You call your local branch (check they do it first in that branch) simply go and see the phamarcist there, he will check and make certain you are balding etc, as its a prescription drug, if you get the go ahead they take photos for baseline pictures, and they let your doctor know aswell, then you pay and they give your tablets, get the 3 monthly amount though as it works out cheaper (£90 for 3 months or £45 for single months)
This is all done in a little private consulting room so not in view of the public.
Simples!
With regards to me im quite early on the process but it still killed me when ive finally accepted it, paranoia kicked, felt like crap etc etc but now 6 months later crown has improved, fact! Was very early thinning so not surprised as I caught it early, but its more the front for me, temples thinned out and you could see a NW3 forming with a thakfully strong windows peak, now thinning is still there in the temples but it has thickened because I still style my hair the same, spiked to one side, and you could see through the temples, but now its alot harder, I doubt I have any regrowth but its about the maintenance for me!
But actually the most important thing for me is the way i am now, im relaxed, i dont worry anymore, still have the odd bad day like all humans, its just nice to take a litte control knowing your trying to do something to fight it, when i first noticed it, i conviced myself hair was falling out in droves! Overall very happy man.
Hope this helps.
Brett
PS. Although im happy if everything stayed the same based on reports I could still be due some more results as im only 6 months in, the 12month mark is meant to be towards peak! Thats another tip, keep your expectations low then your less likely to be disspointed, just think maintinence and be happy fella.