Saw Palmetto Side Effects

Side effects from DHT blockers containing Saw Palmetto

Numerous brands of DHT blockers on the market today that use saw palmetto claim to be safe.  Saw palmetto works in conjunction with other herbs to enable blockage of the hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  Though a great number of them are made with 100% natural ingredients, one should never assume that any natural hair growth program will be totally free of side effects.  Hence, before choosing a DHT blocker, it is always best to review its contents.

Saw palmetto is a popular herbal remedy for androgenic alopecia, a common form of male and female pattern hair loss resulting in baldness at the top of the head as well as the temples.  It is a dwarf palm plant that grows natively in North America along the Atlantic coast.  Although this herb has been believed to be successful to make hair grow, there is lack of clinical or lab studies that back it up.  It may have a significant influence on how hormones as testosterone and estrogen are altered, but there is still lack of evidence that it can inhibit DHT from forming.

Typical saw palmetto side effects include the following:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Gas and diarrhea
• Constipation
• Loss of appetite
• Light-headedness
• Increased sensitivity in breasts
• Diminished sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and impotence

Though these side effects are not typically serious, they still can make one feel rather unpleasant.  More serious saw palmetto side effects are:

• Inflammation of the liver or pancreas (hepatitis or pancreatitis)
• Bruising or bleeding that seems to have no traceable cause.
• Various signs of allergic reactions as a rash, hives, itching, swelling of the mouth or throat, wheezing, or problems breathing normally.

If the above four symptoms are experienced, it is advised that you report them to your doctor.  But most of all, these saw palmetto side effects which pose as severe allergic reactions require emergency treatment as:

• Yellowing of the skin or eyes
• Dark urine or pale stools
• Unusual fatigue or muscle pain
• Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue
• Tightness or enlargement of the chest
• Difficulty breathing
• Rashes, hives, or itching of the skin

Some products as DHT blocker or natural hair growth drugs may contain tainted saw palmetto.  Oftentimes, herbs and other supplements are contaminated from other herbs, medications, or even heavy metals.  This is especially true since such ingredients are not as closely regulated as those used in prescription or non-prescription medications.  Hence, it is by all means crucial to purchase only products made by trusted manufacturers which can be recommended by pharmacists.

Those using a DHT blocker containing saw palmetto should do so with caution.  Such hair regrowth treatments may be harmful to those with bleeding disorders or hormone-sensitive conditions as breast cancer.  This herbal ingredient can also interfere with oral contraceptives and hormone therapy.  Until more evidence is found concerning the effects of saw palmetto, it must be used with extreme care.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 29th, 2011 at 8:59 pm and is filed under dht-blocker-info. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.