by Jackie Hart, MD
Alternative HealthQ: I have been thinking about taking saw palmetto for an enlarged prostate. Does it really work? How much should I take? I am an otherwise healthy man in my 60s and take no other medication.
A: The medical terminology for an enlarged prostate is "benign prostatic hyperplasia" or BPH. Almost all men over 50 experience the symptoms of BPH to some extent and the incidence increases further with age.The symptoms generally include:
Saw palmetto is an extract from the plant Serenoa repens, which grows in the southeastern section of the United States, along the coast. The appropriate amount to take is 160 milligrams twice a day.
As far as we know, long-term use of saw palmetto is safe; however, in the 20 trials I mentioned, the average time for follow-up of research participants was only nine weeks. In addition, I am not aware of studies testing the interaction of saw palmetto with other substances and medications.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of BPH, saw palmetto may be an option, but speak with your doctor first and have a complete exam, including a test for PSA (prostate specific antigen), which detects prostate cancer, because symptoms of BPH can be very similar to symptoms of prostate cancer.
Alternative HealthQ: I have been thinking about taking saw palmetto for an enlarged prostate. Does it really work? How much should I take? I am an otherwise healthy man in my 60s and take no other medication.
A: The medical terminology for an enlarged prostate is "benign prostatic hyperplasia" or BPH. Almost all men over 50 experience the symptoms of BPH to some extent and the incidence increases further with age.The symptoms generally include:
- Nighttime urination, called nocturia, which can lead to frequent awakenings to go to the bathroom.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder, which translates into having to urinate again just after youve gone or taking a long time to finish urinating.
- Dribbling, which refers to dripping of urine at any time, but particularly just after going to the bathroom.
- Increased frequency of urination.
- Difficulty initiating urinary stream.
- Difficulty maintaining a steady stream.
Saw palmetto is an extract from the plant Serenoa repens, which grows in the southeastern section of the United States, along the coast. The appropriate amount to take is 160 milligrams twice a day.
As far as we know, long-term use of saw palmetto is safe; however, in the 20 trials I mentioned, the average time for follow-up of research participants was only nine weeks. In addition, I am not aware of studies testing the interaction of saw palmetto with other substances and medications.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of BPH, saw palmetto may be an option, but speak with your doctor first and have a complete exam, including a test for PSA (prostate specific antigen), which detects prostate cancer, because symptoms of BPH can be very similar to symptoms of prostate cancer.