If you're struggling with hair loss, you've probably come across countless remedies. One name that keeps showing up is Saw Palmetto.

Dit is de Saw Palmetto die ik zelf gebruik heb

This natural supplement is known for its possible effects on hair loss, but does it really work? And is it suitable for everyone?

In this blog I dive deep into the world of Saw Palmetto, based on both scientific research and personal experiences.

This video explains the effect of Saw palmetto on hair loss well!

What is Saw Palmetto and How Does It Work?

Saw Palmetto, known in Dutch as saw or victory palm, is a small palm tree that generally does not exceed 2-3 meters. The berries of this plant were traditionally used by native American tribes for various medical purposes.

The supplement that you find in stores is made from the extract of these berries, usually available in capsules of about 320mg . But what exactly does it do in your body?

Saw Palmetto functions as a hormonal modulator. In theory it works similar to medications like Finasteride by:

• Inhibition of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme
• Reducing the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
• Blocking androgen receptors

DHT is the main culprit in male hair loss. It makes hair follicles shrink, making your hair thinner and eventually falling out. By inhibiting DHT production, Saw Palmetto should theoretically counteract hair loss.

Saw Palmetto 320mg: The Optimal Dosage?

Many people wonder what the right dosage of Saw Palmetto is. Most supplements offer a dosage of 320mg, which is generally considered the standard effective daily dose.

Studies that show positive results usually use doses between 160mg and 320mg per day, divided into one or two intakes. The extract with a concentration of 85-95% fatty acids andsterols is considered to be the most effective.

Important to know: higher doses do not automatically lead to better results and may increase the risk of side effects. Always start the recommended dose and adjust it only in consultation with a healthcare professional.

Experiences with Saw Palmetto: Between Hope and Reality

The experiences with Saw Palmetto vary greatly. Some swear in its action against hair loss, while others notice little to no difference.

Marcel from Amsterdam shared: "After six months of Saw Palmetto use, I saw that my hairline stabilised. It's not a miracle cure, but it definitely works for me."

On the other hand, Emma from Rotterdam told: "I tried for three months for my thinning hair, but unfortunately I didn't notice any difference."

My own experience is in line with what was mentioned in the original article, after about a year of use, I saw little noticeable effect on my hairline. This underlines what many experts say: results may vary considerably per person.

The reality is that anecdotal evidence is numerous, but scientific evidence is limited. Many users report subtle improvements after long-term use (3-6 months), but spectacular results are rare.

Saw Palmetto in Women: Does it work differently?

Although Saw Palmetto is usually associated with male baldness, more and more women use it against hair loss. But does it work for them too?

In women hair loss may have several causes, including hormonal changes, stress, nutritional shortages and genetic factors. DHT also plays a role in some women, especially in conditions such as PCOS that can lead to increased androgen levels.

Some points to consider for women:

• Hormone regulation: Saw Palmetto can affect hormone balance, which can have both positive and negative effects on female hair
• Pregnancy and lactation: Absolutely avoid during these periods because of the hormonal effects
• Menopauze: Some menopause women report positive effects due to the modulating effect on hormones

Lisa from Utrecht shared her experience: "Since my transition I noticed that my hair became much thinner. After four months of Saw Palmetto I saw new hair growth along my hairline. Not dramatic, but definitely noticeable."

Women should be extra careful with Saw Palmetto because of its hormonal effects. Always consult a doctor first, especially if you have hormone-sensitive conditions or use contraception.

Is Saw Palmetto Dangerous? Adverse reactions and Safety

A common question is whether Saw Palmetto is dangerous. In general, the supplement is considered safe for most people, but as with any supplement there are potential side effects:

Common side effects:

• Stomach discomfort and diarrhoea
• Headache or migraine
• Duizeligheid
• Bad breath

Rare side effects:

• Libido decreased
• Breast formation in men (gynecomastia)
• Liver problems (in very rare cases)

It is important to note that these adverse reactions are relatively rare and usually mild in nature. They often disappear after several weeks of use or after discontinuation.

