5 Top Benefits of Saw Palmetto for Women

Tagged in: Hair Health Skin Health

by Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. Last Updated: May 14, 2019

Saw palmetto is one of the most commonly used natural remedies for men’s hormonal issues, but saw palmetto isn’t just for men. Read on to learn about the benefits of saw palmetto for women.

Can Women Take Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a type of small palm tree featuring small berries that has been used medicinally for hundreds of years, but in modern times, the extract from saw palmetto’s berries have been applied to a wide range of medical issues. In men, saw palmetto is most prominently prescribed as a natural remedy for prostate issues, including symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (an enlargement of the prostate gland).¹

Studies and reviews of scientific literature have found that most of these effects are caused by saw palmetto’s interactions with androgen hormones and intermediaries. In particular, saw palmetto is known to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone).² While DHT has its functions, excess DHT levels are known to contribute to the aforementioned prostate problems as well as androgenic alopecia, better known as male or female pattern baldness.³

The fact is, testosterone is not just a hormone found in men. Women also produce testosterone, which plays a vital role in several bodily functions, but too much testosterone can cause hormonal imbalances that may result in a whole host of problems. Saw palmetto can help to inhibit testosterone and other androgen hormone and maintain a hormonal balance in women.⁴ Take a look at some of the health benefits of saw palmetto for women.

Saw Palmetto Benefits

1. Saw Palmetto for Women’s Hair Loss

As with men, androgenetic alopecia in women is caused by the conversion of testosterone into DHT. The excess DHT causes hair follicles in the scalp to shrink. This shortens the hair cycle’s growth phase while lengthening the resting phase, resulting in lost hair.

Men naturally have more testosterone than women, but balding can still occur in women, especially as they get older. In men, balding typically starts at the temples and the top of the head. Women usually experience thinning hair that starts at the part, where hair goes down either side of the head.⁵

Saw palmetto for women’s hair loss may work the same as it does for men. As mentioned, saw palmetto extract has been found to inhibit 5-alpha reductase in the scalp, preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. One study suggested that combining 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (like saw palmetto extract) with anti-inflammatory agents could offer an effective approach to reducing the symptoms of androgenetic alopecia.⁶

2. Saw Palmetto for Hirsutism in Women

Where excess DHT shrinks the hair follicles in the scalp, it can have the opposite effect on hair follicles around the body, resulting in the excess body hair characterized by hirsutism. Hirsutism refers to the presence of coarse hairs on the body. It is believed to affect about 5 to 10 percent of women. Women with a buildup of DHT may experience sudden excess hair growth in areas where men usually grow hair, including on the abdomen, face, and arms.⁷ Saw palmetto’s potential to block DHT and regulate hormonal balance may help to prevent the growth of excess body hair in women.

3. Saw Palmetto for Acne

While there is no singular known cause for acne, science understands that hormones can play a large role in acne formation. Studies show that the glands that produce sebum are readily stimulated by androgen hormones produced in the skin. DHT happens to be one of the most powerful of these androgens and can be found in sebaceous glands. This suggests that excess DHT could lead to an overproduction of sebum.⁸ While sebum is necessary for protecting the skin and locking in moisture, too much of it can clog pores, resulting in the blackheads, whiteheads, and cysts characteristic of acne.

If you suffer from hormonal acne, your doctor may suggest saw palmetto in oral or topical forms. Topical forms may help to control DHT production on the skin’s surface and within pores and sebaceous glands, while oral forms of saw palmetto can help to regulate DHT (and sebum production) from the inside.

4. Saw Palmetto for Symptoms of Menopause

Menopause marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycles. On average, menopause occurs at the age of 45. A woman officially reaches menopause one year after her last period. Chemically, menopause occurs because the ovaries stop creating reproductive hormones, namely estrogen and progesterone. This can result in a variety of physical and emotional symptoms leading up to and after reaching menopause. Symptoms can include:

Hot flashes
Night sweats
Changing or irregular periods
Vaginal dryness
Sleep problems
Mood swings
Thinning hair⁹

While testosterone levels do go down with age, it does not see as drastic of a decline as estrogen and progesterone during menopause.¹⁰ Saw palmetto has been shown to interact with estrogen receptors¹² and can help support hormonal balance during menopause.

5. Saw Palmetto for PCOS

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that is characterized by enlarged ovaries that contain follicles (fluid) surrounding the eggs, causing the ovaries to malfunction, which can lead to hormonal problems. This occurs in women of reproductive age and can result in prolonged or infrequent menstrual periods and high androgen levels. The high androgen levels can contribute to hirsutism, female pattern baldness, and severe acne. If left untreated, PCOS can result in a variety of complications, including mood disorders, infertility, sleep issues, and metabolic syndrome (noted by high blood pressure, high serum sugar levels, and other symptoms that could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease).¹¹

Studies have found that saw palmetto extract may be beneficial for women with polycystic ovary syndrome. Saw palmetto contains several fatty acids known as liposterols (lauric, oleic, myristic, and linoleic acids) that are known to inhibit 5-alpha reductase, thus preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT. DHT may contribute to the hirsutism and androgenic alopecia associated with PCOS.

Side Effects of Saw Palmetto

1. Interferes with contraceptives: Saw palmetto is generally considered to be safe for use, but it is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Its interaction with your hormones means it may also reduce the effect of oral contraceptives.

2. Pain: In rare instances, saw palmetto may cause mild headaches or stomach pains.

3. Interferes with coagulation: It has also been shown to affect coagulation⁵so use with caution if you are taking blood thinners.

Saw palmetto for women can provide a variety of benefits to health and wellbeing. Consult your doctor if you think saw palmetto is right for you.

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About the Author:

Dr. Bryan Do, D.O.

Dr. Bryan Do, D.O. is an osteopathic physician whose research interests include gastroenterology, immunology, and dermatology. He is particularly interested in the role of probiotics in the gut-brain-skin axis and has written many articles on the topic. He graduated from University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before graduating from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Indianapolis, Indiana and becoming a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. Osteopathic physicians are taught to take a holistic approach to medicine and to consider mind, body, and spirit when treating a patient. Osteopathic physicians receive training in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine (OMM) in addition to the standard rigorous medical school curriculum. Both physicians with a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree as well as a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) can practice medicine.

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