Saw Palmetto Dose For Women

Saw palmetto have been popularly recognized in Europe, Japan, and recently the U.S. as a "man's herb" because of its effectiveness in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In this condition, the prostates are enlarged due to the compound dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that signals the prostate cells to multiply. Men above 50 years are more susceptible to acquiring this condition (about 50-60% of men), which is often caused by a reduction in testosterone level that occurs with age.

The active constituents of saw palmetto is in its berries, which contain essential oils like lauric acid, palmitic acid, myristic acid, oleic acid, polysaccharides, and plant sterols. Saw palmetto grows in the southeastern region of the U.S., most abundantly in Florida and Mississippi. The berries of saw palmetto were for centuries used by American-Indians as a staple until they discovered its medicinal uses.

Saw palmetto holds a long tradition of being a diuretic and improving urinary flow, as well as shrinking a prostate's size. Whilst its been known as a man's herb, women have also resorted to saw palmetto supplements to enhance breast size. Unfortunately, this claim has yet to be substantiated by research. Available data from research only conclude the herb's properties in alleviating BPH symptoms.

The daily dose used in studies is 160-320mg. It's not stated whether this is the saw palmetto dose for women, however, it's not contraindicated as well. Saw palmetto dose for women who are pregnant or are breast feeding have not been established yet, but since this herb is considered a drug by alternative medicine, it's safe to seek a physician's advice prior to taking saw palmetto supplements.

Most drugs and supplements pass through the umbilical cord and the mammary gland, and whereas studies have not yet concluded its effects on the unborn child and breast fed infants, it's safer to talk with your doctor before taking saw palmetto supplements. Moreover, saw palmetto supplements are unregulated in the U.S. and are not yet recognized by the FDA.

Regardless of the saw palmetto dose for women, saw palmetto supplements are contraindicated to people with bleeding disorders or are taking blood thinners (like warfarin). In general, saw palmetto dose for women should not exceed the recommended daily dose as stated on the product label. The supplements also do not promise therapeutic indications in women. Instead, the product instigates antiestrogenic activity, which makes it unsuitable during pregnancy. For serious adverse effects, it's safer to discontinue taking the product and consult a physician at once.