Hims is a telehealth platform providing access to treatments for common conditions. The timeline for results varies considerably based on the specific condition and individual response. Understanding these timeframes helps set realistic expectations.
Immediate vs. Gradual Results
Treatments fall into two categories: those with quick effects and those requiring consistent, long-term use. Medications for acute symptom relief, like erectile dysfunction treatments, work on demand for immediate, temporary effects.
Other conditions, however, necessitate treatments that induce gradual physiological changes. Hair growth or topical skincare treatments, for instance, alter cellular behavior or growth cycles, with visible improvements emerging after weeks or months of regular application. This distinction is between temporary symptom relief and sustained underlying modification.
Specific Timelines for Common Conditions
Hims offers treatments across various health areas, each with its own expected timeline for results.
Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatments
For erectile dysfunction, medications like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis) are designed for rapid action, increasing blood flow to the penis during sexual stimulation. Sildenafil typically works within 30-60 minutes, lasting about four hours. Tadalafil also takes effect in 30-60 minutes but lasts significantly longer, up to 36 hours.
Hair Loss Treatments
Hair loss treatments like finasteride and minoxidil require a sustained approach. Finasteride lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to male pattern baldness. Visible results, such as slowed hair loss or initial regrowth, typically appear after three to six months of daily use. More significant improvements in thickness and coverage are usually noticeable between nine and twelve months, with full results often visible after 12 to 15 months.
Minoxidil, which increases blood flow to the scalp, shows initial effects like reduced hair shedding and some regrowth within two to four months. More pronounced improvements are generally observed after a full year of consistent treatment. Combining finasteride and minoxidil may lead to enhanced results, but it does not accelerate the timeline for visible changes.
Skincare Treatments
Skincare treatments for acne and anti-aging require patience. For acne, prescription creams with ingredients like retinoids and antibiotics reduce inflammation, eliminate bacteria, and promote skin cell turnover. Initial improvements often take six to twelve weeks, though some may experience a temporary “purging” phase where acne worsens before improving.
Anti-aging creams, often featuring tretinoin, azelaic acid, and niacinamide, increase skin cell turnover and boost collagen production. These processes gradually reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture. While some softening may be noticed within weeks, visible anti-aging results typically require consistent use for three to six months, with significant collagen benefits seen after 12 months.
Factors Influencing Individual Results
The speed and extent of treatment results vary significantly among individuals due to several factors. The initial severity of the condition plays a role; more advanced cases may require longer treatment periods to achieve noticeable improvements. A person’s unique physiology and metabolism also influence how their body processes and responds to medications, affecting their efficacy.
Adherence to the prescribed treatment plan is crucial; missing doses or inconsistent application can delay results. Lifestyle choices, such as diet, exercise, stress levels, and habits like smoking or alcohol consumption, can also impact overall health and the body’s response. Existing underlying health conditions might further affect how effectively a treatment works or how quickly results manifest.
The Importance of Consistency and Patience
Optimal results from Hims treatments depend on consistency and patience. Adhering strictly to the prescribed regimen ensures active ingredients work as intended, especially for conditions requiring gradual physiological changes like hair regrowth or skin renewal. Managing expectations realistically is important for treatments without immediate solutions. Tracking progress with photos or notes can help observe subtle changes. If concerns arise or expected results are not met, communicate with a Hims provider for assessment and potential adjustments.