Saw palmetto is a popular herbal supplement people use for prostate symptoms and hair loss. You’ll see it on store shelves next to vitamins and men's health products. Some users notice a real difference; others don’t. This guide cuts through the noise so you can make a smarter choice.
Saw palmetto comes from the berries of a small palm tree native to the southeastern U.S. Most supplements use an extract of the berries. It’s taken orally in capsules, tablets, or liquid extracts. The most common reason men try it is to ease urinary bother from an enlarged prostate, also called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Some people also try it for hair thinning linked to male-pattern baldness.
Clinical studies show mixed results. Some trials and reviews report modest improvement in urinary symptoms like night-time urination, weak stream, and frequency. Other large studies see little difference versus placebo. For hair loss, evidence is smaller and less convincing: a few small studies hint at benefit, but results vary a lot.
Bottom line: saw palmetto may help some people but it’s not a guaranteed fix. If you try it, give it about 8–12 weeks at a consistent dose to see if it helps. Track your symptoms so you can judge real change.
Common dose: most supplements target about 320 mg per day of a standardized extract, often split into two doses. Read the label and follow package directions or your doctor’s advice.
Side effects are usually mild: stomach upset, headache, or dizziness. Rarely, people report changes in libido or bleeding issues. Because saw palmetto can affect blood clotting, be cautious if you take blood thinners like warfarin or aspirin. Also tell your doctor if you’re on hormone-related drugs or have prostate cancer—saw palmetto can change PSA test results and might mask issues.
Avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding; the effects aren’t well studied for women in those situations.
How to pick a product: choose a brand with third-party testing (USP, NSF, or similar), check for a standardized extract on the label, and stick to the recommended 320 mg daily unless advised otherwise. Cheap bulk powders can vary a lot in strength and purity.
Thinking of trying saw palmetto? Talk to your doctor first, especially if you take other medicines or have prostate concerns. If you start it, give it at least two to three months and note any changes in symptoms or side effects. If it helps, great. If not, there are other, doctor-recommended options for BPH and hair loss you can explore together.
