Saw Palmetto and Hair Loss

A lot of circulating anecdotes about Saw Palmetto being a safe, effective, and natural alternative to treating hair loss has stirred the “hair-loss remedy” market. Many have seen it as a “shining” hope for their thinning hair, and others have seen it as a solution for unwanted hair; however, one dilemma remains, the product has not been proven for the use on hair loss problems, as well as unwanted hairs, and it still needs further controlled scientific investigations before it can be recommended for this alternative.

The fact is, Saw Palmetto has been found to be effective in the treatment of benign phosphate hyperplasia or BPH, where it works as an inhibitor for testosterone to be converted to dihydrotestosterone or DHT; the same hormone that causes male/female- pattern baldness. People have assumed that since Saw Palmetto inhibits DHT, then it can also work like the prescription drug Propecia (also inhibits DHT) that works well with hair loss.  

The connection between Saw Palmetto and hair loss has been very much debated, and it is something that’s not simple.  Saw Palmetto may inhibit DHT, and it is certainly a potent hormone modulator, but something that can inhibit DHT doesn’t automatically indicate that it stops hair loss as well.  Yes, Saw Palmetto is a “natural” herb effective for BPH, but it should be noted that there is no scientific evidence that herbs has revealed success in the treatment of hair loss.  

The only link between Saw Palmetto and hair loss are “assumptions” and “theories” which has rooted from unwarranted anecdotes to increase the products popularity.  Keep in mind that Saw Palmetto’s being a DHT inhibitor doesn’t make it a hair loss treatment, and like any other natural “herbal” remedy, it may, whether good or bad (mild or severe), have its own side effects that can affect a person’s health.  

Saw Palmetto and hair loss have been confusingly linked; people considering using Saw Palmetto for treating hair loss should cautiously consider the decision, and it is always best to consult your physician before any further intake of the product.  Saw Palmetto still needs further scientific studies before it can be recommended for the alternative, and there are no existing reports of its efficacy for hair loss treatment.

There are still a lot of companies who have advertised Saw Palmetto use for hair loss which has added to the entire misunderstanding of Saw Palmetto and hair loss “bond”; agreeing to these products should actually be avoided as they’re simply there for its market popularity and not its effectiveness.