Telehealth Education
Unbiased, plain-English guides on weight loss, hair health, and ED.
TL;DR Summary
This hub covers the three fastest-growing areas of telehealth: GLP-1 weight loss (semaglutide, tirzepatide — expect 15–21% body weight loss over 68 weeks), hair loss (finasteride blocks DHT, minoxidil stimulates growth — combo therapy works best), and ED medications (sildenafil lasts 4–6 hours, tadalafil up to 36 hours). Every guide is independently reviewed and updated weekly.
GLP-1 Weight Loss
How GLP-1s Work
The Gut-Brain Axis Pathway
Stomach
Slows gastric emptying. Food stays in the stomach longer, prolonging fullness.
Brain
Targets hypothalamus to increase satiety signals and aggressively reduce "food noise".
Pancreas
Stimulates insulin release naturally when blood glucose levels are detected as high.
Expected Weight Loss on GLP-1 Medications
Average % body weight lost (semaglutide & tirzepatide clinical trials)
Data from STEP 1, STEP 2, SURMOUNT-1, and SURMOUNT-2 trials. Individual results vary based on dose, adherence, and baseline weight.
What Are GLP-1 Medications? A Complete Guide
A plain-English overview of GLP-1 medications, how they work, what they treat, and how to compare programs in 2026.
How Much Does Ro Weight Loss Actually Cost in 2026?
A complete breakdown of Ro Body's $149 membership, hidden lab fees, and actual medication costs for Wegovy and compounded semaglutide.
Hair Loss Treatment
The Hair Growth Cycle & DHT
How DHT shrinks follicles over time (Miniaturization)
The follicle is deep and produces thick, terminal hair for 2-6 years.
DHT binds to the follicle, shortening the anagen phase and physically shrinking it.
The follicle can no longer produce thick hair, resulting in peach fuzz, then baldness.
Finasteride vs Minoxidil vs Combination
Which hair loss treatment approach is right for you?
| Feature | Finasteride | Minoxidil | Combo |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blocks DHT (root cause) | |||
| Stimulates new growth | |||
| Oral (systemic) | |||
| Topical option available | |||
| FDA-approved for hair loss | |||
| Effective for crown thinning | |||
| Effective for hairline recession | |||
| Sexual side effect risk |
Does Red Light Therapy (LLLT) Actually Regrow Hair?
Analyzing the clinical data behind Low-Level Laser Therapy devices, caps, and helmets for treating androgenetic alopecia.
The Science of DHT: Why Hair Follicles Shrink
Understanding the biological mechanism of male pattern baldness, the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, and how finasteride halts the process.
Erectile Dysfunction
Mechanism of Action: PDE5 Inhibitors
How Sildenafil and Tadalafil improve blood flow
Constricted Vessel
Enzyme PDE5 naturally breaks down cGMP, keeping vascular smooth muscle constricted.
PDE5 Inhibition
Sildenafil/Tadalafil blocks PDE5. cGMP levels rise rapidly during sexual arousal.
Vasodilation
Smooth muscle heavily relaxes, expanding the vessel and dramatically increasing blood flow.
ED Medication: Onset & Duration of Action
How quickly they work and how long they last
Sildenafil vs Tadalafil: The Clinical Differences Explained
A deep dive into how PDE5 inhibitors work to increase blood flow, and the medical differences between daily and on-demand protocols.
Do ED Pills Hurt You? Understanding PDE5 Side Effects
An evidence-based look at the cardiovascular safety, systemic side effects, and contraindicated medications when using sildenafil or tadalafil.
Medical Protocols & The Future
Advanced guides on next-generation peptides, clinical protocols, and the science behind emerging treatments.
Next-Generation Weight Loss Peptides
Comparing receptor targets across drug generations
| Medication | GLP-1 Target | GIP Target | Glucagon Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semaglutide Wegovy, Ozempic | |||
| Tirzepatide Zepbound, Mounjaro | |||
| Retatrutide (Investigational) The "Triple G" Agonist |
Calibrate Pricing Explained: Insurance vs Cash Pay
Decoding the cost of Calibrate's Metabolic Reset, including what the $1,750 upfront fee actually covers.
Hims Weight Loss Cost: A True Price Breakdown
Is Hims the cheapest way to get weight loss help? We break down their compounded injectables vs oral medication pricing models.
What is Retatrutide? The 'Triple-G' Peptide Explained
An overview of Eli Lilly's investigational triple-agonist next-generation weight loss drug, outperforming GLP-1 and dual-agonists in clinical trials.
Are Peptides Safe for Weight Loss? FDA Warnings vs Reality
Understanding compounded peptides like BPC-157, CJC-1295, and unbranded GLP-1 analogs. What is legal, what is safe, and what to avoid.
Frequently asked questions
Are these guides written by doctors?
All ClearlyMeds guides are reviewed by our Medical Review Panel, a board of licensed clinicians. We do not accept paid placements or allow revenue to influence editorial conclusions.
How often is the content updated?
Guides are reviewed weekly and refreshed whenever there are material changes in pricing, medication availability, insurance coverage, or clinical guidelines.
Can I use these guides to choose a medication?
These guides are educational and not a substitute for personal medical advice. They can help you understand your options before speaking with a licensed clinician who can evaluate your specific situation.
Why do you compare providers instead of just medications?
The same medication can cost dramatically different amounts and come with very different support depending on the telehealth provider. Our comparisons help you find the best program for your needs, not just the best drug.