Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement most commonly taken by men to help with prostate problems. Recently, however, saw palmetto has gained popularity with women as a treatment for a wide array of problems. While some women swear by the effectiveness of saw palmetto, others claim that the supplement causes stomachaches. To determine if saw palmetto is right for you, it is important to understand both the herb's abilities and possible complications.
Effectiveness
According to Aetna InteliHealth, treatment of hormonal hair loss is the only effective studied use of saw palmetto for women. It may help reduce the amount of hair lost in women with hormonal alopecia but more studies are needed before this supplement will be medically recommended. If you find that your hair is thinning you should ask your doctor if she would recommend saw palmetto for you.
Potential Uses
Although more studies are needed, it is possible that saw palmetto can improve your libido, diminish excessive body hair growth that results from hirutism, and even change your breast size. Moreover, saw palmetto may be effective in relieving cold and flu symptoms such as congestion, sore throat, diarrhea and constipation. It may also help to improve fertility and minimize ovarian cysts.
Side Effects
According to MayoClinic.com, stomach and intestinal irritations and pains are the most common complaint among women taking saw palmetto. This may include nausea, vomiting, cramps or diarrhea. Some people taking saw palmetto also report headaches and feeling lightheaded. Generally, saw palmetto is considered safe for consumption; however, pregnant women are warned to avoid the supplement due to close mimicry of hormones that may interfere with your pregnancy.
Interactions
Saw palmetto appears to decrease the body's level of estrogen. This may make your birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapies less effective. If you are on a birth control pill and taking saw palmetto, use a secondary form of birth control to help prevent pregnancy. Saw palmetto also slows your body's ability to clot blood. If you take a blood thinner such as aspirin or naproxen, you are at increased risk of bruising and bleeding.
Surgery Warning
If you are due to go into surgery, it is important to discontinue use of saw palmetto. Due to the herb's ability to slow blood clotting, there is a potential for increased bleeding during surgery with continued use. Medline Plus recommends discontinuing use of the supplement two weeks before surgery to avoid complications.
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