Beta Sitosterol — Nature’s Hair Loss Supplement

Could Beta Sitosterol be the cheapest most effective natural male hair loss supplement? One fella going by the nick name of WidowsPeak thinks so — using beta sitosterol not only has he halted hair loss, he’s actually regrown new hair. I’ve mulled over whether or not I should give beta sitosterol a whirl for a while. Initially the slightly scary name put me off, but on further inspection there is not much to be worried about, in fact quite the opposite.

All Natural Goodness

Beta sitosterol belongs to a group of plant extracts called phytosterols. Chances are you eat it every day already as it’s found in rice, wheat germ, avocado, various oils and other plant based foods. An old study showed that unless we get fresh beta sitosterol daily our body will become depleted of it. The study concluded that beta sitosterol should to be taken daily for “optimal functioning” (Metabolism of beta-sitosterol in man. J. Clin. Invest., 49, 952-967, 1970).

Commonly beta sitosterol is sold as supplement for a wide range of health benefits in particular to help reduce cholesterol levels and for prostate health, but it has been shown to have anti cancer effects and it also gives the immune system a helping hand. Sounds like good stuff, but how will this help re-grow hair?

Beta Sitosterol To The Rescue

Exactly how beta sitosterol helps prevent hair loss is not totally clear. Studies seem to indicate that it works by stopping the enzyme 5 alpha reductase dead in it’s tracks (J Altern Complement Med. 2002 Apr;8(2):143-52.). This enzyme converts testosterone into another hormone called DHT, and if you didn’t know DHT is bad news for hair. So if beta sitosterol can stamp out the action of 5 alpha reductase then a major cause of male pattern hair loss can be fended off.

*UPDATE* Just found a study, perhaps the only study, looking at the effect of beta sitosterol on androgenic alopecia (male balding). The study tested 26 males aged between 23 and 65 with mild to moderate hair loss. They were given 50mg of beta sitosterol a day for four months. The outcome…

On the basis of the investigative staff assessment of change in the patient’s scalp hair growth from baseline, treatment with the active study formula demonstrated 60% of the subjects rated as “improved” at the final visit as compared to baseline. In contrast, only 11% in the placebo group were rated as improved. Further, the Subject Assessment analysis of the appearance of the bald spot at the final visit compared to baseline showed that in the treatment group, no subjects deteriorated. In contrast however, the placebo group reported three subjects as deteriorated.

(Nelson Prager, Effectiveness of Botanically Derived Inhibitors of 5AR in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: Alternative and Complimentary Medicine, Volume 8, Number 2, April 2002)

Not the biggest study ever done, but one certainly gives me more confidence in beta sitosterol. And then consider the best results with beta sitosterol comes from over 12 months of use, yet 60% of the test subjects noticed an improvement after just 4 months. At the worst it may be enough to stop any more hair shed at the best I may be able to spark new life into hair follicles that were nearly dead.

The study also makes some interesting points comparing natural substances like beta sitosterol with synthetic ones like Rogaine and Propecia…

These botanicals have not been linked with the spectrum of negative side effects, adverse reactions, or teratogenicity, associated with the pharmaceutically derived alternatives.

Not only does it appear that beta sitosterol may prevent new DHT being made, it may also prevent hair loss by stopping any existing DHT binding to androgen receptors, but I couldn’t find any studies to confirm this. And that’s not all…

It is thought that beta sitosterol has estrogen blocking effects. High estrogen levels in men are strongly linked with balding and a whole host of other nasties (prostate problems and man boobs!).

Another study revealed that beta-sitosterol may possess anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation is also a significant factor in hair loss, so if this can be limited too then there may be protection against hair loss from several different angles.

And finally beta sitosterol has been shown in numerous studies to have a variety of anti-microbial, anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal actions. Having micro creepy crawlies on your scalp is certainly not good for you hair. All in all beta sitosterol sounds like a potent hair loss supplement.

What to expect, are there any side effects?

WidowsPeak used 350mg a day of the product, this seems a safe level, especially when you consider some Doctors recommend up 5000mg a day. Roger Mason author of the book “The Natural Prostate Cure” states 300mg supplement is more than safe.

