Saw Palmetto

Saw palmetto is a botanical supplement derived from the berries of the Serenoa repens palm that acts as a natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, blocking the conversion of testosterone into the more potent androgen DHT (dihydrotestosterone). By reducing DHT levels at the tissue level, saw palmetto can help manage androgen-driven PCOS symptoms including hair thinning at the crown, excess facial and body hair growth, and hormonal acne. While its anti-androgenic effects are milder than pharmaceutical options like spironolactone or finasteride, saw palmetto offers a natural complementary approach that some women prefer to incorporate alongside other PCOS management strategies.