About this episode
In this episode of the PCOS Repair Podcast, you’ll discover how saw palmetto can play a valuable role in supporting hormone balance for women with PCOS. Saw palmetto is best known for its anti‑androgen properties, which reduce excess male hormones like testosterone that contribute to symptoms such as acne, unwanted hair growth, and hair thinning. You’ll learn how this herbal supplement works and when it may be worth discussing with your healthcare provider as part of your PCOS management plan. What Makes Saw Palmetto Unique for Women with PCOS Saw palmetto is derived from a palm tree native to the southeastern United States, and its berries have been used in traditional medicine for centuries. In this episode, you’ll learn how this herb doesn’t just lower testosterone levels but rather blocks an enzyme called 5‑alpha‑reductase, which converts testosterone into its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is often the culprit behind hair loss, oily skin, acne, and excessive facial or body hair—making saw palmetto a potential natural ally for managing these common PCOS symptoms. When Saw Palmetto Might Be Right for You You’ll discover when saw palmetto can be most helpful, typically once you’ve stabilized your root‑cause health through nutrition, movement, and overall hormone balance, yet still struggle with lingering androgenic symptoms. It’s important to note that saw palmetto isn’t suitable for those trying to conceive or during pregnancy, as it can affect hormone activity. This episode explains why it’s not a fertility‑safe option and provides insight into when it can fit safely into your overall wellness plan. How Saw Palmetto Works in the Body In this discussion, you’ll learn how saw palmetto acts gently on the hormonal system, offering a softer alternative to stronger pharmaceutical approaches. Rather than drastically lowering testosterone, it helps fine‑tune hormonal activity by preventing testosterone from converting into DHT. You’ll also hear why lab results don’t always tell the full story, hormonal “normal” ranges vary greatly, and sometimes small shifts can create big changes in how your body feels. In this episode, you’ll learn how saw palmetto can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to PCOS when used correctly. It’s not a magic fix, but it can help soften stubborn symptoms of high androgens when combined with balanced nutrition, stress management, and movement. To make supplement decisions easier, you’re invited to download the free PCOS Supplement Guide , which includes trusted brands and a 20% discount through Fullscript for podcast listeners. You can take the quiz to discover your root cause here PCOS Supplement Guide Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram! What did you find helpful in this episode and what follow-up questions do you have? The full list of Resources & References Mentioned can be found on the Episode webpage at: https://nourishedtohealthy.com/ep-170