Question for the Doctors About Saw Palmetto

[Tracy C]

Are you being sarcastic?

No, just playful. I do feel it makes sense.

[robbie25]

No, just playful. I do feel it makes sense.

I see. I mean, it makes sense as long as that's the assumed mechanism OF the sides....that is, the lower of DHT.

If that IS in fact the case, then ANYthing that lowers DHT will have similar sides to Propecia. I guess my point is, those looking to Saw Palmetto as a replacement for Propecia and are expecting to have no sides because it's natural may be disappointed.

Again, I don't know for sure the SP would do that. But it stands to reason if the vehicle for the Propecia sides are in fact the lower DHT levels.

It seems to make sense.....after all, DHT is a form of testosterone, and if you're testosterone levels were magically lowered right now, you would suffer similar side effects....lack of libido, ED.

[RICO75]

If efficiency is proved, I am afraid Saw Palmetto could have the same side effects as Propecia That 's true

[Tracy C]

If that IS in fact the case, then ANYthing that lowers DHT will have similar sides to Propecia. I guess my point is, those looking to Saw Palmetto as a replacement for Propecia and are expecting to have no sides because it's natural may be disappointed.

It does make sense. I know it is not my place to comment on the possible sexual sides effects. However, I have also read articles stating that the perceived "increase" in these side effects is due to fear mongering. This leads men to expect sexual side effects as apposed to watching out for them. From there stress and anxiety over the possibility amplify the problem even further. Much in the same way that stressing out over your hair loss makes your hair loss worse.

Now looking at it the other way. Men who choose to take Saw Palmetto expecting to avoid the possible sexual side effects of Finasteride or Dutasteride might not have any side effects simply because they are not expecting them... It is possible.

[blakes33]

I would be very appreciative if one of the fine doctors on this board would comment on something for me. Six months ago, for a medical reason that has nothing to do with the drug's side effects (I had none), I had to stop taking Propecia after 12 years on the drug. I have begun to experience a little recession in my hairline and want to try everything I can to slow it down, so I skeptically started taking Saw Palmetto.

Prior to stopping Propecia, I had my blood tested and my DHT levels were about 20. Three months after stopping, I tested again at 61. Much to my surprise, after two weeks on Saw Palmetto I tested again and my levels were at 22, right about where they were on Finasteride. My question is, is serum DHT the primary factor in efficacy for hair loss? Will a drastic reduction in serum DHT eventually lead to a reduction in scalp DHT? Or is it possible that Saw Palmetto could reduce my blood DHT level as much as Propecia and not still not have a positive effect on hair loss?

Thank you in advance for any input.

Ryan - what brand of saw palmetto are/were you taking? If I take one this would help me out tremendously, knowing which one actually works!