Saw Palmetto Berries May Help Grow Hair

The user replaced finasteride with saw palmetto due to availability issues and experienced side effects, leading to adjustments in their regimen. They use saw palmetto, minoxidil, Nizoral, and a dermaroller, reporting reduced side effects and some benefits, with hair fall ranging from 5 to 20 hairs daily.

Saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil are generally considered ineffective for hair regrowth compared to finasteride and minoxidil. Users report that finasteride, minoxidil, and sometimes dutasteride are more reliable for maintaining and regrowing hair.

Saw palmetto's fatty acids, particularly lauric and linoleic acids, inhibit enzymes linked to hair loss, while sterols like beta-sitosterol are less effective due to poor absorption. The conversation questions which specific compounds in saw palmetto contribute to its anti-androgenic effects.

Saw palmetto can help reduce DHT levels and may work in combination with other supplements like beta sitosterol and pygume, but it's less effective than finasteride. Additional treatments like pumpkin seed extract, zinc, biotin, essential oils, scalp massages, and micro-needling can support hair health, but should not replace existing treatments like finasteride.

A user reported that Procerin, containing Saw Palmetto and Pumpkin seed oil, provided similar hair thickening results as finasteride but with milder side effects. They experienced reduced libido and watery ejaculations but are adjusting the dose to minimize these effects.

Saw Palmetto, rosemary oil, and vitamins helped relieve an itchy scalp and hair loss. Other users found finasteride effective for similar symptoms.