Prostate Restored
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How long does it take for saw palmetto to work for BPH?

For BPH, studies have used a daily intake of 320 milligrams of saw palmetto split into two doses. The doses will be different in other forms, such as tinctures (a liquid preparation). Get advice from your doctor. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for saw palmetto to have an effect.

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Saw palmetto is commonly used in Europe and the United States as a treatment for enlarged prostate. Some small studies have shown benefit. However, several large studies do not show that saw palmetto reduces the size of the prostate or eases the urinary symptoms that come with an enlarged prostate. You might hear a doctor or nurse call that condition “benign prostate hyperplasia,” or BPH. Before you take saw palmetto, or any supplement for that matter, talk with your doctor first. They may interfere with prescription medicines, other treatments, or tests you might need. What Is Saw Palmetto? Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) is a palm that grows in the Southern coastal regions of the United States. It is about 2 to 4 feet high. Its leaves are fan-shaped and sharp, and it makes a lot of berries. These fruits have a long history of use as medicine. Some Native Americans used them to help with urinary problems in men. Why Do People Take It? Some small studies have shown saw palmetto might help you with BPH symptoms in several ways. Among them: You may need to get up less often at night to pee.

It can improve your flow when you go.

It can ease painful urination.

Can You Take It for Other Problems? You may have heard about people taking saw palmetto for other reasons than BPH. Some of them include: Low sex drive

Hair loss

Low sperm count

Migraines

Ongoing pelvic pain So far, studies have shown limited results for saw palmetto helping with these other types of problems. How Much Should You Take? For BPH, studies have used a daily intake of 320 milligrams of saw palmetto split into two doses. The doses will be different in other forms, such as tinctures (a liquid preparation). Get advice from your doctor. It may take 4 to 6 weeks for saw palmetto to have an effect. There are no food sources of saw palmetto. Are There Any Complications? Side effects are uncommon and typically mild. The most common are: Nausea

Stomach pain

Bad breath

Constipation

Diarrhea

Vomiting Men taking saw palmetto have also reported erection problems, testicular pain, and tenderness in the breasts. You may also want to talk your doctor or pharmacist about the following:

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Can BPH get better on its own?

One-third of men with mild BPH find that their symptoms clear up without treatment. They may just watch and wait. However, when enlarged prostate symptoms are bothersome or are affecting your quality of life or overall health, it's time to talk to your doctor about the treatment options.

Symptoms and the need for treatment vary with each man's enlarged prostate , also called benign prostatic hyperplasia ( BPH ). And every treatment has its own benefits and risks. These factors must be weighed as you decide how to treat your BPH symptoms.

Your Quality of Life With an Enlarged Prostate

If your enlarged prostate symptoms are mild and not bothersome, there's likely no need for treatment. One-third of men with mild BPH find that their symptoms clear up without treatment. They may just watch and wait. However, when enlarged prostate symptoms are bothersome or are affecting your quality of life or overall health, it's time to talk to your doctor about the treatment options. Together you will determine if you would benefit most from medication, a minimally invasive procedure, or surgery. It's important to talk with a doctor when you begin noticing changes in urinary function. You need to find out what's going on so you can be treated for enlarged prostate if necessary. For many men, especially those who are young when the prostate starts growing, getting early treatment can head off complications later on.

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