PCOS Messages for February, 2002: Saw Palmetto for Women

Saw Palmetto for Women

From: Shelly (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Tue, 26 Feb 2002 01:39:28 -0600 (CST)

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New studies confirm that 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), may contribute to the production of unwanted facial and body hair growth (hirsutism) and in thinning hair (alopecia) in women.* The most recent research shows that the prescription drug finasteride (Proscar®) blocks the actions of 5-alpha reductase. This is exciting news, because saw palmetto extract can achieve similar results at lower cost, without a prescription, and without the undesirable side effects associated with Proscar.

In the study, Proscar was given to 11 women of various ages with different degrees of hirsutism and different levels of testosterone. Despite the fact that the women's hirsutism was attributed to various causes, all but one of the women experienced a decrease in the amount, thickness, and degree of hair growth over the six month period of this study.1

Inhibition of 5-alpha reductase may also prevent acne caused by high concentrations of 5-alpha reductase in skin, which leads to the local conversion of testosterone to DHT.2 When samples from 23 male and 21 female young-to-elderly subjects were analyzed, a particular isozyme (a structurally related enzyme) of 5-alpha reductase, predominated in the skin of older patients with acne. While Proscar could not inhibit this isoenzyme, Saw Palmetto could.3 Anecdotal reports do indeed support the possible value of Saw Palmetto in this regard.

* It is important to stress that it is DHT- not testosterone - that is responsible for secondary male sex characteristics when they occur in women.

References

1. Lucas KJ. Finasteride in the treatment of hirsutism. J Women's Health. 1995;4:655-661. 2. Thiboutot D, Harris G, Iles V, Cimis G, Gilliland K, Hagari S. Activity of the type 1 5 alpha-reductase exhibits regional differences in isolated sebaceous glands and whole skin. J Invest Dermatol. 95;105:209-214. 3. Iehle C, Delos S, Guirou O, Tate R, Raynaud JP, Martin PM. Human prostatic steroid 5 alpha-reductase isoforms - a comparative study of selective inhibitors. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol. 1995;54:273-279.

Next message: Barbra: "Re: how do you get rid of sebacious cysts?"
Previous message: Belle: "Re: What could this mean--high cortisol levels!"
Next in thread: Renee: "Re: Saw Palmetto for Women"
Maybe reply: Renee: "Re: Saw Palmetto for Women"

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