• Saw palmetto is derived from the berries of the saw palmetto plant.

• Commonly used to support prostate health, ease urinary symptoms, and promote hair wellness.

• It may help manage benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and reduce the effects of dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

• Some research shows promise for men with lower urinary tract symptoms, but overall, the results are mixed, and more research is needed.

• Women may use saw palmetto supplements for hormonal balance or androgenic alopecia, but should consult a healthcare provider due to potential risks.

• Side effects are usually mild and may include stomach upset, headache, and interactions with medications like blood thinners or hormone therapies.

Can a small berry from the southeastern United States really support prostate health, improve urinary symptoms, and even promote hair growth?

Long used in traditional herbal medicine, saw palmetto is valued for managing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)—also known as benign prostate hyperplasia or benign prostatic hypertrophy—and for relieving lower urinary tract symptoms. Sourced from the saw palmetto tree, its berries are rich in fatty acids and oil, which may block a sex hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and influence androgen receptor (AR) signaling. ARs are proteins in the body that help cells respond to hormones like testosterone, which can affect the growth and function of the prostate.

While often linked to the prostate gland, an increasing number of studies show that the benefits of saw palmetto extend to urinary health, hair loss, and hormonal balance. This article explores the full scope of saw palmetto supplements and how they may support overall health.

Saw palmetto has gained popularity as a natural supplement for its ability to alleviate symptoms of an enlarged prostate and other hormonal concerns. The extract, derived from the plant’s berries, is a go-to option for men seeking relief from BPH and related lower urinary tract symptoms, including frequent urination, urgency, and weak urinary flow.

One of saw palmetto’s primary uses is addressing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can interfere with normal urination. Research indicates that its active compounds, including fatty acids and sterols, may reduce the effects of DHT, a hormone that promotes prostate cell growth, by influencing AR activity. This can lead to improved urinary flow and reduced discomfort for men with BPH.

Additionally, saw palmetto has shown promise in slowing the proliferation of prostate cells, sometimes referred to as "growth arrest." While not a cancer treatment, it may support overall prostate health and serve as a complementary option alongside medical care.

Research on saw palmetto extract offers mixed but encouraging findings, especially in men with BPH. Several clinical trials suggest that saw palmetto supplements can help reduce BPH symptoms such as frequent urination, weak stream, and nighttime bathroom trips.

These benefits may be linked to saw palmetto’s ability to affect AR activity, which helps regulate how hormones like DHT interact with the prostate. DHT can lead to prostate cell growth and worsen BPH symptoms, so by influencing AR activity, saw palmetto may help reduce these effects.

While results vary depending on dosage and product quality, ongoing studies in respected medical journals continue to examine how palmetto extracts compare to standard treatments in terms of safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcomes.

While saw palmetto is primarily linked to prostate health, its potential benefits extend to urinary health, hormonal balance, and hair growth. Studies exploring its effects suggest that it may ease urinary tract symptoms caused by prostate enlargement, regulate hormone levels, and mitigate hair thinning linked to hormonal imbalances.

Men with BPH often struggle with urination difficulties like a weak stream, urgency, frequent urination, or difficulty starting urination. These symptoms are often caused by pressure from prostate enlargement pressing against the urethra, which affects normal urine flow.

Some researchers believe that saw palmetto may help ease urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate, though its exact mechanisms are still unclear. While study results vary, some users report fewer nighttime bathroom trips, improved urine flow, and better bladder control when taking saw palmetto supplements regularly. These reported benefits have contributed to its popularity as a natural option for supporting urinary health.

Saw palmetto’s ability to influence DHT levels offers potential for supporting overall hormonal balance. This may help with conditions such as hair thinning, oily skin, or hormonal imbalances. However, altering hormone levels can lead to side effects like mood changes, menstrual irregularities, or mild discomfort. It’s important to monitor any changes and consult a healthcare provider, particularly for individuals managing hormone-sensitive conditions.

