Children and pregnant or breastfeeding women should abstain from taking saw palmetto. When taken as a dried supplement or an oily liquid extraction, saw palmetto appears most effective in daily dosages of 160–320 mg (12, 13, 16, 17). Still, children, pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as those with certain medical conditions may need to refrain from taking this supplement. However, the latest Cochrane review — the highest standard in evidence-based healthcare — concluded that saw palmetto provides little improvement in LUTS (11).
It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor. VISPO formulations reduced hair fall and promoted hair regrowth and scalp appearance in AGA patients.
Therefore, a high-quality product should be standardized to contain a specific percentage of fatty acids, typically ranging from 85% to 95%. This standardization ensures consistency and potency across different batches of the extract. Saw palmetto works by decreasing the activity of 5-alpha reductase — an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT — to help preserve testosterone levels (2). Saw palmetto may ward off hair loss and increase hair density by decreasing levels of a specific enzyme related to hair loss. A small study also reports a small increase in hair count in about half of the men treated with a saw palmetto hair lotion.
Some people eat saw palmetto berries and make tea and homemade liquid extracts from the fresh or dried berries. Keep in mind that the active compounds found in saw palmetto berries aren’t water-soluble, so it’s recommended to take a saw palmetto supplement over making tea or water-based extracts out of saw palmetto berries. If you’re unsure how to take saw palmetto supplements, consult your healthcare provider for recommendations.
When it comes to treating hair loss in women, two popular options are Saw palmetto and Spironolactone. Both have been known to help combat hair thinning and promote hair growth, but which one is more effective?
Saw palmetto may be helpful for certain people struggling with hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia (AGA). AGA is caused by genetic and environmental factors, including a sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto blocks an enzyme called 5α-reductase(5-AR), which converts testosterone into DHT, a more potent form of testosterone. Saw palmetto also increases the activity of an enzyme called 3α-hydroxysteroid-dehydrogenase, which converts DHT to a weaker substance called androstanediol.
After 12 weeks, those given saw palmetto had lower overall pain scores than those given the placebo. According to one review, saw palmetto may help block the uptake of DHT and decrease its ability to bind to androgen receptors by nearly 50%. Testosterone levels affect several aspects of health, including body composition, sex drive, mood, and brain function. Levels decline with age, and some research suggests that low levels contribute to health conditions such as heart disease (15, 16). For example, one study in mice with enlarged prostates observed that saw palmetto extract decreased swelling and several markers of inflammation, including interleukin 6 (IL-6) (12).
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a natural supplement derived from the fruit of the Serenoa repens plant. It is believed to work by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss.
- May help reduce hair loss
- Has anti-androgenic properties
- Less likely to cause side effects compared to Spironolactone
Spironolactone
Spironolactone is a medication commonly used to treat conditions like high blood pressure and fluid retention. However, it is also used off-label to treat female pattern hair loss due to its anti-androgenic effects.
- Can be more effective in some cases
- Requires a prescription from a healthcare provider
- Possible side effects include dizziness, headaches, and breast tenderness
Has Anyone Tried Saw Palmetto After Spironolactone?
While both Saw palmetto and Spironolactone have their own benefits and drawbacks, some individuals have reported success in using Saw palmetto after previously using Spironolactone. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before making any changes to your hair loss treatment regimen.
