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Saw palmetto for hair loss? Discover the benefits and its link to DHT
Written byLiz Connor
Reviewed byDr. Suzanne Wylie
Feeling a little... off balance? Thinning hair? Can saw palmetto potentially help? Let’s dive into the science…
Summary
1What is saw palmetto?
“It’s a palm plant that has a long history of traditional use. Scientific research around saw palmetto is still developing though…”
2What are the benefits of saw palmetto?
"In recent years, saw palmetto has been gaining attention in the world of hair care and is frequently marketed as a remedy for hair thinning..."
3How does saw palmetto work?
“One of the theories is that it blocks an enzyme which usually converts testosterone into DHT (short for dihydrotestosterone)...”
If you're a guy cruising past your 30s, chances are you've heard whispers about saw palmetto – from being researched for its potential in supporting men on their hair loss journey to other wellness benefits, this plant is making waves.
Not on your radar yet? No worries – we spoke to Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor to break down what it is, what it does and why it might be worth keeping on your radar.
What's saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto (sometimes known as Serenoa repens) is a palm plant native to some southeastern states in the US and has a long history of traditional use, particularly among Native Americans.1
These days, the fruit of the plant is often harvested and used in a supplement form. It’s often promoted as a natural remedy that may play a role in reducing hair loss in men. However, the scientific research around saw palmetto is still developing, so let’s take a look at what we currently know.
What are the benefits of saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto and hair loss or thinning hair
In recent years, saw palmetto has been gaining attention in the world of hair care and is frequently marketed as a ‘natural remedy’ for hair thinning, particularly in cases of androgenic alopecia1 (also known as male- or female-pattern hair loss).
“There’s definitely been a rise in the inclusion of saw palmetto in shampoos, supplements and topical hair products,” Dr Wylie explains.
So why has it become such a popular choice? Hair loss is commonly linked to hormonal changes – specifically the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which is believed to shrink hair follicles over time. Saw palmetto is thought to work by blocking the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT.3
Still with us? Good!
So, while it’s no miracle cure, the results suggest that saw palmetto might have potential as part of a hair loss routine. That said, the science isn’t settled just yet, especially when it comes to healthy men without AGA, so more research is definitely needed.
How does saw palmetto work?
“One of the leading theories is that saw palmetto works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone),” explains Dr Wylie. “By reducing DHT levels, which are associated with shrinking hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia, it may help slow hair thinning.”1
By lowering DHT levels, saw palmetto might slow down or even reduce hair thinning.2 That’s actually the same basic principle behind finasteride6 – a well-known prescription treatment for male pattern baldness.
That said, how well it works is still up for debate. “Some lab-based studies show mild DHT-blocking effects,” says Dr Wylie, “but the results in real people vary quite a bit.” Everything from the type of supplement (like a lipid-rich extract versus a plain powder) to the dosage can impact how effective it is.
Saw palmetto vs other hair loss treatments
While saw palmetto gets points for being natural and generally low in side effects, there are other treatments out there with stronger scientific backing – especially for male pattern baldness.
“Saw palmetto is weaker than prescription medications like finasteride,7 but possibly with fewer side effects,” says Dr Wylie. “Still, if someone isn’t ready to go straight to prescription treatments, it could be worth a try as long as expectations are realistic.”
And of course, it’s always a good idea to check in with your GP before adding any new supplement to your routine.
Here’s a quick look at how saw palmetto compares with other popular options:
- minoxidil:8 a topical treatment that stimulates hair growth by widening blood vessels to improve blood flow to hair follicles. It’s backed by solid evidence9 and is widely available
- finasteride:5 a prescription pill that reduces DHT levels significantly and is considered one of the most effective treatments for male pattern baldness. However, it can cause side effects in some men, including sexual issues like difficulty getting an erection
While some early studies and personal stories suggest saw palmetto may help reduce hair loss, the scientific picture is still mixed. The most promising results tend to be in men with an underlying condition like androgenetic alopecia.
And let’s not forget, hair loss isn’t always about hormones. It can also be triggered by things like stress, certain medications, underlying health conditions or shifts in hormone levels (hello, life!).