Here are possible side effects linked to saw palmetto’s influence on hormones:

• Hormonal shifts that may affect mood or energy levels

• Changes in menstrual cycles for women

• Lowered libido in some users

• Mild breast tenderness

• Potential interaction with hormone therapy

Anyone considering palmetto supplements for hormone balance should monitor for changes and talk to a healthcare provider if symptoms occur.

Adding saw palmetto to your routine is simple, but it's important to choose the right form and amount. The use of saw palmetto is available in many palmetto products, each offering different strengths and benefits.

Saw palmetto supplements come in various forms, including capsules, softgels, liquid extract, and herbal teas made from saw palmetto berries. The most commonly studied and recommended form is a palmetto oil-enriched extract, which contains a concentrated dose of active compounds like fatty acids and plant sterols.

Products often contain 160–320 mg of extract per day, reflecting the amounts used in some studies. To find the right dose for your needs, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider.

Look for standardized extracts that specify fatty acid content, typically between 85–95%. This is especially important when addressing BPH, supporting hair health, or maintaining hormonal balance.

Always follow product instructions and consult a healthcare provider for proper dosage.

Most people tolerate saw palmetto supplements well, but some may experience side effects or interactions with other medications. Talk to your healthcare provider before starting, especially if you take blood thinners or manage hormone-related conditions.

Here are some possible side effects and risks:

• Stomach discomfort or nausea

• Headache or dizziness

• Mild fatigue

• Risk of increased bleeding when combined with blood-thinning drugs

• Possible interaction with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

• May interfere with hormone therapies such as testosterone replacement or birth control pills

• Unknown effects during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Potential drug-herb interactions with other health supplements or medications

Use caution with any herbal medicines and monitor your body’s response when adding a palmetto extract to your routine.

While saw palmetto is often marketed to men, many women are also turning to this herbal medicinal for hormone-related concerns. It may help with issues like hair loss and oily skin linked to high AR activity.

While primarily marketed to men, saw palmetto may also benefit women, particularly those with hormone-related issues like androgenic alopecia or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). By reducing DHT levels, it may help improve hair health and balance hormones. However, women should exercise caution due to its hormone-modulating effects. 

Some commonly reported concerns include:

• Upset stomach or mild digestive issues

• Headache or dizziness

• Hormonal changes that may affect menstrual cycles

• Potential interference with hormone replacement therapy

• Increased bleeding risk when combined with blood-thinning drugs

• Unknown safety during pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Possible interactions with other herbal medicinals or dietary supplements

Women should consult a doctor before starting any palmetto products, especially if they are taking medications or managing chronic conditions.

Saw palmetto supplements may help with hormonal balance and hair health, but women should be cautious before using them. Some health conditions and medications can raise the risk of side effects or interactions, especially for those with chronic pelvic pain or hormone-sensitive issues.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Avoid use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding

• May interfere with hormone replacement therapy or other hormone-based treatments

• Can affect menstrual cycle regularity in some women

• Possible interactions with other herbal medicinals or dietary supplements

• Not recommended for women with hormone-sensitive conditions without medical advice

Talk to a healthcare professional before taking a saw palmetto supplement, especially if you have chronic health conditions or are on prescription medications.

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Saw palmetto is commonly used to treat an enlarged prostate and may have other potential uses, but more research is needed to confirm broader health benefits. People also use it to support urinary health, hormonal balance, and hair growth, but research results are mixed.

With natural ingredients like fatty acids, oil, and concentrated extracts, saw palmetto can benefit both men and women. While it shows potential as part of a wellness plan, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional before using saw palmetto supplements, especially if you take other medications or have chronic health conditions.

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new dietary supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are taking other medications. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this article.

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3. Suzuki, M., Ito, Y., Fujino, T., Abe, M., Umegaki, K., Onoue, S., Noguchi, H., & Yamada, S. (2009). Pharmacological effects of saw palmetto extract in the lower urinary tract. Acta pharmacologica Sinica, 30(3), 227–281. https://doi.org/10.1038/aps.2009.1