Does Saw Palmetto Increase Testosterone Level In The Body?

Saw Palmetto is often seen in advertisements as a supplement for testosterone. It is expected that Saw palmetto is beneficial to increase the testosterone in the body. 

Many men use saw palmetto testosterone to improve their reproductive system, prostate problem and hair loss. There are many problems that occur in men with a low level of testosterone in the body. Let's read how saw palmetto affects the testosterone in the body and how low testosterone is not good for the body?

What is saw palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a type of herb of the palm family native to North America. Saw Palmetto has a tonic effect with various nutritional effects. The origin of this plant is the coastal area in the southeastern part of North America. The origin of the name- saw palmetto is, because the shape of the leaves is jagged like saw palmetto, and it is also called Serenoa Repens, Serenoa palmetto, and selenoa.

From a long time back to today, saw palmetto is used for many health problems like prostate, urinary, hair, sexual. Yes, it can be expected to improve sexual function by improving the testosterone level in the body. Saw palmetto is a valuable herb because it grows slowly and can only be cultivated in limited areas. So, many extracts of saw palmetto are sold in the market as a supplement, powder, etc.

Today, how is saw palmetto used?

In today's market, Saw palmetto is mostly used in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is a condition where men's prostate enlarges. It has been used almost all over the world. However, as we get older, we tend to enlarge the prostate that causes many health issues. Moreover, saw palmetto is also used for male hormones. Saw palmetto is rich in fatty acids, sterols and oleic acid, and its various effects are attracting attention. Among them, the inhibitory effect of the bad male hormone (dihydrotestosterone) is known.

Well, it has already been approved as a drug in Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy and many countries. But in Indian, it belongs to the supplement with the fruit extract of the saw palmetto plant. In India, it is available in many forms:

• Saw Palmetto Capsules/Tablets
• Saw Palmetto Powder
• Saw Palmetto Softgel

What are the Signs of Low Testosterone?

Testosterone is a type of androgen-male hormone. It is said that about 95% is synthesized and secreted in the testes and the remaining 5% is in the adrenal glands. With age, testosterone starts getting low. Testosterone secretion peaks in the 20s and declines. Eating habits also lower testosterone. Having a disordered diet and an unbalanced diet are thought to have a decrease in testosterone because their ability to make testosterone is reduced. In addition, it is said that when the function of the brain that secretes testosterone decreases due to obesity or stress.

Testosterone deficiency in the body leads to many problems. Below are the signs that help you to find that your body has a low level of testosterone.

• ED (erectile dysfunction): Low level of testosterone is linked to sexual dysfunction. Men are unable to get an erection when their body is low in testosterone. 
• Libido: Low libido and sexual desire are also linked with it. Testosterone plays an important role in sexual things.
• Mood Swing: Low level of testosterone is linked with mental health too. A moderate mood swing, stress, depression, insomnia, fatigue, etc are the symptoms. If you notice a sudden change in your behaviour, it is a sign for you.
• Hair loss: There are high chances that lower levels of testosterone in the body cause hair loss in men. 
• Muscle mass: Low testosterone causes weight loss and muscle loss. Men who are doing muscle training to gain muscle and testosterone are indispensable, no matter how much training you do, you will not get an ideal body. It can be said that it is difficult to produce the effect of muscle training with a low testosterone level.
• Low Energy: Yes, low levels of testosterone result in energy levels too. You may feel fatigued more frequently.

How Saw Palmetto increase the testosterone level

Managing the Low testosterone in the body is the main point for the selling of Saw Palmetto. Saw Palmetto worked as a DHT blocker. Let’s know saw palmetto and testosterone relationship:

Basically, Saw palmetto works to stop the breakdown of testosterone into its by-product, dihydrotestosterone. 

Saw palmetto contains a large number of fatty acids, which are the active ingredients in it. This fatty acid suppresses the action of an enzyme called 5α-reductase. This enzyme initiates the breakdown of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Well, in the body this by-product helps the body retain more of its testosterone and create less dihydrotestosterone. It is a must process. But when the quantity of dihydrotestosterone increases means testosterone breakdown in the fast process, causes many problems to the body. In this situation, it is recommended to use Saw Palmetto.

