The Rise of Telehealth and the Democratization of Hair Loss Treatments
In recent years, telehealth companies like Hims and Keeps have transformed the way individuals access treatments for hair loss. By offering online consultations and delivering medications directly to customers’ doors, these platforms have made it easier than ever for people to address thinning hair and other cosmetic concerns. Their marketing efforts, particularly on social media, have been highly effective in reaching a younger demographic eager for quick and convenient solutions. However, beneath the sleek branding and promise of accessibility lies a more complex reality. For some customers, the convenience and affordability of these services have come at a significant cost, highlighting the potential risks of streamlined healthcare.
The Dark Side of Convenience: A Patient’s harrowing Experience
One such case is that of Mark Millich, a 26-year-old former U.S. Army sergeant who turned to Hims for a solution to his hair loss. After completing a short questionnaire on the platform, Millich was quickly prescribed finasteride, a drug commonly used to treat male-pattern baldness under the brand name Propecia. Days after starting the medication, Millich began experiencing a cascade of troubling side effects—first anxiety and dizziness, followed by slurred speech. The situation worsened when his sex drive plummeted, and his genitals shrank and changed shape. His doctor confirmed that these symptoms were linked to the medication, leaving Millich to grapple with the devastating consequences of a treatment he had hoped would restore his confidence.
Millich’s story is not an isolated incident. The Wall Street Journal spoke to 17 men who experienced severe side effects after obtaining finasteride through telehealth companies. Many of these individuals, including Millich, claim they were not adequately informed about the potential risks of the medication. This raises significant questions about the adequacy of the consent process and the transparency of these platforms.
Finasteride: A Double-Edged Sword in Hair Loss Treatment
Finasteride, the drug at the center of this controversy, has been a widely prescribed treatment for male-pattern baldness since its approval in 1997. While it has been proven effective in promoting hair regrowth, it is also known to carry serious side effects. These include sexual dysfunction, depression, and even suicidal thoughts in rare cases. The FDA has updated the drug’s label over the years to reflect these risks, emphasizing the potential for long-term and irreversible consequences.
Despite these warnings, finasteride remains a popular choice for hair loss treatment, and telehealth companies have capitalized on its demand. While traditional drug companies are required to disclose side effects and risks in their advertising, telehealth providers are not held to the same standard. They claim to provide detailed safety information on their websites, but critics argue that this information is often buried or presented in a way that minimizes the severity of potential side effects.
Regulatory Loopholes and the Lack of Transparency
The rapid growth of telehealth companies has exposed gaps in regulatory oversight, particularly when it comes to patient education and consent. Unlike traditional healthcare providers, these platforms are not obligated to disclose side effects and risks in their advertising. While they may include this information on their websites, it is often presented in a way that is easy to overlook or dismiss. This lack of transparency has led to accusations that telehealth companies prioritize profit over patient safety.
For instance, Dr. Justin Houman, a urologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has seen a surge in young men seeking treatment for sexual dysfunction linked to finasteride. He strongly advises against the use of the drug in younger patients, stating, “This is not something young men should take.” His warning underscores the importance of careful patient evaluation and personalized care—practices that may be compromised in the telehealth model.
A Culture of Overprescription?
Telehealth companies have been praised for democratizing access to prescription medications, but some medical experts believe this convenience may come at the cost of thorough patient evaluation. Dr. Jonathan Daly, an internal medicine physician who worked for Hims for two years, recalls feeling pressured to prescribe medications quickly, saying, “It was more of a ‘let’s go ahead and prescribe, get as many patients as we can to use medications from us’” approach. This anecdotal evidence suggests that some telehealth platforms may prioritize volume over patient well-being, potentially putting individuals at risk.
Representatives from Hims have defended their practices, arguing that customers undergo a comprehensive intake process reviewed by licensed providers. However, patients like Millich and Sawyer Hart, another individual who experienced severe side effects, dispute these claims. They believe they were not adequately informed of the risks associated with finasteride, highlighting a disconnect between the company’s assurances and the real-world experiences of its customers.
Balancing Accessibility and Patient Safety in the Telehealth Era
The rise of telehealth companies like Hims and Keeps reflects a broader shift in healthcare toward convenience and accessibility. While these platforms have undoubtedly made it easier for individuals to address cosmetic and medical concerns, the stories of patients like Mark Millich serve as a cautionary tale. They remind us that the streamlined, tech-driven approach of telehealth must not come at the expense of thorough patient evaluation and clear communication of risks.
As the telehealth industry continues to grow, regulators and providers must work together to ensure that the benefits of increased access to care are not overshadowed by the potential for harm. This includes stricter oversight of advertising practices, better patient education, and a commitment to prioritizing health and safety over profit. Only then can platforms like Hims and Keeps truly fulfill their promise of making healthcare more accessible without compromising on the quality of care.