Saw Palmetto may also interact with certain medicines, including:

• Blood thinners
• Hormonal medication
• Some antidepressants

Always consult a healthcare professional before starting Saw Palmetto, especially if you are taking other medicines or have existing health problems.

Where to Buy Saw Palmetto: Kruidvat, Holland & Barrett en Meer

Saw Palmetto is quite easily available in the Netherlands. You can find it at:

Herb: Here you will usually find basic formulations of Saw Palmetto in 320mg capsules. Prices are often attractive, but pay attention to the quality and concentration of the extract.

Holland & Barrett: Usually offers high-quality supplements with different doses and shapes (capsules, liquid extract). They often also have combined formulas with other ingredients for hair growth.

Online retailers: Webshops such as Vitaminstore, Body & Fit and Amazon offer a wider range, often with more specific formulations aimed at hair loss.

When choosing a Saw Palmetto supplement, note these factors:

• Extract rate: Search for products with 85-95% fatty acids andsterols
• Certifications: Quality labels such as GMP or HACCP
• Shape: Capsules are most common, but liquid extract is sometimes considered more effective
• Added ingredients: Some formulas combine Saw Palmetto with other DHT blockers or hair strengthening ingredients

Saw Palmetto as DHT Blocker: How Effective Is it?

DHT blockers have become popular in the fight against hair loss, but how effective is Saw Palmetto compared to other options?

Saw Palmetto is considered a natural DHT-blocker that works in two ways:

1. Inhibition of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT
2. Blockage of the androgen receptors to which DHT binds

Compared to pharmaceutical DHT blockers such as Finasteride:

• Effectiveness: Studies suggest that Saw Palmetto approximately 30-40% efficacy compared to Finasteride
• Operation: The effect of Saw Palmetto is often more subtle and may take longer to become noticeable
• Adverse reactions: Generally less and milder side effects than Finasteride

For those looking for the most effective DHT-blocker, Finasteride is still the golden standard, with a proven effectiveness of up to 80% in stopping hair loss. But for those who are concerned about side effects or looking for a more natural alternative, Saw Palmetto can be a valuable compromise.

How fast does Saw Palmetto work?

Patience is essential if you use Saw Palmetto for hair loss. The timeline for results looks something like this:

1-2 months: At this stage you probably don't notice any visible changes in your hair. Your body adapts to the supplement.

3-4 months: Some users start to notice subtle improvements around this time, such as decreased hair loss while washing or combing.

6+ maanden: This is typical when more noticeable results may occur, such as stabilisation of the hairline or slight thickening of existing hair.

It is important to realise that hair growth is a slow process. The full growth cycle of a hair lasts about 3-5 years, so significant improvements can take time.

Moreover, you must continue to use Saw Palmetto consistently to maintain any benefits. Once you stop, your hair loss is likely to return to pre-treatment levels.

What helps with hair loss? Saw Palmetto vs. Other Treatments

When you struggle with extreme hair loss, you probably wonder what really works. Let's compare Saw Palmetto to other treatment options:

Proven effective treatments:

Minoxidil (5%): Stimulates blood circulation and hair follicles, with clinically proven results in both men and women. Effectiveness: 60-80% with regular use.

Finasteride (1mg): A powerful DHT-blocker with clinically proven efficacy. Effectiveness: 80-90% for stopping hair loss, 65% for new hair growth.

Microneedling: A procedure that uses tiny needles to stimulate the scalp. Efficacy: 50-70% with regular treatments, especially in combination with Minoxidil.

Dutasteride: A stronger DHT-blocker than Finasteride. Efficacy: Up to 90% for stopping hair loss.

Natural alternatives:

Saw Palmetto: Moderate DHT blocking properties. Efficacy: 30-40% compared to Finasteride.

Rosemary oil: Has potentially similar effects to Minoxidil according to some small studies. Efficacy: 40-60% compared to Minoxidil.

Caffeine shampoos: Can stimulate hair follicles and prolong the lifespan of hair. Effectiveness: 30-50% for slowing hair loss.

Biotin and other food supplements: Can help with hair quality, but have limited effect on hair loss itself. Effectiveness: 20-30% for hair thickness improvement.

