During menopause, many women experience hair loss, which can be upsetting. Fortunately, there are several treatments available to manage hair loss during menopause, and one of them is saw palmetto.
Hair loss is a common issue that affects both men and women. Due to changes in hormones, women are more likely to lose their hair during menopause.
Menopausal hair loss can show up in many ways, such as thinning hair, hair breaking, or bald spots. It can cause a woman a lot of stress and hurt her sense of self-worth and confidence.
Today, I’ll be sharing everything I know about saw palmetto, including its benefits for menopausal hair loss.
Key Takeaways: Does Saw Palmetto Help Menopausal Hair Loss?
- Saw palmetto may help some women with menopausal hair loss, especially where hormones are involved, but it is not a guaranteed cure. It seems to work by blocking a hormone (DHT) linked to hair thinning.
- Some small studies and user reports show improved hair thickness and reduced shedding, but the research is still limited, especially in women.
- It’s best used as one part of a wider plan that includes checking hormones, diet, stress, thyroid, and iron levels, and you should always speak to your doctor before starting any supplement.
What Actually Causes Menopausal Hair Loss and Thinning?
Menopausal hair loss usually happens because of hormone changes, aging, stress, nutrition issues, and some medical conditions.
When estrogen and progesterone drop in menopause, hair grows more slowly and sheds more easily. At the same time, androgens (male-type hormones that women also have) can have a stronger effect. This can lead to:
- Thinning along the part line
- Overall reduced hair volume
- More hair shedding and breakage
Aging also means hair follicles get weaker over time, so hair strands can become finer and more fragile. Stress in this life stage can push more hairs into a “resting” phase, so they fall out more. Low iron, low vitamin B12, low vitamin D, or poor protein intake can also make shedding worse. Conditions like thyroid disease or PCOS can add to the problem.
If hair loss is sudden, severe, or worrying, it’s important to see a doctor to check hormones, thyroid, iron, and other health markers, rather than guessing.
What Is Saw Palmetto and How Is It Supposed to Work for Hair?
Saw palmetto is a plant extract that may help by blocking a hormone (DHT) linked to hair loss.
Saw palmetto comes from a small palm that grows in the southeastern United States. Traditionally, it has been used for urinary and prostate problems, and more recently for hair loss. It appears to:
- Block the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT
- Lowering DHT may reduce damage to hair follicles in people who are sensitive to this hormone
Some small human studies show that saw palmetto taken by mouth or used on the scalp may improve hair density and reduce shedding in some people. It is usually taken as a capsule, tablet, or liquid extract, and is often standardised to contain 85–95% fatty acids and sterols (the active parts).
Saw palmetto is a supportive option, not magic. It usually works slowly and results can vary from person to person.
Can Saw Palmetto Help With Menopausal Hair Loss Specifically?
It may help some women, especially where hormones are involved, but results are mixed and not guaranteed.
During menopause, lower estrogen and progesterone mean androgens can have more impact on your hair follicles. Because saw palmetto helps reduce the action of DHT (an androgen), it might:
- Slow down hormone-related shedding
- Help some follicles stay in the growth phase longer
- Support slightly thicker regrowth over time
However:
- Most studies have been done in men or in mixed groups, not just menopausal women.
- Not all hair loss in menopause is purely DHT-related; stress, thyroid, iron, and age also matter.
So, saw palmetto can be part of a holistic plan for menopausal hair loss, but it shouldn’t replace a proper medical check or good hair and health habits.
What Dose of Saw Palmetto Is Commonly Used for Hair Loss?
A typical dose used in studies is around 160 mg twice a day or about 300 mg once daily of standardised extract, but you must follow the product label and your doctor’s advice.
For hair and hormone-related uses, supplements often provide:
- Around 160 mg twice daily, or
- Around 300–320 mg once daily
Look for a product that:
- Is from a reputable brand
- Is standardised to about 85–95% fatty acids and sterols
Never exceed the recommended dose on the label unless your healthcare provider tells you to. More is not always better and can increase the risk of side effects.
Is Saw Palmetto Safer Than Other Hair Loss Treatments?
It is generally well tolerated, but it still has risks and is not automatically “safer” for everyone.
Compared with medicines like minoxidil or finasteride:
- Saw palmetto is plant-based, available without prescription, and usually has fewer reported side effects.
- Some people like that it supports hair with a more “natural” approach.
Possible mild side effects can include:
- Upset stomach, nausea, diarrhoea
- Headache in some people
It can also interact with other medicines, especially blood thinners or hormone-related drugs. That’s why it’s important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting it, particularly if you take other medications or have health conditions.
How Does Saw Palmetto Compare to Other Hair Loss Treatments?
Short answer: It may be helpful, but often works more slowly and less predictably than prescription options.
Common hair loss treatments include:
- Minoxidil (topical): Widely used, has good evidence for helping regrowth, but can cause scalp irritation or shedding at first.
