¿Funciona la palma enana americana para la caída del cabello?

Saw palmetto is a small, slow-growing palm found in the southeastern United States. Its berries are often used as a dietary supplement to treat a variety of symptoms and health concerns, including hair loss. But does saw palmetto actually work for hair loss?

Saw palmetto may be effective at slowing hair loss by slowing DHT, the hormone primarily responsible for pattern hair loss. While saw palmetto is not a permanent hair loss solution and cannot reverse hair loss that has already occurred, it’s a great natural ingredient to look for in hair loss prevention products. It can be especially effective when paired with other hair loss solutions. Get your personalized hair loss treatment plan during a free consultation with a Bosley hair restoration expert.

In this article, we’ll explore the benefits, safety, and efficacy of saw palmetto – as well as its potential to reduce hair loss.

Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss Treatment & Other Benefits

Early research shows that saw palmetto may be effective in treating or managing symptoms for the following health concerns:

• Agrandamiento de la próstata
• Urinary tract issues
• Inflammation
• Regulación de la testosterona
• Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)

Around 2 million men use a saw palmetto supplement for common issues – from supporting the health of their prostate to treating androgenetic alopecia (hair loss). 

Prostate health is one of the most common applications of saw palmetto supplements. It is thought to relieve benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous prostate enlargement that can cause uncomfortable urinary symptoms and kidney problems. However, evidence is mixed on its efficacy.

Interestingly, the same mechanism that may allow saw palmetto to relieve prostate enlargement is what also may make it effective for hair loss. Hair loss and prostate enlargement are common symptoms of the production of 5-alpha reductase (5-AR), an enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate gland. DHT is also the hormone associated with androgenetic alopecia. Saw palmetto is a natural DHT-blocker, so it may support prostate health as well as fight hair loss.

¿Cómo ayuda la palma enana americana a la caída del cabello?

Androgenetic alopecia is caused by excess DHT production and follicle sensitivity to DHT. Saw palmetto is believed to work by blocking the production of DHT and reducing the DHT your hair follicles take in.

Blocking the enzyme 5α-reductase from converting testosterone to DHT slows down DHT production, and decreases the ability of DHT to bind to hormone receptors. This is how the pharmaceutical medication finasteride – a proven DHT inhibitor – is so effective against hair loss. 

While more clinical research is needed, early studies and anecdotal evidence suggest that saw palmetto could slow down the balding process in a similar manner. Saw palmetto may be an effective natural alternative to pharmaceutical DHT blockers like finasteride.

Does Saw Palmetto Really Work for Hair Loss?

The research on saw palmetto and hair loss is limited, but promising. A review of several studies noted that when taken orally or applied topically, saw palmetto improved total hair count by 27% and hair density in 83% of men and women with pattern hair loss.

However, the benefits of saw palmetto on hair loss are mostly anecdotal, and there haven’t been enough studies to say definitively if saw palmetto is an effective treatment for hair loss. Existing studies suggest that saw palmetto holds promise as a treatment for hair loss, but larger-scale clinical trials are needed.

While saw palmetto might inhibit DHT, the only drug that has proven to reduce DHT levels is finasteride. Finasteride is a highly effective, FDA-approved hair loss prevention drug available with a prescription on BosleyRx.com.

Can Women Use Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss?

Further research is required to understand saw palmetto’s efficacy in treating female pattern hair loss – most saw palmetto studies have focused on men. That said, saw palmetto is generally considered safe for female use unless pregnant or breastfeeding. Discuss adding a saw palmetto supplement with your healthcare provider before adding it to your daily regimen, especially if you are taking any medications or have chronic health issues.

¿Es segura la palma enana americana?

Saw palmetto is generally considered safe for most people, although pregnant and breastfeeding women are advised not to take it. 

Saw palmetto side effects tend to be mild. The most common side effects include diarrhea, headache, fatigue, decreased libido, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo. Always consult a medical professional before starting any new medication or supplement.

¿Dónde puedo encontrar Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto supplements and extracts are widely available. Typically, these come in the form of oral capsules or in an oil-based topical extract. Saw palmetto is also a common ingredient in hair care products that focus on hair loss prevention.

Along with other natural DHT inhibitors like pumpkin seed and rosemary, BosleyMD BosRevive shampoo formula contains saw palmetto extract to promote healthy hair growth. While topical Bosley products are generally deemed safe to use for adults, even for pregnant or breastfeeding women, consult your primary care physician prior to use.