As for side effects, the odd beta sitosterol user has reported a decrease in libido, if this happens to me I will cease using the product – hair is good, but not THAT good. Generally people have reported an increase in libido. Also, for the first couple of weeks you may experience an oily itchy scalp, apparently this is a “pre-cursor to regrowth”.

Another possible problem with beta sitosterol is that it can interfere with how the body absorbs beta-carotene and vitamin E and, but taking a decent multi-vitamin should balance that out.

I’ll need to stick with it for an extended period, WidowsPeak reported new small baby like hair initially, but it took months to see thick new hairs…

5 months is nothing, took me 12-18 months to really start seeing overall thickening, takes a LONG time for velous hairs to turn terminal, but the fact that they are there means the follicles are not dead. I think some of the terminal new hairs you saw were hairs on the way to dying but the sprang back to life. They were not so far gone that the first thing to sprout is peach fuzz. Be patient, just stopping the fallout etc is great. Regrowth takes time.

This would indicate that beta sitosterol would probably work better on people who have only just started losing hair, rather than those who have been bald for years who’s follicles are more likely to be dead.

I’m giving beta sitosterol 18 months use at 375mg every day. I’ve been on it for 7 days, no side effects to mention as yet. I’ll be taking some “before” pictures soon so I can make an accurate comparison. I brought my supply of it from vitacost, it’s fairly cheap… Beta Sitosterol Supplement

On a final note, if your wondering why this supplement isn’t more popular for hair loss you have to consider that it is inexpensive and a natural substance so the big drug companies cannot claim exclusive rights to it which means very small profits.

I’ll be writing updates and posting pictures every few months, hopefully I’ll be reporting back with a few more hairs on my head.

Responses to This Article

Chris said on May 16, 2006
Interesting both the results and the fact it may help women too….

Anyway, I began taking one 375 mg Beta Sitosterol tablet along with a Saw Palmetto gelcap twice a day (in the morning and in the evening) back in November 2005. Almost IMMEDIATELY, I stopped seeing the shedding – in my brush, on my shoulders and clothing, on my pillow, in the shower, etc. My hair is growing back, particularly the hair that frames my face, and I probably see ONE hair every two days in the places I used to find lots of my hair. NEAR ZERO SHEDDING.As far as I’m concerned, forget all the expensive so-called miracle cures: if you are a woman suffering from male-pattern baldness, Saw Palmetto and Beta Sitosterol (in high concentrations) will make you forget you ever had a hair loss problem.
Jim said on May 29, 2006
That is impossible. Sheds occur in cycles, and hair that is shed has been released from the follicle approximately 3 months earlier. Thus, one needs at least 3 months (and preferrably 6 months to a year) to really notice the effects of any hair-loss treatment.
Chris said on June 7, 2006
Hi Jim…that report does seem a little too good to be true. The only thing I can think is that dormant or hair/follicles that were in the process of “dying” have been revived in some way by the beta sitosterol. I’m a few weeks in a not noticing anything as exciting yet.
estee said on June 15, 2006
hi there, been following your stories, I have also tried beta-sitosterol for “female-pattern” baldness and hopefully to get acne under control. I have been told by my endocrinologist to take this as it suppresses the adrogens responsible for both problems, I stated taking it in June 2005 till Jan 06, during this time there was a definite improvement in acne and a noticable improvement in hairloss, however I stopped taking it and have found my skin flaring up again, hairloss also regressed, so I’m about to start taking it again. Hope to see your comments on your treatment in future again.
Chris said on June 15, 2006
Hi Estee. Basically it seems that beta sitosterol is efficient at regulating hormones in men and possibly women – unbalanced hormones can lead to a whole host of problems hair loss, acne (as you mention), prostate problems etc. Glad to hear your success with beta sitosterol, let us know how it goes!
PHILIP said on August 27, 2006
The only thing that bothers me about this treatment is that it seems to be used mainly as a means to reduce cholesterol. If a person already has low cholesterol and takes beta sitosterol to stop hair loss, might he not then be at risk of reduicing his cholesterol to too low a level?
Chris said on August 30, 2006
Hi Philip, very good question. This also concerned me and was something I researched before supplementing with beta sitsosterol. BS works by… “locking to the fat molecules eaten and by blocking the fat molecule absorption gates in the intestines. The fats and cholesterol are then excreted rather than absorbed. A study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed a 42% decease in cholesterol absorbed when taking beta-sitosterol before eating scrambled eggs.”