So if you’re noticing more hair in the shower drain, it’s worth looking at the full picture and speaking to a healthcare professional – not just your shampoo shelf.
How effective is saw palmetto?
In short, it's a bit of a mixed bag. While saw palmetto continues to grow in popularity, the science behind its benefits, especially for hair loss, isn’t exactly rock solid just yet. Some small studies have shown modest results as we’ve looked at already, particularly in men with underlying conditions like androgenetic alopecia (AGA), but overall, researchers agree that more robust evidence is needed before making any firm claims.8
“As a GP, I’m often asked about natural supplements, especially those aimed at supporting men’s health, and saw palmetto is one that often comes up,” Dr Wylie explained.
“While it’s marketed for a range of uses, from supporting prostate health to managing hair loss, it’s important that we separate evidence-based claims from marketing hype.”
Can saw palmetto be taken with other supplements?
Already including some supplements in your routine? If you’re thinking of adding saw palmetto to the mix, it’s good to know how it might mix with the others. Many people combine it with ingredients like zinc, which plays a role in testosterone metabolism.9
“Zinc supports normal fertility and reproductive health, and it's involved in the enzymes that regulate testosterone,” explains Dr Wylie. “But there’s no solid evidence that it actually enhances the effects of saw palmetto specifically.”
What are the side effects of saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto is generally considered safe for most people, with few serious side effects reported. But as with any supplement, it’s wise to be cautious, especially if you’re already on medication or have underlying health conditions.
“Most people tolerate it well,” says Dr Wylie, “but mild side effects8 like nausea, dizziness, diarrhoea or tummy discomfort can happen.”
Who should avoid taking saw palmetto?
Saw palmetto isn’t for everyone. According to Dr Wylie, you should avoid it – or at the very least, speak to your GP first – if the following applies to you:9
- anyone taking hormone therapies, such as testosterone replacement or medications for prostate cancer
- if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding
- people on blood thinners, as saw palmetto, may increase bleeding risk
- if you’re undergoing surgery, since it may affect clotting
- anyone with hormone-sensitive conditions, where androgen levels are part of the disease process
However, always check with your doctor if you’re unsure if it’s suitable for you.
The final say
“I’d always encourage patients to speak with their GP before starting any supplement, especially one that may influence hormone pathways,” Dr Wylie explains. “Evidence-based care should be our guiding principle, and natural doesn’t always mean safe or effective.”
So while saw palmetto may hold potential, particularly in men’s hair loss journey’s, it’s no magic bullet. If you’re experiencing hair loss or other symptoms, it’s worth ruling out any underlying causes with your doctor before turning to supplements.
What’s next? Take a look at what the benefits of ashwagandha are for men.
This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Curated by experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
1. Supplements I of M (US) and NRC (US) C on the F for E the S of D. Prototype Focused Monograph: Review of Antiandrogenic Risks of Saw Palmetto Ingestion by Women [Internet]. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. National Academies Press (US); 2005. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK216069/
2. Evron E, Juhasz M, Babadjouni A, Mesinkovska NA. Natural hair supplement: Friend or foe? Saw palmetto, a systematic review in alopecia. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2020 Aug 23;6(6):1–9.
3. Ho CH, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia [Internet]. Nih.gov. StatPearls Publishing; 2019. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
4. Zito PM, Bistas KG, Syed K. Finasteride [Internet]. PubMed. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513329/
5. NHS. Common questions about finasteride [Internet]. nhs.uk. 2023. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/finasteride/common-questions-about-finasteride/
6. Minoxidil for hair loss [Internet]. Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Available from: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/your-visit/patient-information-leaflets/minoxidil-for-hair-loss-ghpi1649/
7. Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Minoxidil and its use in hair disorders: a review. Drug Design, Development and Therapy. 2019 Aug;Volume 13:2777–86.
8. NCCIH. Saw Palmetto [Internet]. NCCIH. 2020. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/saw-palmetto
9. Te L, Liu J, Ma J, Wang S. Correlation between serum zinc and testosterone: A systematic review. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology [Internet]. 2023 Mar 1;76:127124. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0946672X22002048
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