Spironolactone is a diuretic medication used to treat a condition in which the body does not produce enough aldosterone, a hormone that regulates salt and water levels in the body, according to Drugs.com. Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement used to treat an enlarged prostate, according to the National Centers for Contemporary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM. Since saw palmetto acts like a hormone in the body, taking saw palmetto and spironolactone together may cause the saw palmetto to interact with the spironolactone. Always discuss your medical conditions and any supplements you are taking with your physician.
Estrogen Imbalance
Although spironolactone is designed to treat aldosterone imbalance, as a hormone it may also have an effect on the production of other hormones in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health. Saw palmetto acts like a hormone in the body and can further disrupt hormone levels, leading to an imbalance particularly in the amount of estrogen in the body, according to the National Institutes of Health. For this reason, NCCAM recommends that women who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant or nursing avoid taking saw palmetto and spironolactone.
PCOS
PCOS, or polycystic ovarian syndrome, occurs when the body's levels of estrogen, testosterone, and other hormones are out of proportion, causing ovarian cysts and other reproductive symptoms, according to Natural Health Solutions for PCOS. Both spironolactone and saw palmetto may help alleviate the symptoms of PCOS when taken together. Studies indicate that, when taken together, saw palmetto and spironolactone may help reduce the amount of excess hair growth sometimes experienced by women with PCOS, according to the National Institutes of Health. Since saw palmetto may decrease estrogen levels, however, talk to your doctor before beginning saw palmetto if you have or suspect you have PCOS.
Heart Disease
Patients who have certain heart-related diseases may be taking spironolactone to help regulate the amount of potassium in their blood, which can aggravate heart disease, according to the National Institutes of Health. One common condition related to heart disease is blood clotting issues, which are often treated with blood thinners. If you are on blood thinners, do not take saw palmetto, as it may interfere with the ability of your blood thinners to work properly.
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