Saw Palmetto Berries May Help Grow Hair

Saw palmetto, a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, caused unexpected side effects like breast changes and altered semen consistency, which resolved after stopping its use. Concerns about similar side effects with finasteride or dutasteride were expressed, and another user reported low libido and depression from saw palmetto.

The user experienced anxiety and side effects from topical finasteride and is considering switching to saw palmetto. Another user reported no improvement with saw palmetto and experienced liver issues.

A 25-year-old is considering using saw palmetto for hair loss due to fear of finasteride side effects but is concerned about its effectiveness and cost compared to finasteride. They are seeking advice on whether saw palmetto has similar side effects to finasteride and if it's truly effective or just a placebo.

A 17-year-old is considering using saw palmetto for hair loss until they can get finasteride, while currently using minoxidil and ketoconazole. Users suggest that saw palmetto is weak, and recommend continuing minoxidil and ketoconazole until finasteride is available.

Saw Palmetto may act like a weaker version of finasteride and could be too weak to treat male pattern baldness (MPB) on its own. However, combining Saw Palmetto with low doses of finasteride might increase effectiveness with less risk of prostate shrinkage and sexual side effects.

The conversation is about whether Saw Palmetto, which has similar but less potent effects to Finasteride, could cause the same side effects due to lowering DHT levels. The user is considering oral Saw Palmetto as an alternative to Finasteride for hair loss treatment.