A little known fact is that, at some point in their lives, more than 50 percent of all men over the age of 50 will be affected by male pattern baldness, and roughly one-third of women will experience alopecia (hair loss) at some point in their lives.

Hair loss, or androgenetic alopecia, is common in both men and women as they age and the hair follicles start to shrink, which results in hair loss. This can be the result of genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, or simply as a normal part of ageing.

Since hair loss issues affect such a vast number of individuals worldwide, new growth-stimulating and follicle-strengthening supplements are constantly being researched to slow down hair loss, increase hair thickness and treat common conditions such as alopecia, male pattern baldness and Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL). 

What is Saw Palmetto?

Saw Palmetto is a herbal remedy used to help reverse, slow down, or even prevent hair loss. The supplement is derived from the berries of a Serenoa repens palm tree which typically grows in the southern parts of the U.S.

While the herbal remedy is increasingly being used to treat hair loss,  Saw Palmetto has traditionally been used to treat a variety of other issues, including:

• Bladder infections
• Prostate cancer
• A decrease in sex drive
• Low testosterone levels
• Inflammation

Saw palmetto comes in several forms, such as tablets, liquid extracts, powdered capsules and even tea. When it comes to treating hair loss, it is typically found in the form of oral supplements, as well as included in various hair care products. 

Saw Palmetto and treating hair loss

Why we lose our hair

Women may start to lose hair due to hormonal imbalances typically caused by menopause, while both genetic male pattern baldness and hormonal changes can cause men to lose their hair as they age. 

Hair loss is largely due to the hair follicles' response to a hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is found in both men and women. DHT is made from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, and it is the hormone that is most responsible for hair loss. That’s because the hormonal process of converting testosterone to DHT harms the hair follicles, and the sensitivity of your hair follicles to DHT is what results in noticeable hair loss.

Current research on Saw Palmetto 

While scientific research on using Saw Palmetto for hair loss is limited,  one 2012 study showed that the herbal supplement might inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme which would then block the conversion of testosterone to DHT.

This means that Saw Palmetto most likely has an effect on the DHT hormone which harms hair follicles, and it could help make the hair follicles less sensitive to the DHT hormone. This would play an important role in preventing the shrinking of the hair follicles which usually results in hair loss.

In the above study, 100 males with androgenetic alopecia consumed 320 milligrams of saw palmetto daily over 2 years, and the results showed that 38% of those who took saw Palmetto reported a noticeable improvement in their hair loss. Additionally, Five different clinical trials also demonstrated the positive effects of the Saw Palmetto among patients with androgenetic alopecia. There was a significant improvement (of roughly 60%) in the patient’s overall hair quality, a 27% improvement in their total hair-count, and an improvement in hair density in about  83% of the patients. 

Another study also showed nearly half (50%) of the 25 participants reported an increase in their hair count by 11.9% after four months of using a topical Saw Palmetto treatment. 

So, although research on Saw Palmetto to treat hair loss is limited, these studies show that it is promising. While it has not been proven to completely stop hair loss or reverse it entirely, it seems that it might help slow down the hair loss process and bring about visible improvements in hair quality. Hopefully, further research will offer more definitive results.

Benefits of the supplement

Saw Palmetto is a supplement packed with health benefits, but that's not the only reason this herbal remedy is becoming increasingly popular.

1. It is safe to use with minimal associated risk. Saw palmetto is considered a safe botanical agent. However, the supplement is not recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers.
2. The supplement is also well known for its nutritional, diuretic, sedative, and cough-reducing properties.
3. The supplement has minimal side effects - but it is still important to remember to tell your doctor before beginning any new type of supplement or remedy. It should also be noted that women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid taking saw palmetto, as it may impact hormone levels
4. The supplement also plays an essential role in treating bladder infections, improving prostate health, increasing testosterone levels and reducing inflammation.

Other treatments for hair loss 

The sad truth of the matter is that hair loss is a reality for most ageing men and women. The good news is that ReGROW Hair’s restoration treatments can help anyone suffering from hair loss, pattern baldness or alopecia to restore a healthy head of hair and a renewed sense of confidence. 

ReGROW Hair’s affordable products have been extensively researched and tested for preventing hair loss and promoting regrowth. Say no more to balding scalps, thinning hair, receding hairlines and hair loss! Their highly successful Minoxidil hair growth formula will revitalize your hair follicles to give your scalp the boost it needs to grow healthy, thicker and fuller hair. 

Learn more about their expertly researched products to start seeing noticeable results.