Saw palmetto is a popular herbal remedy for an enlarged prostate though it is also sometimes used to treat other prostate conditions, cold symptoms, asthma and other ailments. Most of these uses are unproven. Saw palmetto may affect your body's hormones, which could account for its reported benefits but this also means it carries risks. Consult your doctor before taking saw palmetto.
Side Effects
The side effects of saw palmetto are rarely serious. However, some people have reported problems with dizziness, headache, indigestion, nausea, stomach pain, bad breath, vomiting, constipation and diarrhea. You may be able to reduce these digestive side effects by taking saw palmetto with food.
Hormonal Effects
Some men have reported erection problems, discomfort in the breasts or testicles, breast swelling, and changes in libido after taking saw palmetto. These effects may be due to saw palmetto's affect on sex hormones or the body's response to them, but this has not been proven. However, men or women taking hormonal medications, such as the prostate enlargement drug and baldness remedy, finasteride, or birth control pills, should avoid saw palmetto unless a doctor approves it. Because of its hormonal effects, saw palmetto might interfere with screening tests for prostate cancer, which could lead to a delayed diagnosis or difficulty monitoring an existing cancer. If you have a hormone sensitive condition, such as prostate or breast cancer, you should also be cautious. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should not take saw palmetto because it may be unsafe.
Bleeding Problems
Saw palmetto may inhibit blood clotting, which could cause bleeding problems in people who have bleeding disorders, are taking blood thinners, or in those having surgery or dental work done. If you are scheduled for surgery or dental work, you should stop taking saw palmetto at least two weeks before the procedure.
Other Warnings
There have been a small number of reports linking saw palmetto to liver and pancreatic damage, ulcers, insomnia, depression, breathing problems, muscle and chest pain, high blood pressure and heart disease. However, there is no proof that these problems were actually caused by saw palmetto. However, if you have a condition affecting the stomach, liver, heart or lungs, do not take saw palmetto without talking to your doctor first.
Member Comments