Saw Palmetto vs Finasteride: What Works Best for Hair?
Saw Palmetto is known to work just like Finasteride and help with hair loss.
If you are using Finasteride for hair growth, you might have also heard about Saw Palmetto as a natural treatment for hair growth.
A 2012 study of 100 patients showed that 38% of patients treated with Saw Palmetto had increased hair growth.
However, 68% of those treated with Finasteride noted improved hair growth.
In case you want to know about the mechanism of action and side effects of the two, then you are at the right place.
Continue reading to know “Saw Palmetto vs Finasteride” on various basis.
The overview: Saw Palmetto vs Finasteride
| Saw Palmetto | Finasteride | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Natural supplement | Prescription medication |
| Method of Action | Inhibits the production of DHT | Blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT |
| Effectiveness | Moderate | High |
| Usage | Generally used for mild to moderate hair loss or prostate problems | Used for moderate to severe hair loss or prostate problems |
| Side Effects | Mild stomach upset, headache | Decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness, depression |
| Cost | Relatively inexpensive | Can be expensive |
| Availability | Widely available over-the-counter | Requires a prescription from a doctor |
| Usage for women | Women can use it | Not recommended for use by women, especially pregnant or breastfeeding women |
| Interactions | It may interact with some medications, including blood thinners | It may interact with some medications, including those for erectile dysfunction and high blood pressure |
What works best for hair growth
A paper by the University of Rome suggests that Saw Palmetto and Finasteride can effectively promote hair growth.
However, Finasteride is generally considered more effective than saw Palmetto for treating Male Pattern Baldness.
While Saw Palmetto may help to slow hair loss and improve hair thickness in some people, it is not as potent as Finasteride.
The best option for promoting hair growth will depend on individual factors, such as the severity of hair loss, overall health, and personal preferences.
Also, both Finasteride and Saw Palmetto help in treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlarged prostates).
It is crucial to remember that Saw Palmetto and Finasteride can have side effects and should be used under the doctor’s guidance.
How Saw Palmetto works
Saw Palmetto is a natural supplement that is effective in promoting hair growth.
The supplement is made from the berries of the saw palmetto tree.
It contains several compounds that are thought to block the production of Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
DHT is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT.
Saw palmetto works by inhibiting this enzyme, which in turn reduces the amount of DHT that is produced.
This reduction in DHT levels can help prevent hair follicles from shrinking, a common cause of hair loss.
In addition to inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, saw Palmetto also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Inflammation can damage hair follicles and contribute to hair loss, so reducing inflammation may also help to promote hair growth.
How Finasteride works
Finasteride is an FDA-approved medication that effectively promotes hair growth in people having Male Pattern Baldness.
The medication works by blocking the conversion of Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss.
DHT is produced when the enzyme 5-alpha reductase converts testosterone into DHT.
Finasteride works by inhibiting this enzyme, reducing the amount of DHT produced.
By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps prevent hair follicles from shrinking, a common cause of hair loss.
Finasteride is taken orally as a pill and is prescribed for men with moderate to severe hair loss.
This medicine is not effective for treating hair loss in women.
It is important to note that Finasteride may take several months of consistent use before seeing any noticeable results.
Additionally, it is essential to continue taking Finasteride as prescribed, as stopping the medication can cause any hair regrowth to be lost.
Side effects: Saw Palmetto and Finasteride
Some of the side effects of Saw Palmetto and Finasteride are as follows:
| Side Effects | Saw Palmetto | Finasteride |
| Stomach upset | Mild | Rarely |
| Headache | Mild | Rarely |
| Decreased libido | Rarely | Common |
| Erectile dysfunction | Rarely | Common |
| Breast tenderness | Rarely | Common |
| Depression | Rarely | Rarely |
| Interaction with blood thinners | Possible | Not reported |
Neither Finasteride nor Saw Palmetto is free of side effects.
But Finasteride may have higher chances of side effects than Saw Palmetto.
Before taking any medication or supplement, it is important to consult your doctor.
This can help you decide whether or not to take the treatment and ensure it is safe.
Takeaway
In conclusion, both saw Palmetto and Finasteride can help with hair growth, but Finasteride is more effective.
Saw Palmetto is a natural supplement but can still cause side effects and interact with some medications.
Finasteride is a prescription medication designed for Male Pattern Baldness.
Still, it also has side effects and may not be suitable for everyone.
The best option for promoting hair growth depends on individual factors and should be discussed with a healthcare provider.
Remember, promoting healthy hair growth involves more than just taking medication.
It also involves living a healthy lifestyle and managing underlying health conditions that may contribute to hair loss.
With the right approach, you can slow or reverse hair loss and promote hair growth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Finasteride or Saw Palmetto?
Finasteride is more effective than Saw Palmetto in promoting hair growth. Yet, the best option for each individual may vary based on their specific needs, and they should consult a healthcare provider.
Is Saw Palmetto safer than Finasteride?
Saw Palmetto is generally safer than Finasteride, as it is a natural supplement with fewer reported side effects. Yet, it can still interact with certain medications and cause side effects.
Is Saw Palmetto just as good as Finasteride?
Saw Palmetto is not considered as potent as Finasteride in promoting hair growth and treating male pattern baldness. In contrast, it may have some benefits for hair health, such as thicker hair.
Does saw Palmetto lower DHT levels?
Saw Palmetto may lower DHT levels by blocking the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. This may promote hair growth and treat male pattern baldness.
Can I take Finasteride and Saw Palmetto together?
Taking Finasteride and Saw Palmetto together is generally not recommended as they both work to lower DHT levels and may have additive effects. Taking two medications or supplements at the same time can increase the risk of side effects and interactions.