For extreme hair loss, a combination approach is often the most effective. Examples include:

• Finasteride + Minoxidil: Increases efficacy to 90-95%
• Minoxidil + Microneedling: Increases the uptake and effectiveness of Minoxidil
• Saw Palmetto + Minoxidil: A more natural approach with reasonable effectiveness

Sawpalmetto Liquid Extract for Hair loss: Better than Capsules?

An interesting development in the world of Saw Palmetto is the use of liquid extract instead of capsules. But is this actually more effective?

Liquid extract has some potential benefits:

• Betere absorptie: Liquid form may be absorbed more quickly and efficiently by the body
• Flexible dosage: Easier to adjust the dosage to your specific needs
• Direct use: Can be taken both orally and applied directly to the scalp

An interesting development is mixing liquid Saw Palmetto extract with carrier oils (such as jojoba or coconut oil) for direct application to the scalp. Some users report enhanced results using this method.

Thomas from Groningen shared his experience: "I had been using capsules for two years with reasonable results, but since I switched to liquid extract that I also massage on my scalp, I see more growth along my hairline."

There are no extensive studies yet that definitively demonstrate that liquid extract is more effective than capsules, but anecdotal evidence suggests that it is worth considering, especially for people who have already tried capsules without satisfactory results.

Difference between Sawpalmetto and Sawpalmetto Extract

A common confusion pertains to the difference between Saw Palmetto and Saw Palmetto extract. Let's clarify this:

Saw Palmetto (whole): This refers to the whole dried berries of the plant, sometimes ground to powder. These contain all natural components but at lower concentrations.

Saw Palmetto extract: This is a concentrated form in which the active compounds are extracted and concentrated, usually standardized to a specific percentage of fatty acids andsterols (usually 85-95%).

The main difference lies in potential and effectiveness:

• Extract is more potent and has a more predictable effect
• Whole berries or powder are less concentrated but may contain more synergistic ingredients
• For hair loss the extract is usually recommended due to the higher concentration of active substances

When buying supplements, look specifically for "standardized extract" indicating the percentage of fatty acids (85-95% is ideal for hair loss purposes).

Conclusion: Is Saw Palmetto the Moeite Worth hair loss?

After analysing research, anecdotal evidence and personal experiences, we can draw some conclusions about Saw Palmetto as treatment for hair loss:

Who can it work for?

• People with mild to moderate hair loss
• Those who only recently noticed hair loss
• People who prefer natural alternatives to pharmaceutical options
• In addition to other treatments such as Minoxidil

Who is it probably not enough for?

• In advanced baldness
• If you've lost a significant amount of hair
• If you expect quick and dramatic results

If we have to be honest: Saw Palmetto is not a miracle cure for hair loss. The scientific basis is limited compared to treatments like Finasteride and Minoxidil. But it does offer a more natural alternative with less risk of side effects.

My advice? If your hair loss is early and you prefer natural remedies, Saw Palmetto can be a good first step. Give it at least 6 months before you assess its effectiveness, and consider combining it with other proven effective treatments for best results.

What's your experience with Saw Palmetto? Have you benefited from it or are you considering trying? Share your experiences or questions in the comments below!

My Routine

Curious about my personal routine against hair loss? An overview:

• Pumpkin seed oil: Twice a week for a natural boost. Try it. here.
• Dermapen: Essential for my scalp care and research has shown that it doubles the action of minoxidil. 1x per week 20 min. Available here.
• Minoxidil: Only agent that can accelerate and double hair growth.
  Daily support for hair growth. At least once every day. Find it here.
• Finasteride: The only proven remedy that works against the main cause of hair loss is DHT. Supports in the fight against thinning hair. 0.5mg a day. More info on doctoronline.com.
• Haircatcher: Keep track of how much hair you lose. You use this to see if the bahndelingen have any effect. Take a look here.
• Pill Splitter: For easy intake and doubling your Finasteride supply. This allows you to split 1 to 5mg pills, to save money. Available here.
• Ketoconazole shampoo: For a healthy scalp. 3x a week at the shower. Try it. here.

Always consult your doctor before trying new products!