Saw Palmetto and Testosterone: One Affecting The Other
Testosterone is present to both men and women – but men have it predominantly. It is a steroidal hormone that is required for muscle mass and bone formation. It has many benefits to the body as regulating cholesterol, improving oxygen uptake and promoting a healthy cardiac function. It even affects one’s sleeping pattern and sex drive.
The problem starts when testosterone levels drop and another body hormone, estrogen is left in a much higher amount – this causes hormonal imbalance. The imbalance is another theory subscribed by some to affect the emergence of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia). This is in difference to the more popular theory that focuses on the conversion of testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), and thus developing BPH.
Saw Palmetto and Testosterone Control
Either way, testosterone plays a part in both theories. The use of saw palmetto and testosterone levels seem to have a direct relation. The herb inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase enzyme, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Administering saw palmetto and testosterone effect resulting with such use treats the symptoms of BPH – and as claimed by some, on male pattern baldness. As hair loss is believed to have been caused in the same manner as BPH, and by the action of saw palmetto and testosterone controlled as claimed – many have concluded even without significant medical studies, the efficacy of the said herb in alopecia treatment.
Workings of Saw Palmetto and Testosterone Effects
How saw palmetto exactly works is still not determined. And while it has been known that its active ingredients include the fatty acids, sterols and flavonoids – it has been thought that these are not the only substances that give a healing effect on one’s illnesses.
One such finding is the presence of high-molecular-weight polysaccharides in the berries, which are deemed to give saw palmetto its anti-inflammatory effect. More in-depth medical studies are necessary to determine all these – but while such has not yet been done – one can still take advantage of the healing powers of this amazing herb.
Saw palmetto, much like finasteride, is used for treating BPH and male pattern baldness. For BPH, finasteride may take several months before one can see positive results; for male pattern baldness – in around 3 months, one can already see its effect. Finasteride works by decreasing the active form of testosterone.
Saw palmetto supplements, as compared to the drug finasteride – with brand names as Propecia® and Proscar® – are believed to pose minimal side effects. Under the supervision of a qualified health care provider, saw palmetto may seem to be the better choice.
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