AS – DHT, Saw Palmetto, 5 alpha reductase inhibitor

[Alpine]

TweetMy chances of having genetic MPB are about 50/50. My Mother’s Father has a full head of hair but my Father is bald along with his Father and Brothers. I have started using Nizoral shampoo and a Saw Palmetto supplement in attempts to take a Proactive approach to hair loss acceleration on a cycle. They are mild and less aggressive approaches to fighting DHT but it appears some people experience almost the same results with Saw Palmetto as they do with Proscar. I know Proscar and Xandrox (or clone formula) would be more effective. I don’t want to use these unless I have to though. So things brings me to Saw Palmetto supplementation.

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“Saw palmetto appears to inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to its more active form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto also blocks DHT from binding in the prostate. Studies have used 320 mg per day of saw palmetto extract that is standardized to contain approximately 85% fatty acids.

A three-year study in Germany found that 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice daily reduced nighttime urination in 73% of patients and improved urinary flow rates significantly. In European studies, 160 mg of saw palmetto extract taken twice per day treated BPH as effectively as Finasteride (Proscar®) without side effects, such as loss of libido.”
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“Some research suggests that saw palmetto extract works at the site of androgen receptors on steroid sensitive cells. Research shows that saw palmetto does not have an effect on the plasma concentration of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, or other hormones so systemic production of testosterone is maintained when taking saw palmetto. In contrast finasteride has been shown effective in reducing serum concentration of dihydrotestosterone. Saw palmetto seems to work locally at the actual site of hormone binding to receptors on cells. It apparently stops or at least reduces the receptor binding of androgens. It also locally inhibits 5 alpha reductase and 3 ketosteroid reductase and these enzymes are involved in converting testosterone to the more potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Saw palmetto extract may also act to reduce inflammation that is associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia by reducing immune cell production of stimulating cytokine chemicals.
These reports suggest that saw palmetto may be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia, however, no direct clinical trails have been conducted to define just how effective saw palmetto may be in treating pattern baldness.”
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In research I have come across there are Many references to Saw Palmetto being a natural breast enlargement supplement for women.

“Saw palmetto is known to stimulate the production of prolactin, a female hormone that, among other things, promotes breast enlargement and milk production in breastfeeding women, says Tirun Gopal, M.D.”

Breast tissue enlargement in men is rarely ever mentioned in the research I have done. But when it is mentioned the likelihood is still stated as Rare – but how rare? And what factors could be present in those men that lead to it?
To sum things up – Is Saw Palmetto worth taking? Do you think there is much chance of an increase in breast tissue due to use? Is there any other downside to using it?

[Alpine]

TweetBUMP

not a single reply

[iamdwalrus]

TweetI haven't paid much research on MPB since I've met 3 generations on both side of my family and not one suffered from MPB. Acne, is another matter. Perhaps you should PM Small, he knows a lot about this subject and he'll try to give you a definite answer. Tell him Iamdwalrus sent you. Nizoralman is another authority on the subject as well. Sorry I can't be more useful to you mate.

[nizoralman]

TweetHi Alpine,

I have not spoken with anyone first hand who claims that saw palmetto works either to stop hairloss or regrow hair. In theory, it seems like it should work since studies show it inhibits 5-AR. To bad most of the studies are for BPH and not MPB. The down side is that any compound which inhibits DHT in the body will probably have systemic side effects.(loss of sex drive, possible gyno, etc.) Hopefully we can get some input from others who have used SP.


Nizoral Man
nizoralman@hotmail.com
https://www.wholesalehairproducts.com/

[jipped genes]

Tweetbro I just finished a cycle with a hairline destroying amount of test. I am not going to spend the money on ******** but I must say I have had pretty good luck this time with saw palmetto I took 4 160mg extract a day. My hair dosn't seem to be falling out like last time. I also took liquidex for the first time. I did notice that my sex drive wasn't as crazy high as it normally is while on and I did not gain as much weight. ( maybe due to lack of water retention from L dex) I don't know if the palmetto was the cause of these differences or not but I will continue using it.

[Alpine]

TweetIt would just be ironic if I took precuations on a cycle for Gyno and then ended up getting it due to some herb that caused it.

I think its very rare - I just wondered about more input from people. I have read/heard that Saw works for some and not for others. The same w/ Proscar - some seem to respond better than other. Of course many more people respond well to Proscar/******** than to Saw Palmetto.