Polycystic ovary syndrome, an endocrine condition, is more common than you may realize. As many as one out of every 10 women in the United States may have it, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health. Having PCOS puts you at risk for several health problems, including Type 2 diabetes and endometrial cancer. Yet it is the effect PCOS has on your appearance that can be so distressing. Hair loss is one of the major concerns, and some women have turned to saw palmetto to address it.
Understanding Saw Palmetto
The saw palmetto plant's berries have historically been used to treat many afflictions, such as male urinary tract infections. It's therapeutic use is still primarily for men's benefit; it may help to treat non-cancerous prostate enlargement. The theory is that saw palmetto can inhibit prostate cell growth and may block testosterone. The plant's berries may also be helpful in reducing inflammation, possibly due to their antioxidant content. Dried saw palmetto berries are available, but many people use liquid or capsule preparations for supplementation.
Hair & PCOS
Balancing testosterone and other hormones is a major concern when dealing with PCOS. One significant impact these hormonal imbalances can have is on your scalp and body hair. You may be dealing with a condition called hirsutism, which involves excessive body hair growth. The growth occurs on the face, neck, shoulders, back and other areas where men usually have body hair. Ironically, as you grow more body hair, you may also lose scalp hair. The excess androgen hormones contribute to male pattern baldness in PCOS patients.
Using Saw Palmetto
Interest in saw palmetto among PCOS patients is linked to its potential effects on testosterone. In fact, some hair thickening products contain saw palmetto. The belief is that the plant's ability to block androgens, typically referred to as male hormones, could help to reduce the effects they have on appearance. This includes combating both male pattern baldness and hirsutism. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that consuming 160 mg of saw palmetto extract twice a day has anti-androgen effects. More research is needed, however, to confirm the efficacy of saw palmetto for PCOS-related hair loss.
Precautions
Turning to alternative treatments is a common choice among PCOS patients, particularly because the condition is incurable. Always discuss using saw palmetto or any other alternative therapy with a medical professional. Saw palmetto doesn't typically cause side effects, but you may experience GI distress. It may also affect iron absorption and cause complications if you're pregnant, nursing or have certain forms of cancer. Saw palmetto can interact with medications, including anticoagulants and birth control pills, as well.
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