Can taking Saw Palmetto be as effective as taking finasteride for female pattern hair loss?

Question

My dermatologist started me on Spironolactone 100mg daily, I am female over 50 years old. I saw improvement in the shedding after a few weeks and saw small new hairs after 6 months. However my joints were so sore that I decided that the hair benefits did not equal up to being able to enjoy all my outdoor activities because of aching joints! We tried finasteride and now after being on it for a month, shedding terribly! Can taking Saw Palmetto give me any relief for hair loss caused by high DHT?

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, There are multiple solutions to hair loss for women that are nonsurgical including:
Rogaine- There is a specific formulation for women
Supplements- This includes but not limited to Viviscal and Nutrafol which contain marine extract and anti-inflammatory substances to promote hair growth
PRP- Platelet rich plasma can promote hair growth and is a nonsurgical procedure in the office
Low level laser- Can promote hair growth in some patients
Regenerative medicine- There are additional growth factors which can be injected to promote hair growth
Seek advice from an expert or team of experts. 
Best,
Dr. Anil Shah

Stephen Giordano, DO · Answer

There are many therapies you can consider such as LED Light Therapy, PRP, FUE Neograft Hair Transplant, Vitamins, Prescription meds, etc, but Saw Palmetto is not going to be something that fixes this issue for you.   Best of luck, Dr. Giordano

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Can taking Saw Palmetto be as effective as taking finasteride for female pattern hair loss? The answer is no.

Stefan Rene Adair, MD · Answer

Saw Palmetto is a weak form of DHT blocker, less than finasteride. I would seek consultation with a hair expert. Best of luck.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

This condition will not respond to saw palmetto which is a very, very weak DHT blocker not as good as fiunasteride

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Can taking Saw Palmetto be as effective as taking finasteride for female pattern hair loss?

Answers (5)

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