There are many studies conducted on the saw palmetto for the testosterone level. Some agree that it, where some do not. As it is the same as dietary supplements,  you can consume them without any side effects. 

Low testosterone levels are associated with low libido, hair loss, prostate problems in both men and women. 

Saw Palmetto v/s Desire, Hair Loss, Prostate

A lower testosterone level in the body causes Hair Loss, Prostate enlargement, sexual dysfunction, etc.

Saw Palmetto is said to boost libido by preventing testosterone from being broken down in the body. Hair loss is linked to high amounts of dihydrotestosterone, whereas hair growth is linked to high levels of testosterone. Some men take saw palmetto to lower their dihydrotestosterone levels and increase their testosterone levels. This can reduce hair loss. Prostate enlargement is also popular in older men, Saw palmetto brings back the prostate to its normal size and helps for prostate and urinary health

Side Effects Of Saw Palmetto

Despite what you may think, Saw Palmetto can lead to a series of side effects that must be taken into account before taking it. However, it should be noted that its effects are not the same as many drugs. It is a supplement, so it shows small side effects in a small percentage of people.

The overdose of Saw Palmetto has more chances to lead to side effects.

• Allergic reaction: As with any medication or product that is consumed, Saw Palmetto can cause an allergic reaction. Its symptoms are clear: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, lips or throat. In these cases, it is essential to go to the nearest emergency service.
• Stomach discomfort: Another of the side effects of Saw Palmetto are stomach discomfort derived from excessive consumption of it. Thus, you can have nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and vomiting.
• Headaches: Saw Palmetto in doses higher than those recommended can also cause headaches and even dizziness.
• Redness of the skin: Although to a lesser extent, Saw Palmetto can also cause skin redness.

FAQ(Frequently Ask Questions) For Saw Palmetto

Is it possible for saw palmetto to induce erectile dysfunction?

According to a study, some men who are taking saw palmetto have experienced erection problems as well as pain in testicles. This is the chance when you consume Saw palmetto in a high dose or do not follow the guideline given by the supplier or doctor.

Is it true that saw palmetto reduces the amount of oestrogen in the body?

Saw Palmetto affects the estrogen level in the body with improper use of saw palmetto. Taking saw palmetto with estrogen medication is also not recommended. It decreases the estrogen hormones and is effective with medication.

Is it safe to take saw palmetto on a regular basis?

Yes, it is totally safer to use saw palmetto on regular use. But it is necessary to consume the recommended dosage. According to FSSAI, your limited dose of Saw palmetto is 160-320mg. 

Who should stay away from saw palmetto?

Pregnant Women, Breastfeeding women, people who are on hormone therapy, should avoid using the saw palmetto. It makes changes in hormones and can affect you and your baby.

Does saw palmetto have an effect on the kidneys?

No, saw palmetto does not affect the kidney. Instead, it supports better kidney function and eliminates pressure from the kidney. When the prostate gets enlarged, it puts a lot of pressure on the kidney. Saw palmetto work on the prostate and support the kidney.

Is saw palmetto beneficial to the skin?

Somewhere, Yes Sal Palmetto is beneficial for skin health. Saw palmetto has a lot of fatty acids that boost collagen production and nourish the skin deeply. Hydrating skin is a sign of good skin. Moreover, saw palmetto may eliminate skin problems and skin irritations.

Is it safe to combine turmeric and saw palmetto?

No, you cannot use turmeric with saw palmetto. It is not recommended to use saw palmetto with any other supplement or herbal. You can speak with a healthcare professional for further information.

Does saw palmetto increase testosterone?

Yes, Saw palmetto increases the testosterone level. Basically, it stops the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It prevents the testosterone level in the body.

Does saw palmetto decrease testosterone?

No, instead it increases the testosterone level in the male body.