Saw Palmetto Benefits for Women

by Vorst Canada May 31, 2022

saw palmetto benefits for women

DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment

Saw Palmetto is rich in nature’s goodness and may help ease several health conditions. While most people talk about its noticeable benefits for men, very few people are aware of saw palmetto benefits for women. This miracle natural ingredient has a number of therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulating, aphrodisiac, and diuretic among others that can benefit both men as well as women in many ways.

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the most common saw palmetto benefits for women along with how to use it, precautions, and possible side effects. But before we get into the health benefits of saw palmetto for women, it’s important to know the basics of saw palmetto a little bit more. So, let’s dive a little deep.

What is saw palmetto?
Can women benefit from saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto benefits for women
How to use saw palmetto
Precautions and side effects
Final words

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto, botanically known as Serenoa repens, is a small palm tree that looks like a shrub with its thorn-shaped leaves that are arranged like a fan. It’s native to the southeast parts of North America.

Its small berries have been used to make medicines for hundreds of years that are considered to have many medicinal properties such as aphrodisiac, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, as well as others. The extract of saw palmetto berries has also been used to alleviate a wide range of health issues in modern times as well.

Can women get any benefit from saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto is most prevalently used as an effective natural remedy for men’s hormonal issues especially prostate problems such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) in which the prostate gland gains an enlargement.

Studies suggest that excess levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a converted form of testosterone that is more potent than its normal form, can contribute to the development of various hormonal issues including prostate issues and androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness.

Multiple scientific reviews have found that the enzyme 5-alpha reductase plays the primary role in encouraging testosterone from being converted into a more potent form DHT. Saw palmetto has an incredible ability to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase and thus, can help keep testosterone as well as DHT levels in check.

In fact, testosterone is not just produced in men. It is also found in women and plays an important role in many vital bodily functions. But excess testosterone may disrupt hormonal balances in the women's body and may cause a wide range of issues.

Saw palmetto can help keep levels of testosterone and other androgen hormones in check and maintain a healthy hormonal balance in women. Let’s have a look at some of the most common health benefits of saw palmetto for women.

Saw palmetto benefits for women

Saw palmetto benefits for women with hair loss

Like with men, the conversion of testosterone into DHT causes female pattern alopecia (androgenic alopecia) in women. Saw palmetto extract can prevent the conversion of testosterone into DHT by inhibiting the causative enzyme 5 alpha-reductase in the scalp.

A 2011 study published in the Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine concluded that composition containing saw palmetto extract and anti-inflammatory agents can reduce inflammation of the hair follicles and represent a novel approach to the prevention and treatment of androgenic alopecia.

Saw palmetto benefits for women with PCOS

PCOS or polycystic ovary syndrome is a hormonal disorder that occurs in women with high androgen levels. It mainly affects women of reproductive age and is characterized by malfunction of ovaries, resulting in infrequent or prolonged menstrual periods. If left untreated, PCOS may lead to various health complications such as infertility, mood disorders, sleep problems, and symptoms of metabolic syndrome that may increase the risk of various cardiovascular issues.

Saw palmetto contains a number of liposterols, a group of fatty acids, such as linoleic, myristic, and lauric acids that can help restore hormonal balance, making it highly beneficial for women with PCOS.

Saw palmetto benefits for women with hirsutism

The high androgen levels in women may contribute to the development of hirsutism, a condition that leads to unwanted hair growth in the chest, back, and face in women. Saw palmetto is highly potential to regulate excess androgen levels that lead to hirsutism in women.

Saw palmetto benefits for women with acne

Though acne is caused by many possible reasons, hormonal imbalances are also one of the known reasons for acne. High levels of androgen levels can stimulate the production of excess sebum in the skin. While sebum is important for protecting the skin, excess sebum may clog skin pores, resulting in cysts characteristic of acne, whiteheads, and blackheads.

Saw palmetto can reduce sebum production by keeping androgen levels in check and may help reduce acne when taken orally or applied topically.

Saw palmetto benefits for women with symptoms of menopause

Menopause generally occurs at the age of mid-40s and marks the end of reproductive cycles. It appears with various physical and emotional symptoms, including:

Night sweats
Hot flashes
Vaginal dryness
Mood swings
Difficulty sleeping

Saw palmetto has been found to be effective in supporting hormonal balance during menopause and thus, may help reduce symptoms of menopause.

How to use saw palmetto

Saw palmetto can be consumed in various forms including capsules, tablets, and liquid extracts. Most recommended dosages range from 160 mg to 320 mg per day.

Precautions and side effects

Saw palmetto is generally found safe and well-tolerated. Side effects of saw palmetto are rare and mild that may include constipation, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and vertigo.

Though no records are available on possible interactions of saw palmetto with other herbs, medications, or supplements, still people going through medications for any underlying health conditions should consult with their healthcare providers before starting saw palmetto supplements.

Final words

Saw palmetto is popularly indicated for prostate health in men, but women can also benefit from this miracle herb in many ways. Reducing symptoms of hormonal hairloss, hirsutism, PCOS, menopause, and acne are some of the common saw palmetto benefits for women.

Since it may produce some side effects as well, it’s recommended to consult a licensed naturopathic practitioner before taking saw palmetto supplements.

Here you can see Vorst’s natural Saw Palmetto 320 mg Capsules.

Important resources: