Question for the Doctors About Saw Palmetto

[ryan555]

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.

[ohlife]

did you ever find out an answer to this? would be interesting to know.

[ryan555]

I've received no replies. I'm actually pretty surprised by the lack of interest. People are always speculating on whether or not these natural remedies work so I put it to the test and noone seems to care. Darn.

[sparky22]

I would like to know as well. I just ordered a product called maxahair. I am usually skeptic of all the gimmicks but this has saw palmetto as well as other things that are suppose to prevent hair loss. We will see what happens.

[Fixed by 35]

Most herbal remedies contain saw palmetto and nettle extract. Procerin and Provillus for example. I believe Revivogen also contains saw palmetto.

[RICO75]

natural treatment to baldness

Hello
I am French
and I have read with high interest the question you asked one year ago on this site
I really hope that you will get this message after all this time
I have been taking propecia + minoxydil for ten years
I have been suffering from erectile dysfunction for quite a long time
The recent blood test shows that the rate of available testosterone is at the lowest point (0,90 ng/mL) though the rate of total testosterone is at the highest one.
Doctor's conclusion is that I have to stop propecia
Propecia has enabled me to preserve my hair for all this time.
I would like to know what are the results of the natural treatment you are taken for your hair
Is is efficient ? have you got any side effects? And what do you suggest as the best natural treatment?
Finally Where could I buy them?
Thank you for the answers that you will give me
With my best regards Eric

I would be very appreciative if one of te 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.

[Tracy C]

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?

Maybe it is the way you worded your first question... DHT is the hormone that triggers hereditary hair loss. So it makes sense that reducing DHT should slow down or possibly arrest hereditary hair loss.

There have been some short term studies that suggest a specific blend of Saw Palmetto and other herbs can reduce DHT enough to relieve prostate trouble in the early stages. If that is true, it is reasonable to speculate that this same blend of Saw Palmetto and other herbs should be able to slow down hereditary hair loss. For those who are concerned about the possible side effects of taking Finasteride, this may be worth while to give it a try for a year. As is the case with Finasteride, it is reasonable to speculate that it will likely take at least a year before you will know if it is working.

One does not need to pay the high prices of Procerin, Provillus, Avacor or whatever flavor of the month Saw Palmetto blend. Most vitamin manufacturers offer similar products with similar ingredients in similar proportions at much lower prices. Just look for a Saw Palmetto complex - make sure the word "Complex" is on the label. The word "complex" on the label indicates that the product is a blend of Saw Palmetto and other herbs, not straight Saw Palmetto. Nature's Bounty makes one. I am including a link to a PDF file of the product label so you can read the ingredients to help you find similar products in your area.

http://www.naturesbounty.com/VF/LABELS/L006052-NB.PDF

[robbie25]

OK, so Ihave a question.....if I understand correctly, the reason Propecia can have the sides it does (low sex drive, ED) is BECAUSE DHT promotes those things (high sex drive, virility). If taking Saw Palmetto reduces your DHT as much as Propecia, it stands to reason you will experience the same sides, right?

[Tracy C]

If taking Saw Palmetto reduces your DHT as much as Propecia, it stands to reason you will experience the same sides, right?

Makes sense.

[robbie25]

Makes sense.

I'm confused about the winking smiley. Are you being sarcastic?

I did a quick search of Saw Palmetto and the sides look very similar to Fin.

[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]

Saw palmetto

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!