If you have high cholesterol levels then taking BS 20 to 30 mins prior to meals will reduce your cholesterol levels, but you will lose some of the hair growth benefits as it will excreted rather than absorbed into the body.

If you don’t want BS to mess with your cholesterol levels then don’t take it prior/with meals. I’d guess an hour either side of a meal you should be fine, go for 2 hours if you want to make absolutely sure.

Hope this helps!
Tony said on December 11, 2006
What foods in BS found in naturally. I would rather supplement that way. WidowPeak says he does not have sex seemingly as part of his regimen. Is this neccesary, I do not know if i can comply.
Chris said on December 12, 2006
Tony — Avocado and wheat germ are high in levels of beta sitosterol.
Greg said on April 24, 2009
To actually reduce hair loss, I don’t know if you can get the amount of Beta Sitosterol necessary without taking a supplement. I do know that in spite of the single placebo controlled study using Beta Sit to treat hair loss, there are numerous other studies that demonstrate Beta Sit can help treat Benign prostate enlargement. This is important, because prostate enlargement is closely linked to male pattern baldness.
Mike said on June 18, 2009
Beta Sitosterol is on the way to becoming a cure for enlarged prostate. I had SERIOUS problems with my enlarged prostate. Started taking BS 2 1/2 years ago, enlarged prostate problems gone after one week on BS. Although dihydrotestosterone is the cause of both enlarged prostate and hair loss, BS only slowed hair loss.
Jerry said on July 17, 2009
Generally beta-sitosterol refers to a phytosterol complex. Nutritionists recognize two classes of phytosterols: (1) sterols, which have a double bond in the sterol ring; and (2) stanols, which lack a double bond in the sterol ring . A mixed Phytosterol complex contains the following distinct plant sterols:

1) Beta-sitosterol

2) Campesterol

3) Stigmasterol

There are distinct structural differences between the above three plant sterols.
In the case of prostate health, and the conversion of testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone)it is the beta-sitosterol that has been studied and reported to provide relief with respect to the symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. A 200 mg capsule of saw palmetto contains approximately 20 mg of actual beta-sitosterol. Therefore to get close to the dosage of 300 mg a day or more you would have to consume 20 plus capsules per day. Now if you are a strict vegetarian you are getting 400 to 600 mg of beta-sitosterol daily. To approximate the desired dose of beta-sitosterol with diet alone would mean a life on the porcelain throne so to speak. It should be noted that the FDA allows the lower cholesterol health claim when the minimum daily dose is at least 1.3 grams (1200 mg) of beta-sitosterol daily. In addition the beta-sitosterol should be taken .5 to 1 hours before the meal in divided dosages. All beta-sitosterol prostate supplements have this phytosterol complex. The percent beta-sitosterol would depend on which supplement you purchase. Most common is a 50% beta-sitosterol complex. Some like Best Prostate actually use a branded beta-sitosterol Vegepure FTE by Cognis Health & Nutrition that is 80% beta-sitosterol. Note the following side effects of beta-sitosterol have been reported at dosages of 3 to 4 grams per day. These side effects may include: Nausea, Indigestion or heartburn, Diarrhea or constipation. There may be additional side effects that have been reported at higher dosages so this list is not all inclusive. To learn more about Best Prostate visit http://www.bestprostate.com

