Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement that is commonly used to promote prostate health in men and alleviate symptoms of conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But many people wonder, how fast does saw palmetto work?
Supplements can increase the chances of unplanned pregnancy by making contraceptives less effective. Saw palmetto is considered safe and generally well-tolerated with minimal side effects. Some of the most common side effects that you may experience when taking saw palmetto supplements, though, include constipation, nausea, headache, and dizziness. You need to keep these and other things in mind if you’re taking or planning to take saw palmetto supplements. Note that the active ingredients in dried saw palmetto fruits aren’t water soluble, so teas made from these berries might not be particularly effective.
Understanding Saw Palmetto
Saw palmetto works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By inhibiting this enzyme, saw palmetto helps reduce the levels of DHT in the body, which can in turn reduce the size of the prostate and alleviate symptoms of BPH.
Factors Affecting Speed of Action
Additionally, saw palmetto has been shown to decrease tissue uptake of androgens, both testosterone and DHT. So while there may still be circulating androgens present, they have less of an ability to stimulate tissues than they would otherwise. Saw palmetto berries contain fatty acids called liposterols, which have been found to inhibit the action of an enzyme called 5 alpha-reductase. Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is an herb that is increasing in popularity for hormonal regulation, specifically for the benefits it may have for high testosterone. However, saw palmetto supplements aren’t particularly effective when used alone.
- Dosage: Higher doses of saw palmetto may produce faster results.
- Severity of symptoms: The more severe the symptoms, the longer it may take for saw palmetto to work.
- Individual differences: Some people may respond more quickly to saw palmetto than others.
She is the best selling author of Beyond the Pill and Healing Your Body Naturally After Childbirth. Dr. Brighten is an international speaker, clinical educator, medical advisor within the tech community, and considered a leading authority on women’s health. She is a member of the MindBodyGreen Collective and a faculty member for the American Academy of Anti Aging Medicine. Her work has been featured in the New York Post, Forbes, Cosmopolitan, Huffington Post, Bustle, The Guardian, Sports Illustrated, Elle, and ABC News.
Expected Timeline
People can talk with a doctor about which treatments may be best for managing OAB and whether any supplements may be beneficial. Further research, particularly in females and children, is needed to know more about the safety and side effects of saw palmetto. As discussed in this article, there are many steps you can take on your own to ease the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. But remember to see your doctor regularly — don’t let an enlarged prostate go untreated.
Overall, more studies are needed before strong conclusions can be made. However, not all of its uses and purported health benefits are supported by science. Saw palmetto is a supplement made from the fruit of the Serenoa repens tree. While this early research is promising, more research must be done before we’ll know for certain how well saw palmetto works and how safe it is for long-term use. For more information on saw palmetto, contact your county Extension office. In the spring, 3-foot long flower stalks appear, sporting small yellow-white, fragrant flowers.
While individual experiences may vary, many people report seeing improvements in their symptoms within 4 to 6 weeks of starting saw palmetto supplementation. However, it may take up to 3 months to experience the full benefits of saw palmetto.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can saw palmetto work immediately?
- Are there any side effects of saw palmetto?
- Can women take saw palmetto?
No, saw palmetto typically takes several weeks to start producing noticeable effects.
Some people may experience mild side effects like stomach upset or headaches, but these are rare.
While saw palmetto is often used by men for prostate health, some women may also benefit from its hormone-balancing effects.
