Hair loss occurs in both men and women and is called androgenetic alopecia, and it is more common as everyone ages. It’s caused by testosterone, and its conversion into a molecule called DHT. This alteration causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in hair loss. Men have more testosterone than women do, so balding is more common in men.

SAW PALMETTO is one of the most popular that people use to try to slow down hair loss or to regrow hair. While hair pieces, hair extensions, and wigs have gained popularity it is important to highlight/stress the importance of taking care of the hair and scalp underneath . Saw palmetto is a supplement I recommend to customer to treat thinning hair. Saw palmetto is an alternative remedy used to treat hair loss. It’s a plant with small berries that has often been used to treat:

• hair loss
• bladder infections
• prostate cancer
• decreased sex drive

Saw palmetto extract may block 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. DHT is the molecule responsible for hair loss and also is involved in the enlargement of the prostate. The components of saw palmetto that block the enzyme work in a similar way as synthetic ingredients in prescription medication for hair loss but desired for people who want a more natural/organic approach.

Saw palmetto comes in several different forms, including: 

• whole dried berries
• tablets
• liquid extracts 
• powdered capsules

Tablets and capsules are the easiest to find and are the only forms that have been examined by researchers. Tea made from the dried berries of saw palmetto is unlikely to be effective because the active compounds aren’t water soluble.

I encourage all my customers to consult your doctor before introducing supplements into your regimen although saw palmetto generally is considered to be safe, but it’s not recommended for children, or pregnant and breastfeeding women. Rare side effects include mild headaches and stomach pains. Stomach irritation can be avoided by taking the extract with food. Interactions may occur between saw palmetto and some other medications. Because it’s been shown to thin blood, saw palmetto should never be taken simultaneously with other blood thinners. It is also necessary to mention that saw palmetto may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives because it interacts with hormones.

Saw palmetto has been used for years to cure many things, including hair loss. It works in a similar way to some hair loss prevention medications. As with all supplements, be sure to talk to your doctor first before taking any.