Saw Palmetto and Hair Loss

Prostate health has long been a concern of men from age 40 and beyond. Specifically, a common condition of prostate enlargement causes the need for frequent urination and for urination production to be small at any given trip to the bathroom. It is now known that this condition is the result of the production of DHT (long scientific name not necessary here!), a byproduct of an enzyme reacting on testosterone, the most significant male hormone. DHT causes prostate tissues to enlarge, thus causing the problems outlined at the beginning of this paragraph. Naturally, medical research in the area of prostate health has involved the development of drugs or other ingredients which will block or at least inhibit the production of DHT. The less the DHT usually means the smaller the prostate. Today there are widely publicized drugs from virtually all pharmaceutical companies which inhibit DHT production. There is also a natural herb which many people in the natural cures and vitamin supplement industry claim has shown promise in the same area. The herb is called Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto is an herb widely grown in the southern portions of the United States and, in fact, around the world. It is readily available and not an expensive herb to buy. It is available either in crushed berry or extract form. Saw Palmetto has been widely used throughout the world for hundreds of years and, recently, has received a lot of good publicity in the U.S. Homeopathic physicians consistently prescribe it for male patients experiencing prostate enlargement, and many patients say they experience improvement and relief from their symptoms. Some people have claimed that an interesting side effect of Saw Palmetto has to do with hair growth. Some male patients report that they have experienced noticeable and permanent regrowth of scalp hair or a solid reduction in the rate of hair loss while taking Saw Palmetto for prostate problems. This has led to a bit of research which may suggest that inhibiting or blocking DHT production affects the entire body. More study is needed. In the scalp area, some believe the reduction of DHT seems may allow hair follicles to re-open and engage in new hair growth. Some evidence may suggest that DHT reduction may also maintain the health of remaining productive hair follicles. What little research that exists seems to be skewed dependent upon who is funding the study. Obviously, drug companies that have developed and marketed other drugs for prostate and hair problems state that there is no evidence to suggest the efficacy of Saw Palmetto. Ancient healers and homeopathic practitioners, however, say otherwise. Studies conducted by proponents of Saw Palmetto report solid effectiveness. Because it appears that some men have experienced the side effect of Saw Palmetto, it may be worth a try. You can buy the herb in crushed berry or in extract form. The extract form is far more concentrated, so, obviously less is taken. A general rule of dosage is 300-600 milligrams daily, mixed with some fatty acids. Any health food store, whether physical or on the Internet carries this product in the recommended dosages and combinations with fatty acids. Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only, and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should NOT use the information contained herein for diagnosing, preventing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. When shopping for nutritional supplements or herbal formulas you should carefully read all product packaging and information on the product label or product web site. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are NOT intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.