Which is better finasteride or saw palmetto?

In the end, 38% of those who took saw palmetto had an improvement in their hair loss, compared with 68% of those who took finasteride. This finding suggests that both treatments had an effect but that finasteride was more effective.

Is saw palmetto safer than finasteride?

Saw Palmetto Side Effects

Saw palmetto is generally safe. However, like other health supplements, it can potentially cause certain side effects. … Because saw palmetto may have similar effects on DHT as finasteride, you shouldn’t use this supplement if you’re currently prescribed finasteride to treat hair loss or BPH.

Can I take finasteride and saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto works in a similar manner as the medication finasteride, which is used to treat hair loss and an enlarged prostate. You should not take them together, unless directed by your doctor. Saw palmetto may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives because it interacts with hormones.

Does saw palmetto really block DHT?

We know that high levels of these hormones are associated with hair thinning, so blocking them may theoretically improve hair growth.” Researchers believe that saw palmetto reduces hair loss by preventing the conversion of testosterone into DHT and preventing the absorption of DHT in the body.

Does saw palmetto do the same thing as finasteride?

Finding safe and natural solutions for keeping your hair healthy is a top priority here at Nutrafol. That’s why we’re excited that researchers have shown the herb saw palmetto, also known as serenoa repens, utilizes the same pathway as Propecia, an FDA approved treatment for hair loss.

Who should not take saw palmetto?

People with bleeding disorders or who are taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications such as warfarin (Coumadin®), aspirin, or clopidogrel (Plavix®) should avoid taking saw palmetto unless under medical supervision. It should also be avoided at least two weeks before or after surgery.

Is finasteride bad for kidneys?

However, as indicated by recent studies on androgen deprivation therapies (ADTs), it is possible that finasteride has an adverse effect on kidneys. A multiple cohort study with newly diagnosed non-metastatic prostate cancer showed that the use of ADT increased the risk of acute kidney injury (AKI) [6].

What happens if you take saw palmetto with finasteride?

Interactions between your drugs

No interactions were found between finasteride and saw palmetto. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.


How quickly does saw palmetto work?

It may take 4 to 6 weeks for saw palmetto to have an effect.

Does saw palmetto help aging skin?

5.0 out of 5 stars Fight Aging with Saw Palmetto! … When combined with hydrolyzed collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements, saw palmetto can work with the other supplements to improve skin and hair, and help increase collagen production as a result of blocking DHT.

Is DHT hair loss reversible?

5-alpha-reductase is the baldness enabler: It converts testosterone into DHT. But when 5-alpha-reductase is inhibited, so is the production of DHT, and hair loss can stop or reverse.

Is saw palmetto bad for your liver?

Hepatotoxicity from saw palmetto is very rare and cases have been self-limiting upon stopping the herbal. There have been no instances leading to fatalities, liver transplantation, chronic hepatitis, or vanishing bile duct syndrome. Studies of rechallenge have not been reported.

How do you stop DHT?

Here are 6 foods that may fight hair loss by blocking DHT.
  1. Green tea. Derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, green tea is one of the most popular drinks worldwide. …
  2. Coconut oil. Coconut oil comes from the kernel or meat of coconuts. …
  3. Onions (and other foods rich in quercetin) …
  4. Turmeric. …
  5. Pumpkin seeds. …
  6. Edamame.

Can you take too much saw palmetto?

Do not use different forms (capsules, tablets, tinctures, topical forms, etc) of saw palmetto at the same time without medical advice. Using different formulations together increases the risk of an overdose. Saw palmetto can affect blood-clotting and may increase your risk of bleeding.

Is it safe to take saw palmetto long term?

When taken by mouth: Saw palmetto is LIKELY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth for up to 3 years. Side effects are usually mild and may include dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea.

Is there a natural alternative to finasteride?

The above mentioned results indicate that Ecklonia cava extract can be effective in the treatment of hair loss and can be used in topical form as a natural alternative to finasteride and minoxidil. Ecklonia cava even shows a stronger effect on the increase of hair follicle length than minoxidil.