PCOS is also often associated with high levels of the hormone prolactin, which can prevent the maturation of follicles and ovulation, resulting in ovarian cysts.

However, saw palmetto has been proven to be effective in reducing the ovarian cell's response to the prolactin receptor.

Many women with PCOS experience excessive body hair growth, known as hirsutism.

This is because DHT is the main hormone regulating hair growth, including body hair.

Increased levels of DHT in women can cause the growth of thick and dark terminal hairs in androgen-sensitive body parts, which are typically found in men, such as:

Although there isn't enough scientific evidence to support the effects of saw palmetto on excessive hair growth in women with PCOS, it is a commonly recommended natural supplement for combating hirsutism due to its antiandrogenic properties.

Excess levels of DHT in the body can cause androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness.

Women with PCOS often experience excessive hair loss, especially around the center and front of the scalp, due to increased DHT levels that interfere with the hair growth cycle.

Including natural DHT blockers in your diet can be a helpful strategy to combat hair loss. Saw palmetto has been shown to effectively combat hair loss in several studies.

That's why it's recommended for men and women suffering from androgenic alopecia and hormone-related hair loss.

Excessive levels of androgens in the bloodstream are also closely related to hormonal acne, a common symptom of PCOS.

DHT triggers the production of sebum, natural oil that reaches the skin surface, causing oily skin, blockage, bacterial overgrowth, and acne.

Testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) also contribute to acne and women, with the severity varying depending on the ratio of these hormones in their bloodstream.

Saw palmetto's DHT-reducing properties also make it beneficial for improving the appearance of acne and oily skin.

A study found that using a saw palmetto-based cream successfully reduced sebum secretion in 95% of participants after four weeks of treatment.

While there are no specific studies dedicated to the efficacy of saw palmetto supplements for acne yet, there have been several anecdotal reports of its effectiveness in reducing acne.

Women with PCOS often experience menstrual irregularities due to anovulation, when their ovaries fail to release a mature egg during the menstrual cycle, leading to absent or irregular periods.

Saw palmetto has been shown to be beneficial for alleviating menstrual irregularities due to its ability to balance the hormone prolactin.

In individuals with PCOS, the formation of cysts and irregular menstrual cycles are partially attributed to the hormone prolactin, as it inhibits the development of eggs and ovulation.

The anti-inflammatory properties of saw palmetto may also help alleviate pelvic pain, inflammation, and bloating that some women with PCOS experience during menstruation.

Due to its anti-androgenic properties, saw palmetto is widely used among men looking to support prostate health.

For women, however, it’s less about the plant being anti-androgenic and more about its ability to decrease inflammatory markers.

As such, it can be a wonderful supplement to support urinary and reproductive health, even among women.

With lower levels of inflammation overall, saw palmetto can help reduce issues related to irritable bladder and urinary tract infections (UTIs).

Furthermore, it can also be beneficial for improving fertility in women with PCOS since the anti-inflammatory properties of saw palmetto may help improve ovulation and support egg health.