Note: The statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Any products mentioned are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Any medical concerns should be directed to a qualified health care professional.
Sunny said on August 19, 2009
Thanx for the information……I shall be ordering mine from Amazon tonite.
DEEN said on September 17, 2009
hi there,
i have heard that Beta Sitosterol is good for regrowth, i have a shiny scalp shaped in the “u” which is bald, the rest of my head grows hair abundantly, if i use this, will it generate even hair growth on my sculp?
Aaron said on November 1, 2009
Very interesting article! will be trying beta sitosterol soon
rich said on November 17, 2009
So is it better and ok to take it twice daily or is once enough and recommended?
Matt said on November 22, 2009
How’s the beta Sitosterol working for you chris?
Adam said on November 29, 2009
I’ve recently begun to bald, mostly in the front, but what is alarming is how rapidly it has progressed. I see significantly less hair week to week– I only started noticing any loss about 6 months ago. Whereas just 2 months ago I still had a thick plume that I could run my fingers through in the front center, I now have almost nothing. I began taking the BS last week and hope to see the loss stop or at least slow soon. I’m fine if it just stops– i’d be thrilled if it stays the way it is, and i’m hopeful that it will be more effective since I only started losing hair recently.
Aaron said on December 3, 2009
Beta sisterol reduced my Libido. Only a little. I ain’t using it anymore
Dexter! said on December 14, 2009
I started taking saw Palmetto no immediate results but i am getting the “oily” scalp my hair loss isn’t bad so i’m trying to catch it early. I jack off almost everyday so i know i havent lost any of my LIBIDO bahaha chi chi chi cha cha cha!!
Steve said on January 20, 2010
I just stumbled on here by chance for research on my own MPB problem. There are a few things I have tried and have shown improvement with. #1 Get rid of the wife. Stress playe’s a huge role in MPB. #2 Go in to the gym or get involved in some sort of sport. The reason most of the teststosterone is going to your head and forming into DHT is because its not getting directed to your mucsle groups as it should be. #3 Have you ever heard of the food pyramid. Eat and drink rite with plenty of natural water to flush the impurities out. Have you heard the term you are what you eat. It is about as real as it gets. Your body is not unlike a motor when it comes to what you put in it and how it performs. Hopefully you can understand some of the sarcasim here, but seriously if you wish to make a change you have to change what you do and how you do it. O’ , and you dont have to get rid of your wife BTW. If you look at how long it took for you to notice your hair was missing then take that times three and if you make the rite adjustments you might just see some real improvement that will last a lifetime but its just a thought. Im not getting a check for you being healthy just you getting you back is what its about. Hair in the rite places included. Unless you have a parisite, disease, or some other illness then you should seek treatment. That usually cause you were unhealthy to begin with too though. Be smart and make it real. Not patchwork!!!!!
Steve said on January 20, 2010
One more thing! Dont forget to wash it with the good shit and not put a bunch of retarded stuff in it that will damage it. Maybe a little tlc would make the difference. Theres also a little thing called balls that most men have if those fell of too then grow a pair cause if you dont have balls to change then you wont get change. DNA doesnt go anywhere niether does the hair follicles. Babies are born bald too. As long as you are kickin and screamin your body will continue to produce what is in its DNA makup so if you can grow some nuts and make a few or alot of changes then you will see perminant results. If you wonder why theres other people out there that dont have to go through all this then theres some that say the same about obesity or addictions we all have a week spot somewhere. Just yours might be in your hair.
Scott said on January 30, 2010
I stumbled across beta sitosterol while researching the nutritional benefits of avocado and found how it helps with cholesterol which was of importance to me. Thus I decided to look into it further. Then I ran across it’s benefits for hair loss, another problem I have.

The writer of this article mentioned a few things which triggered some connections for me with compatible treatments to enhance the effect. One was that inflamation can cause or worsen hair loss. This inflamation is caused by free radicals. The right antioxidents will help fight inflamation along with BS. They include such products as Astaxanthin and fulvic acid. For the first I like the product marketed by Vitacost under the proprietary name of Bioastin. Vitacost has a downloadable book that goes into detail of how Bioastin helps and includes supporting research. Fulvic acid works on both positively and negatively charged free radicals so it’s also an excellent scavanger of them. A warning about fulvic acid. It’s also a fantastic chelator which helps cleans the body of toxins. The problem with this is it might also bind with the materials in plastic containers which can be harmfull. Make sure any fulvic acid you buy is packaged in glass. I like the products from optimallyorganic.com not only because it’s packaged in glass but also because it’s available in a concentrated form and in bulk quantities for a better value.

It was also discussed how it revived nearly dead folicles. Another aid in this area are certain Amino acids which support the mitochondria, the energy plant of the cell. For this you might wish to try CoQ10 and/or Alpha Lipoic Acid.

Alpha Lipoic Acid is being used as support for a treatment for cancer which is having great success. The core research for this is at the University of Alberta. It was found that the mitochondria shuts down from several forms of cancer. The drug being researched reawakens the mitochondria and the alpha lipoic acid helps support the health of the mitochondria. The mitochondria also controls the life cycle of the cell so once reawakened it seems to realize the cell has outlived the lifespan it was intended for so the cell commits suicide. This treatment only affects cancer cells so it’s not nearly as toxic to the body as conventional treatments.

