HEALTH & MEDICAL WRITER

What is PDE5, and How Do PDE5 Inhibitors Work?

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is incredibly common, and if you’ve been researching treatments, you’ve probably come across medicines like Sildenafil or Tadalafil. These belong to a group of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors, but what does that actually mean? And how do they support better erections?

Let’s take a closer look at the science behind these ED medicines.

PDE5 stands for phosphodiesterase type 5. It’s an enzyme found in the walls of blood vessels throughout your body, including those in t...

What We Ask (and Why) Before We Prescribe

If you’ve ever started an online consultation with us, you’ll know we ask quite a few questions. From your health history to your current medicines and even photos in some cases… it can feel like a lot.

But there’s a reason behind every single question. Far from being a barrier, it’s how we make sure you get safe, effective treatment that’s right for you. Think of it less as a form to get through and more as part of your care.

When you start an online consultation at Oxford Online Pharmacy...

What Does Wegovy Do in the Body?

If you’ve just started Wegovy, you might not feel any different just yet, but that doesn’t mean nothing’s happening inside your body. Wegovy works quietly in the background, rebalancing the hormones that control your appetite, fullness, and energy to encourage sustainable weight loss. 

Here we explain the science of what’s really going on under the surface.

Wegovy works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) (1). This hormone is released after yo...

Wegovy vs Mounjaro: What’s the Difference?

Wegovy and Mounjaro are both available in the UK, and it’s easy to feel unsure which is right for you. Both are weekly injections that help reduce appetite and support steady, sustainable weight loss. But there are some differences in how they work, what data supports them, and who they’re suitable for.

Here, we compare Wegovy and Mounjaro side by side, listing their similarities and differences so you can feel informed as you take your next steps. 

Wegovy and Mounjaro are both GLP-1 recep...

What’s the Right Dose of Wegovy for me?

Starting Wegovy can be exciting and a little confusing. With doses that change over time, it’s natural to wonder which one is “right” for you.

The truth is, there’s no single answer or magic number. Wegovy dosing is designed to be flexible, helping your body adjust comfortably while you find the level that works best for you, your response to the medicine, and your weight loss journey.

When you start Wegovy, you begin on a low dose that’s gradually increased until you reach the “right” one...

Intermittent Fasting for Beginners: How it Works and the Benefits You Can Expect

Intermittent fasting has taken off in the health world, and it’s not hard to see why. From boosting energy to supporting healthy weight loss, it’s a simple change that can have real, noticeable benefits.

If you’re wondering where to start, this guide breaks down the basics: how intermittent fasting works, how to plan your fasting schedule, what kind of results you might expect, and how you can stay hydrated and energised along the way.

Intermittent fasting isn’t about cutting calories or f...

Can a Device Really Help with ED? What to Know About Vertica

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is more common than many men realise. Tablets like Sildenafil (Viagra) or Tadalafil are often the first step in treatment, and for many, they work well. But not everyone wants to take medication, and for some, tablets don’t deliver the results they were hoping for.

That’s where alternatives like Vertica come in. Vertica is a home-use medical device designed to support stronger erections. But can a device like this really make a difference? Let’s look at how it works,...

Do You Have to Use Hair Loss Treatment Forever?

When you’re happy with your results from hair loss treatment, it’s natural to feel curious about the future. If the tablets or solutions are working, do you have to take them forever? Or can you stop once you’ve seen progress and keep what you’ve gained?

We hear these questions all the time, and there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. The good news is, you’re in control. You can continue, pause, or even stop treatment altogether if you choose. But it helps to know what that means for your hai...

Topical vs Oral Hair Loss Treatments

When it comes to treating male pattern baldness, there are two clinically proven medicines: Finasteride and Minoxidil. One is usually taken as a daily tablet, while the other is a foam or solution that’s applied directly to the scalp, on the areas where hair is thinning. 

On paper, the difference sounds straightforward. But in real life, choosing between topical and oral hair loss treatment is often less about which one is “better” and more about which routine feels...

What to do if You Don’t See Results from Hair Loss Treatment?

If you’ve recently started taking medicine for hair loss, not seeing the progress you’d hoped for can feel disheartening. You’ve committed to a daily routine, and maybe even worked up the courage to start treatment after weeks (or months) of thinking about it. 

When nothing seems to change, it’s natural to worry: Is this even working? 

The truth is, results from treatments like Minoxidil and Finasteride take time, and progress doesn’t always look like what you...

Is it Worth Treating Early-Stage Hair Loss?

You might not be balding, but you’ve spotted unwelcome changes to your hair. Maybe there’s a little more hair in the shower drain, or perhaps your hairline isn’t quite what it used to be. Whatever signs you noticed first, realising your hair is thinning can be worrying. 

It’s natural to wonder whether you’re overreacting or if now is the time to act. And the truth is, timing matters. Treatments for male pattern baldness tend to work best when follicles are still acti...

The Best Hair Loss Treatments Reviewed

Losing your hair can feel like losing a part of yourself. Whether it’s a slowly receding hairline or thinning at the crown, it’s completely normal to feel self-conscious and want to do something about it. Today, there are effective, evidence-backed treatments that can genuinely make a difference.

At Oxford Online Pharmacy, we speak to thousands of people every year who are worried about hair loss. Some are just starting to notice early changes; others have been deali...

