Shedding can damage your confidence. While many people wear hats, wigs, and extensions to hide their balding, some prefer to take medications or even consider invasive treatments. Over the years, the use of saw palmetto for women’s hair loss has become a popular herbal remedy. Learn more about it, how it works, and its effectiveness in this article.
What Is Saw Palmetto?
Saw palmetto (SP) is a palm tree native to the southeastern United States that grows up to 10 feet tall. Its ripe fruit, commonly referred to as berries, has been used historically to treat various ailments, including coughs and reproductive disorders. Today, people use it as a dietary supplement.
Typically available in tablet form, saw palmetto reduces urinary symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). SP may also help with chronic pelvic pain, migraine, and hair loss.
Why Do Some Doctors Recommend Saw Palmetto for Women’s Hair Loss?
To know why some doctors prescribe saw palmetto for women’s hair loss, it’s essential to understand the relationship between this “miracle” plant extract and shedding.
While testosterone is typically associated with males, females may also require them. Whether it is a man or a woman, the human body uses 5-alpha reductase to convert about 10% of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) every day. This process occurs in the testes or ovaries as well as other body parts.
Since DHT is incredibly potent, too much can have a noticeable impact on your locks. By binding to the receptors in the scalp, the follicles shrink, discouraging them from producing new strands.
If high DHT levels are causing shedding, doctors may recommend saw palmetto for women’s hair loss.
It’s believed that the extract from this plant’s berries interacts with 5-alpha reductase, adversely impacting its ability to convert testosterone into DHT. Lower levels of dihydrotestosterone may prevent hair loss in some people.
Are There Any Studies to Determine the Effectiveness of Saw Palmetto for Women’s Hair Loss?
Over the years, researchers have studied SP and its impact on shedding in women very closely.
According to five randomized clinical trials and two cohort studies, participants taking topical and oral supplements containing between 100 and 320 mg of saw palmetto showed a 60% improvement in overall hair health and a 27% increase in the total hair count.
The studies also revealed that 83% of the participants who consumed SP showed a significant increase in hair density, and 52% of the subjects showed signs of stabilized disease progression.
In 1998, a couple of researchers conducted a study that revealed that saw palmetto extract had a significant impact on DHT production in men with BHP.
While it doesn’t confirm that the plant or its berries reduce hair loss in women, it highlights the fruit’s capacity to inhibit 5-alpha reductase. This biochemical effect is similar to the body’s reaction to Finasteride, a drug used to combat shedding in men.
A 2018 study published in the European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences journal revealed that saw palmetto extract promoted hair regeneration and reduced shedding in mice.
In 2019, a study titled “The Use of Serenoa Repens (Saw Palmetto) in Hair Care Products” explored the effectiveness of the plant’s extract. It found that SP has anti-inflammatory properties, which could prevent shedding associated with some causes of hair loss.
While there is still a need for more data and research into the use of saw palmetto for women’s hair loss, supplements containing SP may be a safe treatment option for androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and self-perceived hair thinning.
How Does Saw Palmetto for Women’s Hair Loss Work?
The berries from a saw palmetto plant contain many compounds, including the following:
- Biologically active monoacylglycerides
- Triglycerides
- Phytosterols
- Fatty acids
- Various flavonoids
Many researchers believe that phytosterols may be responsible for inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, which reduces testosterone’s conversion into DHT. This can have a positive impact on hair follicles, encouraging them to grow and become thicker.
Is Saw Palmetto an Effective Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia?
Androgenetic hair loss is a genetic disorder arising from the body’s excessive response to androgens. Many female patients see SP as a non-invasive treatment option with little to no known side effects.
While saw palmetto extract for women’s hair loss is a popular remedy, its efficacy falls short when compared to other alternatives.
According to a survey conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration (ISHR), only 9.1% of the members recommend SP, while 79.4% rarely prescribe the supplement. On the other hand, Finasteride and Minoxidil solutions emerged as the top two recommendations.
Does Saw Palmetto Have Any Side Effects?
While most studies have shown that saw palmetto is safe to take, some have revealed that it may cause a headache or an upset stomach. Another cause for concern is that the supplement can reduce prostate-specific antigen levels in men.
According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, many studies have found that SP does not interact with other medications. However, it’s still best to speak to a doctor before consuming saw palmetto for women’s hair loss.
Revitalize Your Hair with the Vitamins Revive Growth Kit!
Invasive treatments and medications can be scary to take, as they could lead to side effects, further affecting your life.
If you want to combat hair fall naturally, try Hair Nutra Growth by VitaminsRevive. It contains many different compounds and 385 mg of the company’s specially formulated blend, which includes saw palmetto extract.
Vitamins Revive highly recommends opting for its Hair Growth for Women Supply Kit, which comes with a two-month supply of Hair Nutra Growth and Hair Nutra Boost (contains biotin, MSM, and spirulina platensis). It’s clinically tested by Citruslabs (USA) and has shown a significant improvement in the overall health of hair in the participants.
Final Thoughts on Saw Palmetto for Women’s Hair Loss
While SP may not be as effective as other treatment options, it’s a safe and natural way to combat the underlying causes of hair loss.
Potent supplements by Vitamins Revive may reduce shedding and improve hair health. Plus, the company offers a 60-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the product.