I would not recommend this drug for hair regrowth because it does have side effects and requires a prescription though it is off patent and now generic in the USA. This treatment isnt getting much attention in the USA because, like BS, it’s cheap and the drug companies can’t make a profit off it though they are trying to create other drugs that do the same thing. You’ll pay much more for them if they’re ever developed. In case you’re interested for anyone you know with cancer it’s dichloroacetate (DCA).

Back to the point. If you’re going to try BS for hair loss as I will, it might be a good idea to combine it with one or both of the amino acids and the Asataxanthin, which by the way is fairly inexpensive. The fulvic acid can be a bit pricey unless you buy it in bulk and remember, buy it only in glass bottles.
Scott said on January 30, 2010
For the reader that asked the question about BS lowering cholesterol in people with at healthy levels, in my reading I ran across a study which said yes it does affect the levels of cholesterol in healthy people as well. It was a short term study so it did not determine how much it could lower cholesterol levels in this situation but maybe you should be concerned about using BS for hair loss. As for how effective BS can be in reducing cholesterol overall, there have been reports in people with very high cholesterol their levels being reduced by as much as half. I’d say wait for more research if you have healthy levels or monitor your cholesterol to ensure it doesn’t drop too much.
Chris said on January 31, 2010
Awesome posts Scott, thanks. Never heard of fulvic acid… will look into it.
Dave said on February 11, 2010
Has anyone used Beta Sitosterol for more than 4 months? I’ve been using it for about the last three to combat hair loss & thus far I’ve noticed no positive effects. My hair loss has been continuing and I’ve lost a slight bit of libido. I intend to try for at least a year, unless my libido and more lethargic body get the best of me. I’ll try to keep ya’ll updated.
tommy said on March 10, 2010
does this also help wit excessive hair fall?
Fred said on May 23, 2010
I tried BS for 15 mos. Definitely stopped all hair loss completely; but did not regrow hair. BS did nothing for my enlarged prostate. Lost some libido but cured that with horney goat weed and passion flower.
Cman said on June 9, 2010
ok.. I stumbled across this site about 2 years ago

Ifound that using :

1200mgs( or more) of at least 40% potency (or more) beta sitosterol daily
+

1600mgs of (85%-95% Standardized) Saw Palometto daily

[ broken down in to 3 doses which at the end of the day TOTAL the above amounts daily]
ex:

am: 1 x Beta sitosterol tab/cap of 375 mgs-450mgs (or more if desired)
2 x Saw palmetto of 320mg (85-95% standardized)
(30mins AFTER food)

afternoon: 1 x Beta sitosterol tab/cap of 375 mgs-450mgs (or more if desired)
1 x Saw palmetto of 320mg (85-95% standardized)
(30mins AFTER food)

night: 1 x Beta sitosterol tab/cap of 375 mgs-450mgs (or more if desired)
2 x Saw palmetto of 320mg (85-95% standardized)
(30mins or so after food)

This combination for TWO years has worked about 65% or so as effective as the best scenario of a successful Prpecia dosing WITHOUT the seeming toxic effects of propecia

you can get at vita cost site OR pure bulk site: beta sitosterol for about
12 bucks a month (when you break it down per pill for month’s dose) for BEta S.
&
like 9 a month for Saw Palmetto (85-95% standardized -use Only this standardized type for consistency -my suggestion)avail cheaply: best vite site

my general crown and hairline thinning slowed dramatcally, and regrows well but shorter periods than before so every 3-6 months it looks thinner but then gets fuller some.. remember..

I am comparing these with having 90% regrowth from pr*pecia for 5years but it started causing me gallstones etc and is toxic from what I read.. so ..

