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Is saw palmetto an androgen blocker?

The berries of the saw palmetto tree are thought to influence the levels of androgens in your body. They work by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), its more potent form.

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Share on Pinterest We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. The berries of the saw palmetto tree are thought to influence the levels of androgens in your body. They work by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), its more potent form. This might make saw palmetto potentially useful for conditions which can be worsened by androgens, such as hormonal acne. About saw palmetto Saw palmetto is a small palm tree that grows primarily in Florida, and other parts of the southeastern United States. Its species name is Serenoa repens. Saw palmetto has been used, primarily in Europe, to treat urinary dysfunction caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) in men. It’s also used to treat androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Saw palmetto’s anti-androgenic effects may also make it an effective treatment for some people who have hormonal acne. Saw palmetto benefits Reduce oily skin by reducing androgen levels Medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can spike androgen levels, causing acne and oily skin. Since androgens stimulate the production of sebum, an oily secretion that makes skin prone to acne, saw palmetto may be helpful for breaking this cycle. One small 2007 study of 20 people with oily and combination facial skin found that a topical extract made from saw palmetto, sesame seeds, and argan oil helped to reduce the sebum levels in the large majority of the study participants. It may also be helpful for reducing acne caused by hormonal fluctuations associated with menstruation and menopause. Nourish skin with essential fatty acids Saw palmetto contains several essential fatty acids, including: laurate

palmitate

oleate

linoleate Essential fatty acids can help keep skin nourished and hydrated. They also help reduce skin irritation. The essential fatty acids in saw palmetto may make it beneficial for several skin types, including oily, acne-prone skin. Its effectiveness is unknown There is no scientific data that proves saw palmetto’s ability to reduce or eliminate acne. The anecdotal evidence about it is mixed, too. Some people report that taking saw palmetto supplements helps their acne, and others indicate that saw palmetto is not helpful or makes their condition worse. How to use it for acne There are several ways to use saw palmetto for acne: Eat saw palmetto berries.

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Take nutritional supplements, which come in capsule, tincture, or powder form.

Mix saw palmetto essential oil with a carrier oil and apply to skin. Purchase lotions, creams, or toners that contain saw palmetto as an ingredient. There are no specific dosage recommendations for saw palmetto. If you take supplements, follow the directions on the label. If you decide to try it topically, first do a patch test on a small area, such as on your inner arm, to see how your skin reacts. Purchase saw palmetto products online. Saw palmetto side effects Saw palmetto is typically well tolerated by most people who use it, and it is not associated with any serious side effects. However, you might have some mild side effects from taking it orally. These include: stomach pain

diarrhea

nausea

headache

easy bruising

fatigue

reduction in sex drive

rhinitis

liver problems that might show up as jaundice or clay-colored stool Before you take saw palmetto or any nutritional supplement, check in with your doctor or pharmacist. Let them know about all the medications and over-the-counter supplements and drugs you currently use. It’s possible to have an allergic reaction to saw palmetto. Saw palmetto and drug interactions Saw palmetto may increase your risk of bleeding if you take other medications, including warfarin (Coumadin), clopidogrel (Plavix), or aspirin. Saw palmetto may make birth control pills or hormonal IUDs less effective. Your doctor may suggest using a back-up birth control method, such as condoms, while you are taking saw palmetto supplements. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not use saw palmetto. Children under age 12 should not use saw palmetto. It may not be the best acne treatment for teenagers, so be sure to talk to your doctor about using saw palmetto for your acne if you’re under age 18.

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