Hyperandrogenism is a condition that occurs when a woman’s body contains abnormally high levels of androgens, which include the male hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, and androstenedione. Hyperandrogenism has a number of known causes, with the most common being Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
Symptoms of Hyperandrogenism
Women who suffer from hyperandrogenism often display symptoms such as persistent acne, hirsutism (excessive hair growth on the body and face), male pattern balding, absent or abnormal menstruation, and masculinization. However, there are some women who have abnormal levels of androgens but suffer mainly from acne and have very few, or possibly even none of the other symptoms. This can sometimes make it difficult to warrant the standard treatments of birth control pills or anti-androgen drugs. In addition, the severity of the acne typically doesn’t correlate with the amount of androgens in the blood stream, so it’s possible for a woman to be only slightly hyperandrogenic but still suffer from severe acne.
It is a well-known fact that androgens trigger the development of acne by stimulating the oil glands and causing them to become overactive and enlarged. The excess oil then clogs the pores, which can lead to the development of everything from a few blackheads to painful cysts. Birth control pills and anti-androgen drugs such as Spironolactone can decrease androgen production, but often at the cost of many unwanted side effects. For some, the herb Saw Palmetto may be a welcome alternative.
About Saw Palmetto and How It Works
Saw Palmetto is a palm-like plant that is native to Southeast North America and has gained popularity over the years as a treatment for men who suffer from an enlarged prostrate. However, the same mechanism that allows it to treat prostate problems can also be effective in treating acne that is thought to be the result of an overproduction of androgens.
Testosterone is often implicated as the androgen most responsible for acne outbreaks, but it is believed that people who suffer from androgen-driven acne have greater activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into the more potent dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. It is DHT that is thought to be mainly responsible for driving the oil glands out of control in hyperandrogenic women. Saw Palmetto works by interfering with the activity of 5-alpha-reductase and dampening the effects of DHT. This results in less stimulation of the oil glands, which reduces the severity of the acne and also allows topical treatments to become more effective at controlling it.
Is Saw Palmetto For You?
While Saw Palmetto may not be the answer for everyone, it is certainly worth a try for those who believe their acne is a result of hyperandrogenism and want to avoid the side effects of medication. And while Saw Palmetto is associated with some side effects such as headaches and upset stomach, these are rare and usually mild. If you do decide to give Saw Palmetto a try, there are some important things to keep in mind. First of all, it is important to choose a supplement that is standardized and regulated for quality.
Another important issue to keep in mind is the dosage. Different people will respond to different doses, but it is generally a good idea to take Saw Palmetto according to the directions on the label and only exceed that amount under the guidance of a qualified physician. Also keep in mind that because Saw Palmetto is an herb, it often works slower and more gently than medications and should be given at least six weeks to produce noticeable results.
Sources:
Healthyskinshop.com, Acne: What It Is and How to Deal With It. (Accessed on December 8, 2010)
Hudson, Tori, N.D. (2008, October 8). Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. (Retrieved on December 10, 2010)
Karnath, Bernard, M.D. (2008, October). Signs of Hyperandrogenism in Women. (Retrieved on December 10, 2010)
Ovarian-cysts-pcos.com, Saw Palmetto and PCOS. (Accessed on December 8, 2010)
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional.
Jeanette Garver - I am a writer who used to work in the legal field before deciding that I wanted to try my hand at writing professionally. I have an A.A.S. ...
Join the Conversation