- Finasteride or other DHT-blocking drugs: Often used in men; usually prescription-only and not suitable for all women, especially if they could become pregnant.
- Saw palmetto: Gentler, over-the-counter option that works on similar pathways (DHT) but with less robust evidence and usually slower results.
For many women, the best approach is a combination, such as:
- Medical check + minoxidil
- Plus saw palmetto or other supportive supplements
- Plus nutrition, stress management, and gentle hair care
No single treatment works for every woman, so it often takes trial, patience, and professional guidance.
What Other Natural Remedies May Help Menopausal Hair Loss?
Biotin, zinc, and certain essential oils can support hair health, but they are not miracle cures and should be used as part of a bigger plan. Some options include:
Biotin
Biotin is a B vitamin that supports hair and nail strength. It’s found in eggs, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. If you’re deficient, supplements may help reduce breakage and improve hair quality. If your levels are normal, taking extra may not do much.
Zinc
Zinc is important for hair growth and repair. Foods like oysters, beef, pumpkin seeds, and spinach contain zinc. A short-term supplement may help if you’re low, but too much zinc can cause problems, so you shouldn’t megadose without checking.
Essential oils (lavender, rosemary, peppermint)
Some small studies suggest essential oils like rosemary or lavender may support circulation to the scalp and encourage healthier hair growth when used regularly and properly diluted. You can:
- Add a few drops to a carrier oil (like jojoba or coconut) and massage into the scalp, or
- Use products that already contain these oils
Always patch-test first and avoid getting oils in your eyes.
READ ALSO: Female Hair Loss: What Is It And How Can We Stop It?
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When Should You See a Doctor About Menopausal Hair Loss?
See a doctor if hair loss is sudden, severe, patchy, or affecting your confidence and daily life.
Make an appointment if:
- You see clumps of hair falling out
- You develop bald patches or very obvious scalp
- You have other symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, irregular heartbeat, or new facial hair growth
- Hair loss is causing a lot of stress, anxiety, or low self-esteem
Ask your doctor to check for:
- Thyroid issues
- Iron, vitamin B12, vitamin D
- Hormone levels where appropriate
- Other possible causes (like medication side effects or scalp conditions)
That way, you’re not just treating the symptom (hair loss), but also fixing the underlying cause.
Can Lifestyle Changes Make Saw Palmetto Work Better?
Yes. Supplements work best when your overall lifestyle supports hair health.
To support your hair during menopause, try to:
- Eat enough protein (fish, eggs, beans, tofu, yoghurt)
- Choose a nutrient-dense diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and whole grains
- Sleep 7–8 hours most nights
- Manage stress with tools like walking, breathing exercises, journaling, or prayer
- Avoid tight hairstyles, harsh chemicals, and very hot tools
- Stay active with regular movement and strength training, which also supports hormones and blood flow
Saw palmetto, by itself, is not a magic switch. But used alongside these habits and medical advice, it can be a helpful piece of your menopausal hair care strategy.
Closing Thoughts
Saw palmetto is not your average plant. It has a lot of benefits, and one of them seems to be that it might help with hair loss during menopause. This plant that no one knows about could be the answer we have all been looking for.
Even better is how easy it is to add saw palmetto to your daily routine. It comes in the form of supplements, teas, and even oils that you put on your skin. It is like having a personal remedy for hair loss right at your fingertips!
While we are excited about this natural solution, it is important to remember that everyone reacts differently to treatments. Miracles work differently for different people. Always consult a doctor before starting a new regimen.
Is Saw Palmetto the best treatment for menopausal hair loss? While more research is needed to prove its efficacy, early results are promising! We may be on to something revolutionary.
A natural, accessible treatment for menopausal hair loss? Now that’s something to get excited about!
FAQs on Saw Palmetto for Menopausal Hair Loss and Hair Thinning
Saw palmetto may help some women by blocking a hormone (DHT) linked to hair thinning, but it doesn’t work for everyone and results are usually slow and gradual.
It’s thought to block the enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT, a hormone that can shrink hair follicles and cause thinning in people who are sensitive to it.
You may need to use it consistently for at least 3–6 months before noticing any change in shedding or thickness.
It’s generally considered safe for most healthy adults, but it can still cause side effects and interact with medicines, so it’s best to check with your doctor first.
Some people report mild stomach upset, nausea, or diarrhoea. If you feel unwell after taking it, stop and speak to a healthcare professional.
It might interact with certain medicines, especially hormone-related drugs or blood thinners, so always ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining it with other treatments.
Not necessarily. Minoxidil has stronger evidence behind it. Saw palmetto is more of a gentle, natural option that may help some women, often used alongside other treatments.
Biotin (if you’re deficient), zinc, a nutrient-rich diet, stress reduction, and scalp massage with diluted essential oils like rosemary or lavender can support overall hair health.
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This article was first published in July 18, 2023 and last updated on December 1, 2025.
