HEALTH & MEDICAL WRITER

What is GLP-1, and What Does it Have to do With Weight?

Medicines like semaglutide and tirzepatide have been making headlines for their role in helping people manage their weight. Both work by mimicking a hormone your body already makes called GLP-1, short for glucagon-like peptide-1.

Until recently, most people had never heard of GLP-1 or understood its function in the body. But once you know what GLP-1 does, it becomes much easier to see how these medicines work and why this hormone is so important for appetite, metabolism, and overall health....

The Ultimate Guide to Mounjaro Side Effects

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a highly effective weight loss injection that has helped countless people lose weight. However, like any medication, Mounjaro comes with potential side effects. For some, these can feel unpleasant enough to stop treatment altogether.

The good news is that many side effects of Mounjaro are only temporary. They often get better within the first days and weeks as your body gets used to the medication, and there are helpful ways to manage these side effects.

So, if yo...

What Does Mounjaro Do in the Body?

Most people know Mounjaro as a highly effective weight loss injection. In studies, some participants lost over 20% of their starting weight (1), making it one of the most talked-about obesity treatments in recent years.

But what’s really happening inside your body when you use it? How does it help you feel fuller, think less about food, and gradually lose weight?

This article breaks down the science simply. Whether you’re researching your options or already taking Mounjaro and want to unde...

Oral Semaglutide for Alzheimer’s: What the EVOKE Trial Results Tell Us

Alzheimer’s disease is something many of us worry about, whether for ourselves or someone we care about. So when headlines appeared suggesting that a medicine used for diabetes and weight loss was being tested as a potential Alzheimer’s treatment, it understandably caught people’s attention.

The drug in question is oral semaglutide, a tablet form of the GLP-1 medicine more widely known by brand names like Wegovy and Ozempic. Two clinical studies, EVOKE and EVOKE+, set out to test whether this...

What You Need to Know About Wegovy 7.2mg

Over the past few months, you may have seen headlines about a new 7.2mg dose of Wegovy, a higher strength expected to launch in the UK in 2026. If you’re using a GLP-1 medicine already, or have been thinking about starting one, it’s natural to wonder what this new dose means for you.

Here’s a look at what the new 7.2mg strength of Wegovy is, what early research shows us about its safety and effectiveness, and how it may fit into your treatment pathway.

The new, higher-strength Wegovy conta...

What is Finasteride and How Does it Work for Hair Los?

Male pattern baldness affects up to half of men over the age of 50 (1), and many start to see changes much earlier. It can feel worrying, frustrating, and totally knock your confidence.

One of the most widely used treatments for this type of hair loss is Finasteride (2), a medicine that works by targeting the hormonal cause of male pattern baldness. But how exactly does it work, and what can you expect if you start taking it?

Finasteride is a prescription-only tablet used to treat a type o...

Can Stress Really Cause Hair Loss?

If you’ve noticed more hair on your pillow or in the shower and have been under a lot of stress, it’s natural to wonder if the two are linked, and you may well be right. Stress can absolutely cause hair loss (1). We all know that stress can take its toll on the body, and our hair isn’t spared.

However, not all hair loss is caused by stress, and knowing the difference matters. Understanding what’s really going on can help you protect your hair and choose the right treatment if needed.

To un...

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...
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