Saw Palmetto & Hair Loss In Women

Many people believe that hair loss is a problem only for men. However, the American Hair Loss Association states that about 40 percent of the people suffering from hair loss are women. There are various options for women to treat hair loss, including the herbal supplement saw palmetto. Before using herbal supplements, you should consult a doctor.

Misunderstandings

According to the American Hair Loss Association, scientists believe that a predominance of testosterone is the main cause of male or female pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia. While testosterone is a male sex hormone, females have small amounts of testosterone under normal conditions. Though testosterone is not the main cause of baldness, it is a factor in the form of dihydrotestosterone.

DHT

Created from testosterone combining with the type II 5-alpha reductase enzyme in your hair follicles' oil gland, dihydrotestosterone--also known as DHT--is one of the most common causes of hair loss. According to the American Hair Loss Association, DHT binding to scalp follicle receptors can cause your hair follicles to shrink, resulting in the death of healthy hair. If DHT is the cause of your hair loss, saw palmetto is one of several herbs than might help.

Saw Palmetto

The fruit of saw palmetto--a small palm tree native to the eastern United States--has the ability to inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, preventing or reducing hair loss. Saw palmetto also blocks receptor sites on cell membranes required for cells to absorb DHT, according to an article published by naturalnews.com in November 2008.

Available Forms

The fruit of saw palmetto is available in a variety of forms. Ground and dried fruit, as well as whole berries are used to treat a variety of disorders. Liquid extracts, tablets, capsules, and tea infusions also may help treat hair loss, as well as chronic pelvic pain, bladder disorders, decreased sex drive, hormone imbalances and prostate cancer, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Precautions

Most people do not experience side effects when taking saw palmetto. However, this alternative medicine may cause mild side effects, including minor stomach discomfort and mild headaches. Because saw palmetto may have effects similar to some hormones, pregnant and nursing women should avoid saw palmetto, as should women who have had--or are at risk of developing--hormone-related cancers, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. Because herbs can interact with other herbs, supplements or medications, you should consult a doctor before using saw palmetto or any other herb.