Overview: Ro (formerly Roman) is a comprehensive telehealth company tackling various health concerns, with a significant focus on men's health issues like hair loss (androgenetic alopecia, or male pattern baldness). They also offer solutions for women's hair loss. Ro aims to provide a seamless experience, from online diagnosis by a US-licensed healthcare professional to the discreet delivery of treatments directly to your door.

Treatments Offered: Ro offers several clinically recognized approaches to combatting hair loss:

1. Oral Finasteride (Generic Propecia): An FDA-approved prescription pill taken once daily. It works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, thus reducing dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a key hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles in male pattern baldness. Studies show it can slow hair loss for a majority of men and lead to regrowth in some. Note: For men only. Carries potential sexual side effects and requires a prescription.
2. Topical Minoxidil (Generic Rogaine): An FDA-approved over-the-counter topical solution or foam (Ro offers a solution/spray). Applied directly to the scalp, it's believed to work by increasing blood flow to hair follicles and extending the hair growth phase. Ro offers a 5% solution.
3. Oral Minoxidil (Generic Loniten): A prescription pill used 'off-label' for hair loss (meaning it's FDA-approved for other conditions – high blood pressure – but commonly prescribed by doctors for hair loss based on clinical experience). It may be an option for those who prefer a pill or dislike topical application. Note: Carries a boxed warning regarding potential heart effects and requires careful consideration with a provider.
4. Compounded Topical Solution (Roman Hair Solution Rx): A prescription-only, 3-in-1 topical spray combining Finasteride, Minoxidil, and often Tretinoin (a retinoid thought to potentially enhance Minoxidil absorption). This aims to provide multiple mechanisms of action in one application. Note: Compounded medications are not individually FDA-approved and have recently come under FDA scrutiny regarding potential risks and side effects similar to oral finasteride.
5. Supporting Products: Ro also offers shampoos, conditioners, and hair support supplements containing ingredients like biotin and saw palmetto.

How It Works: The process typically involves:

1. An online visit/questionnaire detailing your medical history and hair loss concerns (sometimes requiring photo uploads).
2. A US-licensed healthcare professional reviews your information.
3. If deemed appropriate, they will prescribe a personalized treatment plan. The initial online consultation is usually free.
4. Medication is shipped discreetly (often with free 2-day shipping) from the Ro Pharmacy Network or a partner pharmacy.
5. Ongoing care is provided, allowing you to message your provider with questions.

Effectiveness & Timeline: Treatments like Finasteride and Minoxidil require consistent daily use. Initial results (slowing of loss, some fine regrowth) may be noticeable within 3-6 months, with more significant results potentially taking up to a year or longer. Ro emphasizes that results vary between individuals. Clinical studies back the efficacy of both Finasteride and Minoxidil for many users.