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What exactly is the relationship between saw palmetto and hair loss? Saw palmetto is actually viewed by many as a natural, alternative medicine for treating hair loss (mostly in men).
What is saw palmetto , anyway? Saw palmetto or Serenoa ripens is a palm-like plant that grows berries, the extract of which have been seen to have many therapeutic benefits.
For many decades, saw palmetto has been useful in treating enlarge prostate in men. The theorized reason for its effectivity is that it suppresses the enzyme called 5-alpha reductase which in turn prevents the production of the potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from the hormone testosterone. The production of excess DHT is pinpointed as the main cause for enlarged prostate.
On the other hand, it has been discovered that one of the most predominating causes of male pattern baldness or alopecia is the excess of amount DHT in your hair issue. This hormone is also said to be responsible for receding hairline and thinning hair, primarily in men. Thus, the idea of using saw palmetto as a hair growth remedy stems from the fact that it is able to inhibit DHT production. Since it presumably has the ability to reduce DHT production and prevent its build up, it is most likely effective in combating hair loss and even assist in hair regrowth as well.
Is it really true that saw palmetto grows hair? Unfortunately, there are not quite enough studies to sufficiently and scientifically prove the relationship of saw palmetto and hair growth. However, people around the world have seen this desired effect for themselves and the theory behind the effectivity of this herb is reasonable. Besides, it would not become as popular if there is only little truth in it, right?
Studies have revealed that daily intake of two doses of 200 mg (soft gel form) of saw palmetto as a hair growth remedy for about four months is effective for promoting at least a 60% improvement on hair growth. Thus, you can safely follow this dosage instruction: take 200 mg of soft gel twice a day, preferably with food.
How long does saw palmetto take before hair loss reduces? Well, you must note that hair grows rather slowly, at lengths of only about half an inch per month, it may take about a month or two before you actually see the results. Some might see the results faster than others, though.
Unlike in men where DHT is usually the underlying cause of hair loss, the causes for hair loss in women vary greatly. For women whose hair loss is linked to abnormal DHT or hormonal levels, intake of saw palmetto for managing this dilemma can prove useful.
Studies have also seen that saw palmetto is effective in fighting hirsutism, which is the abnormal growth of too much pattern hair in the wrong places. Hirsutism is primarily a symptom of PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), a disease in women which saw palmetto is also claimed to help treat.
The relationship that exists between saw palmetto and hair loss needs to be explored further in terms of scientific studies, but knowing that is effective in managing hair loss and even promoting hair growth in many people and that it is 100% natural should be convincing enough for you to try it out for yourself.