Hair loss can be a distressing event for women of any age. Remedies for hair loss abound, yet some are more helpful than others. As the benefits of herbs become widely recognized, an increasing number of women are turning to herbal treatments to combat hair loss. Saw palmetto may not be the best choice. Consult with a doctor before taking any herb or supplement.
Hair Loss
There are several causes of hair loss in women. Impediments to the hair growth process include treatments such as chemotherapy or damage to hair follicles due to tight hair styles such as cornrows, tight pony tail or braids. Another cause for women's hair loss is hormone imbalance, or having too much of the testosterone derivative, dihydrotestosterone or DHT. If the body undergoes high amounts of stress or a difficult event such as childbirth, malnutrition, surgery or infection, hair loss may result.
Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto is a plant similar to a palm plant. It has berries, which were used as food by Native Americans and may now be found in health food stores. The berries, extracts or powder of the berries are used to treat urinary complications caused by non-cancerous prostate enlargement in men, called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. For hair loss in women, though, there is no clinically verifiable use for saw palmetto berries.
What May Help?
Work with a medical professional to find out the cause of your hair loss. Eat a balanced diet, which includes the recommended amount of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Reduce stress. There are several prescription medications in both pill and topical form which your doctor may suggest that you try.
Precautions
There may be side effects to taking saw palmetto. These include stomach ache, headache and bleeding. Saw palmetto is not recommended for children or pregnant or breast-feeding women or women who have hormone-related cancer. Saw palmetto may interact with some medications such as warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix) and aspirin. Inform your doctor of any herbs or supplements you are taking; get medical advice before taking any herb or supplement.
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