Saw palmetto for sexual health

To all the men out there, here's something you need to add to your routine! It has been known for ages that men who suffer from sexual dysfunction and lack of libido are more prone to have prostate diseases. But, did you know, there is a link between erectile dysfunction and prostate enlargement? 

Due to enlargement of the prostate gland, men find difficulty in having an erection. This is where saw palmetto comes into play. It helps in reducing the symptoms of enlarged prostate and at the same time gives men better sexual health.

What Is Saw Palmetto?

Saw palmetto is a plant that has been used as a herbal medicine in many cultures for hundreds of years. It is a small palm-like tree found in the southern portions of Florida. The extract is obtained from the berries of this tree and contains fatty acids among other phytochemicals.

It has been used to address several health and wellness concerns, including prostate problems, urinary tract infections, and high blood pressure. Saw palmetto berries are typically sold in capsule, liquid, and powder form as a herbal remedy for various health conditions.

Saw palmetto slows down 5-alpha reductase which converts testosterone into a potent androgen hormone called Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). So, saw palmetto reduces the effects of DHT as men get older.

A test-tube study suggested that the effectiveness of saw palmetto extract was comparable to fin. in preserving the testosterone levels in the body. Fin. is a medication that is used to treat hair loss problems by reducing the activity of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme.

Saw Palmetto can Reduce BPH Symptoms

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition that leads to an enlarged prostate. 

The prostate is a small gland situated just below the bladder. It is part of the male reproductive system.

An enlarged prostate puts pressure on the urethra which is responsible for flushing out urine from the bladder. BPH can be a very uncomfortable condition as it makes it harder for the person to urinate even during urgency. It makes it difficult for the bladder to empty itself and can cause leaking after urination.

Saw palmetto is quite effective in treating these conditions when combined with other natural therapies.

Saw Palmetto can Boost Libido

Low testosterone reduces sex drive in both men and women. Low sex drive is often a result of hormone problems, but can also be caused by psychological issues, stress, or medical reasons. Some studies suggest that Saw Palmetto can improve the sexual functioning of the human body. 

Saw palmetto can reduce prostate symptoms and enhance sexual function if used for a prolonged period.

Saw Palmetto can Prevent Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer affects a lot of men every year. Saw palmetto slows down the conversion of DHT, which may be a major contributor to the development of prostate cancer in men. 

Prescribed treatments or medications can also slow down DHT conversion but they often show severe side effects. Saw palmetto, on the other hand, does not have any severe side effects.

Does Saw Palmetto Increase Fertility?

Many people believe that saw palmetto can improve fertility and the chances of conception but there is no substantial evidence to suggest that saw palmetto can promote healthier eggs in women or increase sperm production in men.

Saw Palmetto for Hair Loss in Men

Higher levels of DHT lead to hair loss and therefore, saw palmetto can be an effective choice for treating hair loss. Studies suggest that saw palmetto helps in activating the pathways responsible for hair growth.

Another study showed positive results when 50 men used saw palmetto as a topical solution, wherein researchers found that saw palmetto showed a significant increase in hair count within 4 months.

Saw Palmetto for Women

Saw palmetto is beneficial for women as well. It helps to regulate specific female hormones. Saw palmetto helps in reducing high levels of androgens and prolactin in women with PCOS. It can also cure PCOS-related symptoms like irregular periods, heavy, little or no periods, excessive facial hair, and severe acne.

Side Effects of Saw Palmetto

Research on saw palmetto is still going on in many parts of the world. The Food and Drug Administration has however suggested that saw palmetto should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women because it affects the hormonal activity in the body.

Saw palmetto is widely used but it has some side effects that people might experience. These side effects include, but not limited to:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Diarrhea 

Take Away

Saw palmetto is an all-natural supplement that helps in promoting better sexual health. Saw palmetto, the small round fruit of the saw palmetto tree, is native to the southeastern states of the USA. The benefits of saw palmetto have been acknowledged for centuries by the people of Florida. 

Saw palmetto is known to improve prostate health, reduce inflammation and enhance urinary tract function.

Research shows that saw palmetto might help in increasing testosterone levels but there have been mixed reviews from different studies that are making people skeptical towards saw palmetto. Additional large-scale research is required to analyze the impact of saw palmetto on sexual health.