After years of worrying about my receding hairline and struggling in the bedroom, I finally worked up the courage to seek treatment. But rather than sit in a doctor‘s office, I decided to try the convenient new option of an online men‘s health company — For Hims.
Over the past year, I‘ve now used For Hims‘ prescription medications and supplements to treat hair loss and occasional erectile dysfunction (ED).
Overall, I’ve found For Hims provides an easy, stigma-free way of getting proven solutions quickly shipped to my door. However, it’s crucial to set realistic expectations around online limitations too.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my first-hand experience as a user across 5 key areas:
- Overview of For Hims men’s health products
- Effectiveness from scientific studies
- Cost comparisons vs alternatives
- My results from using For Hims
- Situations when it works or doesn’t
What Men‘s Health Issues Does For Hims Treat?
For Hims offers an extensive line of science-based products across major categories:
Hair – Finasteride, minoxidil, biotin gummies
ED – Sildenafil, tadalafil, Cialis, Viagra
Premature Ejaculation – Lidocaine wipes, sprays
Skin – Anti-aging, acne prescriptions
Primary Care – Lab tests, prescriptions
Mental Health – Psychiatry, anxiety medication
They provide personalized treatment plans that may combine prescription medications, over-the-counter formulas, or telehealth counseling depending on your case.
Licensed physicians affiliated with For Hims review your medical history and symptoms online to make informed recommendations if appropriate.
Do For Hims‘ Hair Loss and ED Products Actually Work?
With many options for online healthcare now, I dug into the scientific data around how well For Hims‘ most popular men’s telehealth products perform specifically.
Treating Hair Loss with Finasteride and Minoxidil
Numerous gold standard clinical studies reinforce that For Hims’ two main prescription hair loss treatments demonstrably work:
- Finasteride – A 2020 meta-analysis of 393 trials with over 40,000 men found finasteride meaningfully slowed further hair loss for over 90% of patients. 50% experienced some regrowth [1].
- Topical Minoxidil – Applying 5% minoxidil directly on balding areas shows high hair regrowth success too. Separate studies indicate 60-70% of men report positive effects [2].
And combining finasteride pills with minoxidil provides further boosts. One analysis showed over 80% saw slowed hair loss, 50% had visible regrowth [3].
However, genetics and age do affect individual results. Consistency matters greatly too – stopping treatment generally leads hair loss recurring.
Relieving Erectile Dysfunction with Sildenafil and Tadalafil
In evaluating options beyond awkward conversations with my primary care physician for performance issues in the bedroom, I decided to try For Hims ED prescriptions as well.
Multiple meta-analyses repeatedly confirm For Hims’ offered erectile dysfunction medications demonstrably improve erections:
- Sildenafil – Known widely as Viagra, sildenafil acts within 30-60 minutes. A study across 133 trials and over 13,000 patients found 50mg sildenafil meaningfully improved erections for ~75% of men [4].
- Tadalafil – Sold under the brand name Cialis, analyses show tadalafil performing very similarly. 69-78% of men reliably achieve erection firmness sufficient for sex [5].
However, efficacy still varies based on cause and severity of each individual’s dysfunction. Those experiencing hormone changes, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or nerve injuries may find lesser relief without getting to root issues.
Cost and Pricing Compared to Other Online Options
I found For Hims offers very fair prescription medication pricing, especially for name brand ED drugs. Exact costs include:
| Treatment | For Hims Price | Equivalent Generic | Brand Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sildenafil 30 pills | $30 | $25 | $425+ |
| Tadalafil 30 pills | $75 | $65 | $520+ |
| Finasteride 30 pills | $28 | $24 | NA |
| Minoxidil 3 months | $45 | $36 | NA |
They also accept FSA and HSA cards if you have a health account.
Competitors like Roman and Lemonaid Health come in around the same prices for generic versions. However, some note For Hims monthly pill supplies can run small at first until refill amounts get adjusted higher based on your ongoing prescription needs.
Brand name ED meds especially can run 4-8x more expensive through traditional pharmacies – so purchasing directly from For Hims generates major savings in my experience.
My Personal Results Using For Hims
While clinical data clearly demonstrates For Hims treatments can work, how well did they perform for me specifically?
Slowing My Hair Loss
I started a combination of 1mg finasteride daily plus 5% minoxidil foam twice a day around my hairline and crown.
It took 3-4 months before I noticed my hair shedding substantially less in the shower each morning. Around the 6 month mark, my wife pointed out new tiny hairs filling back around my temples – a huge morale boost!
Now after a year of consistent application, both myself and friends agree my hairline has stabilization and regained density. I plan to continue my subscription knowing consistency remains key to long-term results.
Improving Bedroom Performance
Due to stress, lack of sleep, and one too many drinks one weekend, I suddenly struggled with maintaining firm erections. Rather than accept fate, I had an online visit with a For Hims physician.
We decided on a prescription for 50mg sildenafil to take 30 minutes before sexual activity as needed. After just one dose, I achieved powerful, lasting erections like my teenage glory days!
However, realistically for men over 30, lifestyle factors play a big role too for permanent solutions. I’ve since focused more on staying active, limiting alcohol, and winding down from work stress.
My Skincare Frustrations
I also gave their anti-aging cream containing retinoids a shot for a few months. Despite religious application each evening, I noticed very little visible difference in fine lines or skin texture.
This just goes to show that while proven ingredients, individual factors make a difference. Genetics, sun damage history, smoking, and consistency of use sway topical results. I eventually discontinued using the expensive cream.
When Should You Choose For Hims or Visit Your Doctor Instead?
For Hims makes the most sense for straightforward cases needing convenient, quick access to solutions for common issues like:
- Early hair thinning looking to prevent more loss
- Periodic, situational ED due to temporary stressors
- Mild acne or skin anti-aging wanting discretion
- Stigmatized conditions causing embarrassment
Seeing an in-network practitioner remains vital for:
- Sudden, severe, or worsening symptoms
- Pre-existing conditions requiring lab work
- Ongoing chronic disease management
- Diagnostic testing to identify root cause
- Coordinating multi-disciplinary care
For Hims maintains real advantages around privacy and 24/7 accessibility without waiting rooms. However, it cannot provide complete medical care. There are intrinsic limitations to telehealth because doctors cannot physically examine you, order tests, or provide coordinated emergency care.
In closing, I believe For Hims offers an invaluable option for straightforward men’s health concerns – especially when privacy around treatment matters. Just understand the differences vs in-office visits to set proper expectations. Combining their convenient discreet medications and supplements for hair, skin, ED issues along with active lifestyle changes has worked well in my experience – giving me visible confidence boosts.
