SawPalmetto is not effective for hair loss treatment and is not a recommended alternative to finasteride due to its inability to significantly inhibit DHT.
User noticed receding temples, used minoxidil and microneedling with positive results. Added sawpalmetto and eucapil, experienced shedding and thinner hairline, but no side effects.
A 25-year-old is considering using sawpalmetto for hair loss due to fear of finasteride side effects but is concerned about its effectiveness and cost compared to finasteride. They are seeking advice on whether sawpalmetto has similar side effects to finasteride and if it's truly effective or just a placebo.
SawPalmetto may act like a weaker version of finasteride and could be too weak to treat male pattern baldness (MPB) on its own. However, combining SawPalmetto with low doses of finasteride might increase effectiveness with less risk of prostate shrinkage and sexual side effects.