Saw palmetto may inhibit the production of 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone to DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. However, there is no conclusive evidence that it promotes hair growth, and it can cause unpleasant side effects. Saw palmetto has shown more promising results as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. One should seek professional advice before using this supplement.
Many people have questioned the effectiveness of using saw palmetto herbal supplement for hair loss. The truth is that no well-designed study has conclusively shown that it stops hair loss or promotes hair growth. However, saw palmetto’s effect on certain enzymes and hormones may provide hope for those with androgenic alopecia. On the other hand, this herbal supplement can cause a number of unpleasant side effects that one should be aware of before using saw palmetto in this way.
Androgenic alopecia is perhaps the most common form of hair loss. Both men and women can get it; when it is present in men, it is often called male pattern baldness. To assess how beneficial saw palmetto can be in halting the effects of this condition, it may be important to first understand how hair loss occurs.
Hair loss usually occurs when an enzyme, called 5 alpha reductase, comes into contact with the hormone testosterone. While testosterone is much more present in men, female bodies also produce this hormone. When it interacts with 5 alpha reductase, a new hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can be formed. DHT is the hormone that can greatly contribute to hair loss.
A major reason people use saw palmetto for hair loss is that it is believed to inhibit the production of 5-alpha reductase. Without this enzyme, testosterone probably won’t convert to DHT. Because of this effect, saw palmetto is sometimes known as an antiandrogen. “Antiandrogen” is a name that refers to anything that blocks the effects of male hormones.
A couple of different studies have shown beneficial results using saw palmetto for hair loss, but they used so few test subjects that the data is not well appreciated. Until the effect of saw palmetto has been shown on a larger and more consistent scale, most doctors will not recommend the herbal supplement as a real treatment.
On the other hand, saw palmetto has seen more promising laboratory results as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Furthermore, it is believed that both hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia are related by the same cause: the production of DHT. Therefore, many who believe in the effects of saw palmetto cite the positive results it has had in the treatment of prostate problems.
One possible drawback to using saw palmetto for hair loss is the list of potential side effects it can cause. Headaches, dizziness and nausea are thought to be just a few of the side effects, and other problems can be as serious as chest pain and depression. If saw palmetto does, in fact, have a strong influence on hormones, it could also affect people with hormonal disorders and certain types of cancer. One should seek professional advice before using this supplement.
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