Will taking saw palmetto for hair loss cause weight gain because it’s a testosterone balancing supplement?
It’s also important to note that while saw palmetto might help with some symptoms of an enlarged prostate, it won’t help if the cause is prostate cancer. The supplement is only potentially helpful in cases of BPH, which is noncancerous. However, while it’s considered a very safe supplement, saw palmetto can interact with certain anti-platelet drugs and anticoagulants such as aspirin or warfarin, per University of Michigan Health. Saw palmetto can also increase the side effects of NSAIDs, including liver damage, per Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.
Many people turn to saw palmetto as a natural remedy for hair loss, as it is believed to help block the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is thought to contribute to hair loss. However, some are concerned that saw palmetto may also lead to weight gain due to its effects on testosterone levels.
One article notes that levels of PSA may decrease by 50% after 6–12 months of taking saw palmetto. Doctors test PSA levels during prostate cancer screening, so saw palmetto could make these tests less accurate. Many women face urinary problems such as overactive bladder as they age. Some loss of bladder control or urinary incontinence occurs in females, especially after childbirth. Regularly taking saw palmetto extract can aid bladder function and reduce urinary symptoms. One study showed a significant reduction in daytime urination frequency for women who were treated with saw palmetto over 12 weeks.
Understanding Testosterone and Weight Gain
Because it’s been shown to thin blood, saw palmetto should never be taken simultaneously with other blood thinners. In particular, it shouldn’t be taken with aspirin and prescriptions such as warfarin. PRISMA flow diagram depicting the systematic review method to evaluate the effects of SP for the treatment of alopecia.
Despite this research, the NCCIH states that there isn’t sufficient evidence to prove that saw palmetto can be used for problems with hair loss. In addition, the national organization warns that most of what we know about saw palmetto comes from studies of male subjects with BPH. Because of this, we don’t know the possible risks and effects it could have on other genders and children. In addition, there is not much information on how the supplement may interact with afflictions other than BPH. Saw palmetto could be a potential form of herbal treatment for hair loss. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) gives a brief background on saw palmetto.
Still, it’s unclear whether Permixon has the same effect in healthy men or whether other saw palmetto formulations offer similar protective benefits. Although promising, the research on saw palmetto’s effect on hair loss is limited. However, the latest Cochrane review — the highest standard in evidence-based healthcare — concluded that saw palmetto provides little improvement in LUTS (11).
Testosterone is an important hormone in both men and women, playing a role in muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution. Imbalances in testosterone levels can potentially lead to weight gain, particularly when there is an excess of the hormone. Some believe that saw palmetto, by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT, could lead to an increase in testosterone levels and subsequently weight gain.
The Truth About Saw Palmetto and Weight Gain
Despite concerns about the potential impact of saw palmetto on testosterone levels, there is currently no scientific evidence to suggest that taking saw palmetto for hair loss directly causes weight gain. While individual reactions to supplements can vary, there is no conclusive research linking saw palmetto to weight gain specifically due to its testosterone-balancing properties.
FAQs About Saw Palmetto and Weight Gain
- Can saw palmetto cause weight gain? – There is no direct evidence to support the claim that saw palmetto causes weight gain.
- Should I be concerned about taking saw palmetto for hair loss? – As with any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider before starting a new regimen.
- Are there other side effects of saw palmetto to be aware of? – Some potential side effects of saw palmetto include stomach upset, headache, and dizziness.
