Saw palmetto is an herbal supplement made from the saw palmetto tree, which is also known as serenoa repens. Saw palmetto supplements are best known as an alternative treatment for enlarged prostate, but are also sometimes recommended for women to balance estrogen levels. However, there is very little scientific evidence indicating that saw palmetto has an effect on estrogen. As with any health supplement, consult your doctor before taking saw palmetto.
Estrogen
The term estrogen refers to a group of related hormones that help to regulate reproductive and sexual development in women, explains the Rush University Medical Center. For this reason, estrogen hormones are often called the female sex hormone. Estrogen is primarily produced in the ovaries, although small amounts are produced by the adrenal glands as well. Estrogen transmits signals from the ovaries to other parts of the body by binding to specialized molecules known as estrogen receptors, which are found on the target cells.
Saw Palmetto and Estrogen
There is very little clinical research into the effect of saw palmetto on estrogen. One small study found that treatment with saw palmetto reduced levels of estrogen receptors, which could theoretically reduce the activity of estrogen, reports an article published in 1992 in the journal "European Urology." However, this study involved 35 men with enlarged prostate. The effect of saw palmetto on estrogen receptors in women has not been studied extensively.
Contradictions
Although one study suggests saw palmetto may decrease the activity of estrogen, there are contrasting indications that saw palmetto may directly stimulate estrogen receptors instead, which could potentially increase estrogen activity, according to a study published in the July 2010 issue of the "Southern Medical Journal." Additional research is needed to fully understand the effect of saw palmetto on estrogen in women.
Recommendations
While the exact effect of saw palmetto on estrogen is not fully understood, the potential influence on estrogen activity could possibly cause interactions with other medications containing estrogen. Certain birth control pills contain estrogen, and taking saw palmetto at the same time could potentially reduce the effectiveness of the birth control and increase the risk of unexpected pregnancy, advises MedlinePlus. Similarly, saw palmetto could potentially decrease the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy containing estrogen.
References
- MedlinePlus: Saw Palmetto; December 2010
- New York Langone Medical Center: Saw Palmetto; August 2011
- "European Urology"; Evidence that Serenoa Repens Extract Displays an Antiestrogenic Activity in Prostatic Tissue of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Patients; F. Di Silverio et al.; 1992
- "Southern Medical Journal"; A Possible Case of Saw Palmetto-Induced Pancreatitis; K.A. Wargo et al.; July 2010
- Rush University Medical Center: Estrogen's Effects on the Female Body
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