Are you in need of saw palmetto hair loss? If you are, then you need to know a few things about this treatment. Before we go further, you need to know a few things about hair loss. For your information, hair loss for both men and women is called androgenetic alopecia which is a common thing as everyone gets older.
This hair loss is caused by the hormone tes**tosterone, which is changed into a molecule called DHT. This change causes hair follicles to shrink which is resulting in hair loss. Because men have more testosterone than women, balding is more common to happen in men. Typically, men will experience an M-shaped pattern of thinning is also known as male pattern baldness.
Meanwhile, in women, the thinning usually occurs all over the scalp which rarely results in complete baldness. Because hair loss is very common, it is no surprise that there are so many people who use herbal remedies. One of the herbal remedies is the saw palmetto.
Saw Palmetto Hair Loss
For your information, saw palmetto is an alternative remedy used to treat hair loss. Saw palmetto is a kind of plant with small berries that has been used by many Native Americans as medicine and food for hundreds of years. It is also believed, and there is evidence, that saw palmetto can treat an enlarged prostate.
Not only that, but saw palmetto has also been used to treat bladder infections, prostate cancer, and decreased sex drive. Although the research on whether saw palmetto really works to treat hair loss is limited, the extract of saw palmetto berries can block 5 alpha-reductase, which is an enzyme that can convert testosterone to DHT.
For those who do now know, DHT is the molecule which is responsible for hair loss and is also involved in the enlargement of the prostate. Moreover, the components of saw palmetto which can block the enzyme is similar to synthetic ingredients in prescription medication for hair loss.
The Forms of Saw Palmetto
There are at least four different forms of saw palmetto hair loss, such as whole dried berries, tablets, liquid extracts, and powdered capsules. Tablets and capsules are the easiest to find and they are the only forms which have been examined by researchers. Meanwhile, the tea
Do keep in mind that before you take any new supplement, it is highly recommended for you to consult your doctor about the safe dosage amounts. Many experts recommend consuming 160 milligrams, twice a day.
Read also: Natural and best hair growth oil that you must try.
The Side Effect of Saw Palmetto
Obviously, every supplement has its own side effect, including saw palmetto. Saw palmetto hair loss is generally safe, but it is not recommended for children and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Rarer side effects of the saw palmetto may include mild headaches and stomach pains.
Meanwhile, the common side effect will be that saw palmetto may thin your blood and can also cause excessive bleeding during surgery. That is why you need to always tell your doctor what kind of supplements you are taking before undergoing surgery. You also cannot consume saw palmetto simultaneously with other blood thinners.
Lastly, saw palmetto works in a similar way as the medication which is used to treat hair loss and an enlarged prostate. Do keep in mind that you cannot consume them together unless your doctor said so. Saw palmetto may also reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives because it interacts with your hormones.
Read also: Shea Butter for Hair: Benefits, Mith & Fact, and How To Use It.
Thank you very much for reading Things You Need to Know About Saw Palmetto Hair Loss, hopefully useful.