(04-10-2011, 03:00 PM)beverley.rose Wrote: (04-10-2011, 02:22 PM)vmiku914 Wrote: I know I should know this. What is SP?
Saw Palmetto. It acts as an anti-androgen and prevents the conversion of Testoterone to DHT (a much stronger form of T). DHT is what makes the hair on your head fall out and seems to be implicated in prostate problems.
Taking SP seems to stop scalp hair loss and prostate issues.
As ever we are all different, but although in theory DHT is implicated in baldness, I don't think anyone has reported that SP actually makes any real difference to MPB. I suspect that excess DHT may be responsible initially but it's almost irreversible once it takes hold. Certainly after taking SP for a year it has made no difference whatsoever to my head although it has reduced leg hair growth a bit.
On the subject of prostate problems, I do suffer from that as well, and again, a year on SP, plus my prescribed medication which I have been on by itself for quite few years previously has made no difference at all. However, by coincidence I had a couple of really amusing experiences this morning:
As I said, I've had a minor enlarged prostate condition for quite a few years, nothing serious, just incipient old age showing!
Take medication for it and have a yearly blood test and check up, which was this morning, everything fine.
Since I've had no change in symptoms one way or the other for half a dozen years, the quack decided that just maybe it would be worth trying something else as well, so I said, "Ok, I'm happy to give it a go, what is it?" "Finasteride. It's an anti-androgen" he said, "There are almost no side effects, although it may reduce erections", he said, "Oh and some people do report hot flushes" he said!!!! So trying hard to keep a straight face, off I went to the chemist with my prescriptions.
New pharmacist on duty today, youngish chap, looked at the paperwork and pulled the boxes off the shelf, checked the quantities, etc, then leaned over the counter and half whispered,
"New medication for you?"
"Yes, this one is",
"What did the the doctor say about taking them? "
"He just said take one a day" ,
"Ah... well, they are um... an... ummm... anti-androgen",
"Yes I know that",
"Well, you might find that... errr..."
At this point he taps his chest with both hands,
"...um... your chest might get a bit... well... sore, um... swollen",
"Oh yes, he did mention hot flushes",
"Yes, that as well..." ,
"OK, Thanks!
Staggered outside and nearly fell over laughing, came home, told my wife and she nearly collapsed with laughter too!