hair loss and determines clinical appropriateness during intake.
Other programs
More programs opening soon
Other ForgeVita programs in various stages of opening.
Hair loss medications carry real contraindications, especially in pregnancy. Read this before you start.
Medical and safety disclosure: Finasteride is a teratogen. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and must never be handled by women who are pregnant or may become pregnant, particularly in crushed or broken tablet form due to risk of absorption through skin. Finasteride should not be handled by children. A small percentage of patients report sexual side effects including libido changes, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculatory changes; a subset report persistent effects after stopping (Post-Finasteride Syndrome). Regrowth is not guaranteed and individual outcomes vary significantly. Oral minoxidil requires cardiovascular evaluation due to whole-body absorption; it is not appropriate for all patients. All prescribing decisions are made by independent licensed providers at their sole clinical discretion. ForgeVita LLC is a technology and management services company and does not practice medicine, provide clinical services, or guarantee any treatment outcome. Treatment is never guaranteed.
