[Arianne]

Oh, I understand that none of it can be set in stone. I thought that input from other members might give me a good idea on where to start (such as those dosage recommendations you made, Flamesaber). I understand a lot of it is trial-and-error, and was simply looking for some vague ideas for starting grounds.

Could someone enlighten me on what, exactly, Saw Palmetto does to help? I've noticed it's mentioned a lot around the site, and that it seems to have its useless, but I highly doubt it's the same Saw Palmetto that I can buy at the store I work at. If it does happen to be the same, I may start stocking up. If it's not, I'd appreciate any information on what kind it is. Seems there's a lot of different versions to a lot of different things, so I'm definitely in for my research.

And thank you all for welcoming me. I tend to be naturally shy, and I've never shared this desire with anyone except one person whom I know I can trust implicitly. The advantage of the internet is remaining anonymous, but... it can still be somewhat difficult for me to disclose things.

Really though, I appreciate the welcomes and advice.

[flamesabers]

Could someone enlighten me on what, exactly, Saw Palmetto does to help? I've noticed it's mentioned a lot around the site, and that it seems to have its useless, but I highly doubt it's the same Saw Palmetto that I can buy at the store I work at. If it does happen to be the same, I may start stocking up. If it's not, I'd appreciate any information on what kind it is. Seems there's a lot of different versions to a lot of different things, so I'm definitely in for my research.

Saw Palmetto helps with preventing the body from converting testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Preventing this conversion process is beneficial with minimizing the impact an inhibitor like DHT may have on blocking the development of breast tissue. If I'm not mistaken, Saw Palmetto is also useful for preventing male pattern baldness, an enlarged prostate, and growth of body hair. Saw Palmetto is available in extract and whole berry form. If you're going to buy it online, I think Amazon would be a good place to start looking.

I think the rule of thumb with Saw Palmetto goes: the younger you are, the more testosterone you are likely produce, thereby the greater the threat of testosterone being converted in DHT. I haven't used Saw Palmetto with pm and I'm 27. I'm sure Saw Palmetto can be a help if your breast growth is being restricted by an excess of DHT, but I don't think it's a required herb to successfully pursue NBE. (It's another of those trial-and-error things).

[Marina Kits]

Arianne,

I use saw palmetto as part of my regime and I'm 43 years old. I suppose the only way to know for sure what SP is doing is by taking it alone, however, I'm not willing to do that because I'm convinced the PM is absolutely critical. My experience could easily be entirely a result of PM or it could be a synergistic effect of PM and SP together. Nonetheless, here's what I SUSPECT the SP is at least partly responsible for:
1. I have a lower sex drive which I think might be caused by lower testosterone (because it got converted to estrogen rather then DHT) and / or lower DHT. I really like that BTW because I masturbate and crave porn about 90% less than prior to NBE. If there is less DHT and more estrogen, I get increased breast growth.
2. My body hair (especially legs and face) grows much slower and is much easier to shave than before NBE. I have not noticed any INCREASED hair on the top of my head but I am not bald (only thinning) so it's hard to tell.
3. My testicles are smaller and softer than before NBE. I still have a full function but slightly less stamina.
4. I find I am less irritable than before NBE which MAY be a result of lower testosterone POSSIBLY caused by saw palmetto.
* most other benefits of NBE (and there are quite a few) I attribute to PM

If you choose to use SP, I recommend using the 85% extract (give or take a little by brand) rather than the whole berry types. If the recommended dose on the bottle is in the 320mg range, you know you have the right stuff. I usually take 320mg in the morning and 320mg in the evening for a daily total of 640mg. Saw palmetto is not rare at all so you should be able to purchase it locally except in very small communities I suppose. It's widely and commonly used for "prostate health" and urinary tract improvement by middle age and older men. I get mine at Target (major USA department store)

...one last thought, I know you said it's not something you want to discuss so forgive me, but I can't refrain. I think leaving your family and friends without saying goodbye would be... very sad, for you and for them. I suppose you're not leaving tomorrow so you have time to ponder it but relationships are really the only things in this life that have true value. Unless you were abused or completely unloved by everyone up to this point in your life, I can't imagine how vanishing would be the best choice. I wish you all the best in whatever you ultimately do and I want you to know that, in so much as is possible via this connection, you are valued here and by me.

[Arianne]

Arianne,

I use saw palmetto as part of my regime and I'm 43 years old. I suppose the only way to know for sure what SP is doing is by taking it alone, however, I'm not willing to do that because I'm convinced the PM is absolutely critical. My experience could easily be entirely a result of PM or it could be a synergistic effect of PM and SP together. Nonetheless, here's what I SUSPECT the SP is at least partly responsible for:
1. I have a lower sex drive which I think might be caused by lower testosterone (because it got converted to estrogen rather then DHT) and / or lower DHT. I really like that BTW because I masturbate and crave porn about 90% less than prior to NBE. If there is less DHT and more estrogen, I get increased breast growth.
2. My body hair (especially legs and face) grows much slower and is much easier to shave than before NBE. I have not noticed any INCREASED hair on the top of my head but I am not bald (only thinning) so it's hard to tell.
3. My testicles are smaller and softer than before NBE. I still have a full function but slightly less stamina.
4. I find I am less irritable than before NBE which MAY be a result of lower testosterone POSSIBLY caused by saw palmetto.
* most other benefits of NBE (and there are quite a few) I attribute to PM

If you choose to use SP, I recommend using the 85% extract (give or take a little by brand) rather than the whole berry types. If the recommended dose on the bottle is in the 320mg range, you know you have the right stuff. I usually take 320mg in the morning and 320mg in the evening for a daily total of 640mg. Saw palmetto is not rare at all so you should be able to purchase it locally except in very small communities I suppose. It's widely and commonly used for "prostate health" and urinary tract improvement by middle age and older men. I get mine at Target (major USA department store)

...one last thought, I know you said it's not something you want to discuss so forgive me, but I can't refrain. I think leaving your family and friends without saying goodbye would be... very sad, for you and for them. I suppose you're not leaving tomorrow so you have time to ponder it but relationships are really the only things in this life that have true value. Unless you were abused or completely unloved by everyone up to this point in your life, I can't imagine how vanishing would be the best choice. I wish you all the best in whatever you ultimately do and I want you to know that, in so much as is possible via this connection, you are valued here and by me.

I'm sorry it took me so long to see this message.

Thank you for sharing all of that information. I was looking at the Saw Palmetto that can be purchased where I work, and it is exactly 320mg.

As for your bit about vanishing without saying anything to my family... I actually wasn't abused, at all. My parents, for the most part, are very kind, loving people (though they do have their moments, but don't we all?). The only one person, maybe two, I can see understanding my desires would be my grandmother, and my mother. I'm almost positive my father wouldn't take kindly to it at all, neither would the rest of my family. They tend to be incredibly old fashioned, no matter how "open" they may claim to be.

It would be more of a "Please don't hate me. I'm only doing what I think is truly right" scenario. If you're at all familiar with enneagrams, I fall into the category of a two. In short, I fear rejection. That's probably something every human begin faces, but it's more severe with someone of a personality type like mine.

I've considered opening up. I'm just... I'm conflicted about it. I appreciate your support though. It means a lot to me.