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.