TLDR Serenoa repens may cause early puberty and should be used cautiously in children.
In 2015, a 10-year-old girl developed hot flashes and early menarche after taking 320 mg daily of a food supplement containing Serenoa repens for hirsutism. The symptoms began during the third month of treatment and included rapid weight gain. The hot flashes stopped when the supplement was discontinued but returned with rechallenge. Menarche occurred four months after starting the supplement, accompanied by polymenorrhea and hypermenorrhea. The case report suggests that S. repens may act as an endocrine disruptor, prompting early menarche, and advises caution when using such phytotherapeutic agents in prepubertal children due to their potential endocrine effects.
6 citations
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October 2012 in “Pediatrics” Serenoa repens (saw palmetto) may cause side effects like hot flashes in children and needs more research for safety in pediatric use.
28 citations
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January 2009 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery” Serenoa repens is not proven effective for hair loss and may delay prostate cancer detection.
8 citations
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January 2020 in “Skin appendage disorders” Saw palmetto supplements may modestly improve hair regrowth with few side effects, but more research is needed.
September 2025 in “Pharmaceutics” Combining plant extracts with nanotechnology may improve hair loss treatments.
December 2021 in “Medicina estética” Serenoa repens may help treat hair loss but is less effective than common medications and needs more research to confirm its effectiveness.
1 citations
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October 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks” Antiandrogens can treat female hormonal conditions, but environmental ones may harm reproductive health.
April 2025 in “Journal of Neonatal Surgery” PCOS is best managed with a personalized mix of lifestyle changes, medication, and herbal remedies.
