So, your doctor has suggested that you try saw palmetto before starting on finasteride. This is a common approach as saw palmetto is believed to have some benefits for hair health and growth. But how long should you give it a try before determining if it’s working for you or not?
Bangkok Old Town is one of the hidden gem neighborhoods in Bangkok because (side form the Grand Palace and the Wat Pho) it still is not on the tourist map. It’s located a little bit off the beaten path and accessible by taxi from either the airport or downtown. Lumpini Park is the place to go to get away from the noise and fast pace of the city. It is full of idyllic lakes and ponds, green stretches of grass and gorgeous fountains.
When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements. Do not give any herbal/health supplement to a child without medical advice. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. American folks have been using saw palmetto as a medicinal herb for several hundreds of years, mostly to treat prostate problems.
Saw palmetto should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor. Saw palmetto has been seen to support the urological system of men with BPH. Saw palmetto strengthens the urinary system of both men and women, especially the elderly people. It is also a recommended herbal medicine when it comes to treating kidney stones. Saw palmetto improves the flow of urine and provides relief from any urological symptoms.
Saw palmetto has performed well in in-vitro studies, but at concentrations which could never be safely used in vivo (on actual people) [1]. The few in-vivo clinical trials performed on humans show no evidence of lowering serum DHT levels [4] and only a mild effect against less advanced forms of androgenetic alopecia [1]. It may offer health benefits like improved hair growth, prostate health, and urinary function. That said, studies suggest that saw palmetto supplements are generally safe for most people.
Since it acts as a hormone, women should not take saw palmetto during pregnancy or when breast-feeding. Women considering taking a herb or supplement during pregnancy should discuss it first with a doctor. As such, experts cannot say with certainty that saw palmetto stabilizes testosterone levels. However, another study has shown that taking saw palmetto does not, in fact, decrease the risk of prostate cancer. However, more recently there has been some evidence to suggest otherwise.
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However, eating the whole natural saw palmetto herb won’t provide you with additional medicinal benefits. It’s also thought that saw palmetto works through mechanisms like relaxing smooth muscle, affecting insulin levels and having an anti-inflammatory effect. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not take saw palmetto due to potential hormonal effects. Enter search terms to find related medical topics, multimedia and more.
The recommended duration
There isn’t a set timeframe for how long you should try saw palmetto before switching to finasteride. However, it’s generally recommended to give it at least 3-6 months to see any noticeable results. Hair growth and maintenance take time, so patience is key when trying out new supplements.
Potential benefits of saw palmetto
- Saw palmetto may help reduce hair loss by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, a hormone that contributes to male pattern baldness.
- It may also promote hair growth and strengthen hair follicles, leading to thicker and healthier hair over time.
Potential drawbacks of saw palmetto
- Some people may experience mild side effects such as stomach upset or headache when taking saw palmetto.
- It may not be as effective as finasteride for treating hair loss in some individuals.
Consult with your doctor
Ultimately, the decision to switch to finasteride or continue with saw palmetto should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider. They can assess your individual needs and recommend the best course of action based on your specific situation.
Remember, what works for one person may not work for another, so it’s important to be patient and open to trying different options until you find the right solution for your hair loss concerns.
