Benefits of saw palmetto for women

In this article:

• What is saw palmetto?
• Understanding saw palmetto and women's health
• General health benefits of saw palmetto for women
• Risks and side effects of saw palmetto in women

In this article

• What is saw palmetto?
• Understanding saw palmetto and women's health
• General health benefits of saw palmetto for women
• Risks and side effects of saw palmetto in women

Taking saw palmetto can be beneficial for women of all ages. The historical use of saw palmetto includes regulating reproductive conditions, relieving cough, and increasing libido and sperm count in men. But this natural medicine can now be used for so much more.

Dr. Kirby, a Nurse Practitioner at Health and Wellness Made Easy, says, “We usually think of saw palmetto for men and prostates, but this supplement can benefit women too.” While women do not need to worry about prostate health, as they lack the prostate gland, women’s health, including hormone regulation, the female reproductive system, and the menstrual cycle, may be supported by the nutritional benefits of saw palmetto. This natural remedy may also positively impact urinary health, such as bladder control. Regularly consuming saw palmetto or applying it topically to the face, neck, and scalp can also increase hair and skin health.

A quick caveat: much of the research regarding saw palmetto has been done on men with prostate conditions, so women who want to try saw palmetto should consult their healthcare provider for medical advice before using it. 

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto, or Serenoa repens, is a small palm tree with medicinal berries. Native to the southeast coast of North America, saw palmetto trees grow in South Carolina down to Florida. Saw palmetto is sometimes called the American Dwarf Palm or Cabbage Palm. The tree only grows up to approximately 10 feet tall and produces berries that turn dark when ripe. The medicinal part of saw palmetto is extracted from the fruit.

Saw palmetto has numerous potential benefits and is known to support bodily functions such as the reproductive system, urinary tract, skin health, and hair growth. Saw palmetto can be found as dried berries, powder capsules, tablets, liquid tinctures, or extracts. It is important to know that herbal supplements like saw palmetto are not regulated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the same way as prescription and OTC drugs. Catherine Gervacio, Registered Dietitian at Living Fit, says, “The potential benefits of saw palmetto are very promising, although individual responses may vary.” She further states, “It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional before taking them, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medication.” 

Understanding saw palmetto and women’s health

Because saw palmetto has a hormone-balancing effect on women, it can play a major role in many functions of a woman’s body. Look for high-quality saw palmetto products from a reputable place such as your pharmacy for the best results. Although this dietary supplement is known for having mild side effects, it can interfere with some medications or an existing health problem. There is a limited amount of clinical trials and research regarding the use of saw palmetto, so consult a doctor to see if taking saw palmetto is a good choice for you. 

General health benefits of saw palmetto for women

Hormone regulation

Testosterone is an important hormone for women. Bone health, blood cells, libido, and reproductive hormones are all affected by testosterone in females. But too much testosterone can have adverse effects and saw palmetto could help balance testosterone levels. 

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a strong form of testosterone. It is a hormone and sex steroid that aids hair composition, sebum (a substance that moisturizes and protects the skin), and urinary health. Saw palmetto can stabilize testosterone in females and block the conversion of testosterone into DHT. Too much DHT can cause increased body hair and acne and affect the menstrual cycle. 

Saw palmetto can also inhibit the hormone prolactin released by the pituitary gland in the brain. Associated with milk production (lactation) and breast development, too much prolactin can result in irregular periods, infertility, vaginal dryness, hot flashes, and the weakening of bones. 

Female reproductive system

A potential health benefit of taking saw palmetto supplements is that they help regulate hormone levels associated with the female reproductive system. Maintaining proper amounts of prolactin and testosterone can support egg quality and ovulation. Saw palmetto may help support fertility in both men and women.

Women with too much androgen hormone can develop cysts on the ovaries, a health condition called Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS symptoms include irregular periods, infertility, acne, and weight gain—as well as excess hair growth on the face and body. Saw palmetto may help normalize hormone levels in women with PCOS.

Menstrual health

Excess DHT in women can cause irregular periods or stop the menstrual cycle altogether. Restoring hormonal balance with a saw palmetto supplement may help regulate monthly periods. The anti-inflammatory properties of saw palmetto can also reduce inflammation and swelling associated with the menstrual cycle. Taking a capsule or making tea from the extract several days before the menstrual cycle could increase overall mood, reduce tension, and lessen cramps. 

Post-menopausal treatments

Using a natural supplement containing extracts of saw palmetto fruit can help reduce post-menopausal symptoms caused by too much testosterone. Mood swings, hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and thinning hair associated with aging women could be relieved with products that use the berries of the saw palmetto plant. Dr. Kirby also suggests, “For women, when DHT levels start to elevate because of menopause or hormone imbalances, they can grow facial hair. Taking saw palmetto can prevent this. Saw palmetto’s ability to inhibit testosterone could also decrease the growth of unwanted facial hair.” 

Hair health

Androgenetic alopecia

While there are numerous types of alopecia, saw palmetto may only be able to impact individuals with androgenetic alopecia. Both men and women experience this type of hair loss. It is referred to as male pattern baldness in men, and in women, it is a female pattern hair loss. This form of alopecia is associated with hormonal imbalance caused by DHT that destroys the hair follicle. Any form of saw palmetto, oral supplements, or serum applied to the scalp may help increase hair growth. 

Hair growth

Saw palmetto can potentially reduce women’s hair loss and thinning hair. One of the medicinal parts of the saw palmetto berry blocks 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that activates the conversion of testosterone into DHT (the molecule associated with hair loss). Long-term application of saw palmetto extract or serum to the scalp directly or infused in shampoo showed significant improvement in hair health. Results and possible effects may be seen after several months of use. 

Skin health

Essential fatty acids, as well as antioxidants found in saw palmetto, can help hydrate the skin for a healthy, natural glow. Nutrition from the botanical extract treatment can be absorbed through the skin for a more youthful appearance.

Protects against acne

Saw palmetto has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help decrease inflammation and clear skin. Saw palmetto contains the antioxidants hydroxybenzoic acid, epicatechin, and methylgallate, which exfoliate the skin and can help reduce acne.

Urinary health

Many women face urinary problems such as overactive bladder as they age. Some loss of bladder control or urinary incontinence occurs in females, especially after childbirth. Regularly taking saw palmetto extract can aid bladder function and reduce urinary symptoms. One study showed a significant reduction in daytime urination frequency for women who were treated with saw palmetto over 12 weeks. 

Risks and side effects of saw palmetto in women

Many factors must be taken into consideration when using herbal remedies. Clinical trials revealed few adverse effects associated with taking saw palmetto, including:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Decrease in the body’s ability to clot blood

Saw palmetto is not recommended in the following populations:

• Children
• Pregnant women (According to some animal studies, adverse effects on male offspring could occur if saw palmetto is taken during pregnancy; saw palmetto is also rated as “likely unsafe” or “unsafe” during pregnancy by the American Pregnancy Association)
• Nursing mothers
• Women who have had hormone-related cancers
• Women who are at risk for hormone-related cancers

Saw palmetto may reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. 

At least one incident reported linked saw palmetto with significant bleeding during a surgical procedure. Individuals on blood thinners (such as warfarin or clopidogrel) should avoid taking saw palmetto. 

Saw palmetto can decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives, which could result in an unplanned pregnancy. Individuals on birth control pills should refrain from taking this herbal medicine as it could increase the risk of becoming pregnant. 

Talk to a healthcare provider before taking saw palmetto. A healthcare provider can provide additional information about saw palmetto and suggest a recommended dosage.