Saw Palmetto/Pygeum/Nettle Root -
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2 capsules of Saw Palmetto/Pygeum/Nettle Root contain:

• Saw Palmetto CO2 extract 45% 606mg - (Equal to 320mg of 85% fatty acids extract)
• Pygeum africanum extract 4% 250mg - (Equal to 100mg of 10% phytosterols extract)
• Nettle Root extract 20:1 200mg - (A source of plant phytosterols)

Independently tested for authenticity, potency, solvent residue, stability, and bacteria, yeast and mold counts.

Suggested Dosage: 2 capsules per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

The primary components of this formula are saw palmetto and pygeum.

Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is widely used for the treatment of enlarged prostate glands in men. It is thought that prostate glands become enlarged primarily because of a metabolite of testosterone, called dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. Women with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) also tend to have higher levels of testosterone and DHT than other women. Therefore, what works for men may also work for women.

One of the most troubling symptoms of women with PCOS is hirsutism (too much hair, in the wrong places), and male-pattern hair loss. Hirsutism is thought to be mostly due to excessive levels of androgenic hormones such as testosterone. Testosterone is converted into a more potent hormone called DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is the hormone in your skin that stimulates hirsutism, which is male pattern hair growth. If you can reduce DHT, you may be able to reduce hirsutism (hair growing where you don't want it) or male pattern hair loss (losing hair where you do want it).

Saw palmetto appears to reduce DHT in three different ways:

• Inhibits DHT production.
• Inhibits the binding of DHT to its cell receptors.
• Promotes the breakdown of DHT.

Testosterone is converted into DHT by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. 5-alpha-reductase is inhibited by saw palmetto, and thus less DHT is produced and hirsutism may be reduced.

Saw palmetto may be helpful in another way. A high level of estrogen may inhibit the elimination of DHT. Some women with PCOS have estrogen levels that are too high. Saw palmetto is reported to have an anti-estrogenic effect, thus helping with the removal of DHT.

Saw palmetto may help with the following PCOS symptoms:

• Hirsutism (too much hair in the wrong places)
• Male pattern baldness or hair loss.

Saw Palmetto Side Effects and Precautions

No significant side effects have been noted in clinical trials with this herbal extract, except for rare headache or stomach upset if taken on an empty stomach. Because of possible hormonal activity, it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How Much Should You Take?

Every woman is unique, so the amount and form of saw palmetto you need won't be the same as for someone else.

As a general guideline, a common dose for men is 320 mg. of extract per day, standardized to at least 85-95% fatty acids with a guaranteed minimum of 0.2-0.4% sterols. ("Standardized" means you get the same amount of active ingredients every time). You may decide to start with a somewhat lower dose.

In men, it can be taken for six weeks before any effect is noticed. If improvement is noted, it is recommended that men take it continuously. Since you're trying to reduce DHT like the men are, you could do the same.

Click here for more information about Saw Palmetto and PCOS

Pygeum

Pygeum africanum is an evergreen tree found in the higher elevations of Africa. The fatty acids in pygeum appear to have effects similar to those found in saw palmetto. Pygeum contains substances that have been reported to work synergistically to:

• Reduce levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone.
• Reduce prolactin levels, thereby reducing uptake of testosterone and synthesis of dihydrotestosterone.
• Competes with testosterone, thus inhibiting its buildup in tissues.

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