Hair Loss and Mental Health: Why it Hits Hard

Hair loss is often spoken about in physical terms: thinning at the crown, a receding hairline, more strands of hair left behind in the shower. But what is less discussed yet equally important is how hair loss affects your emotional well-being.

If you’ve recently noticed changes in your hair and found yourself feeling low, anxious, or even depressed, you’re not alone. The emotional side of hair loss can hit hard and be surprisingly intense, especially when it feels lik...

Should I Use Finasteride and Minoxidil Together?

If you’ve been researching hair loss treatments, you’ve probably come across Finasteride and Minoxidil. They’re both proven, licensed medicines for male pattern baldness. And increasingly, people are choosing to use them together.

But is combining them a good idea? Is it safe? And will it make a difference to your results? 

Let’s take a closer look at how each treatment works, what the research says about using them together, and what to consider before starting eith...

What is Post-Finasteride Syndrome?

If you’ve been researching Finasteride for hair loss, you may have read some unsettling stories online that describe ongoing side effects long after stopping the medication. These accounts often mention something called Post-Finasteride Syndrome, or PFS. 

Naturally, these can be worrying. You might be thinking twice about starting treatment, feel uncertain about continuing it, and have a lot of unanswered questions: Is PFS real? How common is it? And should it influenc...

Kamagra - Can You Buy it Online or in the UK and is it Safe?

If you’ve been searching for erectile dysfunction (ED) treatments online, you might have heard of Kamagra. It’s often marketed as a cheaper alternative to Viagra, and it’s widely sold by overseas websites without a prescription.

But Kamagra isn’t legal in the UK. And despite its appealing price and flashy packaging, there are serious risks involved in buying it. 

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly what Kamagra is, why it’s not available through legitimate UK pha...

Can I Stop Taking Finasteride? What Happens When You Pause?

At some point in your hair loss journey, you might consider stopping Finasteride. Maybe you're planning to start a family, are concerned about side effects, or you simply feel differently about continuing with your treatment plan. 

Whatever your reason, it’s completely valid. Your hair loss journey is personal, and so are the decisions you make along the way. This guide is here to walk you through what happens when you stop, what alternatives might...

Can Steroids Cause Hair Loss?

Steroids are often talked about in gyms, changing rooms, and online forums – sometimes with admiration, sometimes with concern. But while most people know they can help build muscle fast, fewer realise they can also have side effects that aren’t so appealing… including hair loss (1).

We ran a national survey to find out more about steroid use in the UK, how much people know about the risks, and whether hair loss is enough to make them think twice. The results might s...

Wegovy vs Ozempic Differences Compared

If you’ve been researching weight loss treatments or Semaglutide injections in the UK, chances are you’ve come across two familiar names: Wegovy and Ozempic. Both contain the same active ingredient, Semaglutide. But that doesn’t mean they’re interchangeable.

This guide breaks down the key differences (and similarities) so you can confidently decide which option might suit your needs, whether that’s weight loss or blood sugar control.

At first glance, Wegovy and Ozempi...

Hair Loss Forums – What’s Helpful and What's Harmful?

Noticing hair loss for the first time can be a confusing and isolating experience. Naturally, many people turn to forums like Reddit, where hundreds of others are sharing stories, before-and-after photos, and advice that feels real. 

It’s normal to look for reassurance from people who have been through it too. But after a while, you can end up more stressed than you started. One thread says a treatment changed someone’s life. Another swears it ruined theirs. Somewhere...

Thinning vs Shedding: What’s the Difference?

Noticing more hair coming out since starting hair loss treatment like Finasteride or Minoxidil? Shedding and thinning can feel worrying, especially when you were hoping to stop hair loss, not see more of it. 

Before you panic, you’ll be pleased to hear that what you’re experiencing is usually normal. Many people experience more shedding or feel like their hair looks thinner during the first few weeks of treatment. That doesn’t mean it’s not working. In fact, it’s often a...

Real-World GLP-1 Results: What We're Seeing and What it Means

Interest in GLP-1 medicines has been almost unstoppable over the past few years. These medicines are often in the headlines, but not always for the right reasons or in the most balanced light. We still have a lot of work to do when it comes to society’s attitude to body weight, but more on that another day.

At Oxford Online Pharmacy, we speak to patients every day who have questions and worries about what to expect from GLP-1 medicines. Some of the most common beliefs we...

Is My Goal Weight Too Low to be Realistic?

You’ve made real progress on your GLP-1 journey. You’re eating differently, moving more, and starting to feel better in your body. But despite these wins, the number you originally set as your “goal weight” still looms, and that can bring a new kind of pressure.

Maybe you’re wondering if you should keep pushing. Maybe that old target weight is starting to feel more like a finish line you have to cross, even if getting there means eating less, feeling weaker, or ignoring ho...

I’m Not Losing Weight Yet — Is My GLP-1 Working?

Starting GLP-1 treatment can feel different from what you may have expected. While some people see early results, most don’t, at least not on the scales. That doesn’t mean your medication isn’t working. It might just be working in quieter, less visible ways at first.

If you're feeling confused or discouraged, you’re not alone, and there’s no rush to get it all “right.” In this guide, we’ll explore why weight loss on GLP-1s doesn’t always happen straight away (and why that’...
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