How Saw Palmetto Can Support Women’s Hair and Hormonal Health Naturally

Saw palmetto, derived from the berries of the Serenoa repens plant, has been used for centuries to address various health concerns. While it’s commonly linked with men’s health, particularly for prostate support, growing evidence suggests that it can offer significant benefits for women over 40, especially those experiencing the challenges of perimenopause and menopause.

For me, saw palmetto first came to my attention because of the hair problems that many women face during perimenopause and menopause. Hormonal changes during these stages can lead to thinning hair, increased hair shedding, and skin changes, all of which can impact your confidence and self-esteem. Saw palmetto offers a natural, holistic approach to managing these issues by supporting hormonal balance and overall health.

What is Saw Palmetto Good For?

1. Hormonal Balance and Hair Health

One of the key benefits of saw palmetto is its ability to support hormonal health, particularly in balancing the effects of testosterone. During perimenopause and menopause, fluctuating hormone levels can lead to excess androgens (like DHT), which are linked to hair loss and thinning. Saw palmetto inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. By reducing DHT levels, saw palmetto helps maintain hair density and reduce shedding.

• Benefits for Hair Health
  Studies have shown that saw palmetto can help promote hair regrowth and improve hair thickness.
  By reducing the miniaturisation of hair follicles, saw palmetto supports healthier hair growth during midlife.

• Benefits for Skin
  Saw palmetto’s effects on DHT may also help reduce hormonal acne, making it a useful ally for women who notice an increase in breakouts during this time.

2. Urinary Tract Support

As women age, they often experience urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, and discomfort. Saw palmetto is recognised for its ability to improve urinary tract health by reducing inflammation and promoting better bladder function. Clinical studies indicate that saw palmetto can be an effective option for managing urinary symptoms during perimenopause and menopause, improving quality of life for many women.

How to Use Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is available in various forms, including capsules, soft gels, liquid extracts and teas. To get the most benefit, choose a product that lists Serenoa repens extract as the active ingredient. It’s essential to use a reputable brand to ensure quality and effectiveness.

Safety and Precautions

While saw palmetto is generally safe, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind:

• Potential Side Effects
  Mild digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation may occur.
  Some people may experience headaches or dizziness.

• Interactions
  Saw palmetto may interact with hormonal therapies, including birth control or hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
  It may also interact with anticoagulant medications, so be sure to consult with a healthcare professional before starting supplementation.

• Bleeding Risk
  Saw palmetto can thin the blood, so it’s important to stop using it at least two weeks before surgery.

• Do Not Take if Pregnant
  It is not recommended to take saw palmetto if you are pregnant or breastfeeding due to its potential hormonal effects.

Important Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any supplement, especially if you have pre-existing conditions or are taking medications.

The Benefits in Summary

• Hormonal Health: Helps balance hormones by reducing DHT levels.

• Hair Growth: Supports healthy hair regrowth and reduces thinning during hormonal changes.

• Urinary Health: Eases urinary symptoms and supports bladder function.

Saw palmetto offers a natural, effective way to help manage hormonal imbalances, support hair health, and improve urinary function during perimenopause and menopause. By incorporating saw palmetto into your routine, you can help address common concerns and feel more confident during this life stage.

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References

1. Prager, N., Bickett, K., French, N. and Marcovici, G., 2002. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the efficacy of a saw palmetto oral supplement in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 8(2), pp.143-152. https://doi.org/10.1089/107555302317371451

2. Suter, A. and Saller, R., 2000. Evidence-based overview of saw palmetto: An alternative treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia, hair loss, and hormonal issues. American Journal of Medicine, 109(8), pp.624-628. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16467543/

3. Yamada S, Shirai M, Ono K, Kageyama S. Beneficial Effects of Saw Palmetto Fruit Extract on Urinary Symptoms in Japanese Female Subjects by a Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2022 Mar 11;14(6):1190. doi: 10.3390/nu14061190. PMID: 35334848; PMCID: PMC8953103. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8953103/

4. eScholarship, 2024. Saw Palmetto and Hair Regrowth: A systematic review. [online] Available at: https://escholarship.org/content/qt87w9473t/qt87w9473t.pdf [Accessed 16 January 2025].

5. Gold Journal, 2024. Saw Palmetto and Urinary Symptoms: Effects on lower urinary tract symptoms in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Journal of Urology. [online] Available at: https://www.goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295%2801%2901442-X/fulltext [Accessed 16 January 2025].

6. BMC Urology, 2020. A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Randomized Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Phytosterol-Enriched and Conventional Saw Palmetto Oil in Mitigating Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Androgen Deficiency. [online] Available at: https://bmcurol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12894-020-00648-9 [Accessed 16 January 2025].

7. Sudeep HV, Rashmi S, Jestin TV, Richards A, Gouthamchandra K, Shyamprasad K. Oral and Topical Administration of a Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves the Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects - A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2023 Nov 11;16:3251-3266. doi: 10.2147/CCID.S435795. PMID: 38021422; PMCID: PMC10648974. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10648974/

8. Trivisonno LF, Sgarbossa N, Alvez GA, Fieiras C, Escobar Liquitay CM, Jung JH, Franco JVA. Serenoa repens for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic enlargement: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Investig Clin Urol. 2021 Sep;62(5):520-534. doi: 10.4111/icu.20210254. PMID: 34488251; PMCID: PMC8421998. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8421998/

9. Bernichtein S, Pigat N, Camparo P, Latil A, Viltard M, Friedlander G, Goffin V. Anti-inflammatory properties of Lipidosterolic extract of Serenoa repens (Permixon®) in a mouse model of prostate hyperplasia. Prostate. 2015 May;75(7):706-22. doi: 10.1002/pros.22953. Epub 2015 Feb 14. PMID: 25683150. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25683150/