I canned that chemical crap and do it all natural now with the above routine and supplements… I researched for YEARS everything and the higher doses as I described work pretty well!

one last thing.. the REASON I use BOTH Beta Sitosterol AND Saw Palmetto.. it seems that though saw palmetto has a small amount of beta sitosterol at any concentration, it has a Synergistic effect when used WITH the pure beta S.
This is from sever things I have read.. I am not an expert professionally!
just am experienced at this

soo.. use your own judgments and know your own body before trying something new

the lasers feel nice and I hope that combined with Beta Sitosterol and Saw Palmetto that more is to come

** Only side effects I see from So much Beta sitosterol and saw palmetto daily is:
saw stomach sometimes and sometimes irritated intestines.. but it is do able for me

~C~
Cman said on June 9, 2010
+ as of june 1st I JUST added( to the beta sitosterol/saw palmetto) a homemade
laser brush (soon helmet) of 5mw 650nm 3v laser modules which have been shown to stimulate the GROWTH that many of you say you dont see after the shedding stops and peach fuzz remains from the NATURAL Beta-Sitosterol and Saw Palmetto combo…I will add follow ups: check out: the over macho grande site for home made ideas.
Jason said on July 11, 2010
Hi guys. I’m 24 and just started taking bs and saw palmetto. Currently, I’ve been experiencing rapid mpb in the frontal and temple areas. Do you think I have a chance with regrowth by taking bs and palmetto. Also, does anyone know the suggested intake for the two on a day to day basis? Thank you much!
Mark said on August 5, 2010
I read a book year ago about how to reverse hair loss written by a guy who did it by changing his diet. The key to his regimen was a daily blender cocktail made up of a raw egg, wheat germ, various sprouts, and things like olive oil, or wheat germ oil. He claimed he reversed his hair loss taking this daily and changing his diet to include all whole foods, meaning no white flour etc. He claimed live plant enzymes are the key to new hair growth.

It seems we now know that the plant esters found in Beta-sitosterrol which are all found in wheat germ and perhaps sprouts etc are the key to that old formula. The raw egg was to give the body a easy to digest form of protein to help fuel hair growth.
LJ said on August 24, 2010
I’ve just recently started using BS, and noticed in a short time I had noticeably less hair loss then the usual. I also noticed that when I ran out and didn’t replace it immediately, that I started to lose more hair again. It seems to work quickly, but will stop working just as quickly when BS is no longer in the system.
MMC said on September 30, 2010
Hi I’m 26 and I’ve noticed a bit thinning upstairs since I entered my 20′s. Baldness doesn’t so much as run in the family but my brother went noticeably bald at 21 + and now he’s fully bald at 27. I’ve still got all my hair with no receding hair line but my hair has defiantly thinned out a bit and I shed like a dog these days when it comes to showers! I have very long curly hair and I wash it about once or twice a week with Nizoral and then condition it. If I don’t wash my hair for a week say, when I do wash it hundreds of hairs will come out and I will literally block the drain in one sitting!! I’m not sure if it’s just because it’s very curly and long so the hairs that fall out daily get tangled in until I condition it, but never the less I’m concerned.

I’ve always supplemented along with a healthy diet and exercise but I’ve recently added a few extras to my day, mainly Beta Sis and Saw Palmetto.

Daily I take (some split across the day)-

3 – 5 grams of (cracked cell wall) Chlorella
x1 Multivitamin
600mg of black current oil
300mg of Alpha lipoic Acid
325mg of Beta Sis
320mg of Co2 extracted Saw Palmetto (Soft Gel)

All of the above has been regular for years since I was in my teens, but Beta Sis and Saw Palmetto are fairly new and I’ve been on them for 3 months. Since using these products in the first few weeks I noticed an increased libido but a few months on this has levelled out.

I have been shedding a hell of a lot more hair since taking these supplements and it has alerted me to the possibility of them affecting my hormonal balance? I have read above that the general vibe is for your hair to shed a lot when first taking these supplements although I cannot see how this would be the case due to the role they play inside the body?
From what I have researched Saw Palmetto doesn’t seem to speed up the hair growth process but works by mildly blocking the receptor binding of DHT up to 40 – 50% (depending on Co2 extraction or hexane), it can take up to 10 months to a year to manifest cosmetically.

Beta Sis and Saw Palmetto are described as long term interventions for hair loss in a number of independent studies, but from what I read these are mostly conducted in test tubes outside of the body’s environment. There long term side effects are worrying.

Has anybody had some real progress with these supplements? Documented hair growth or loss? Has anybody been taking t hem for over a year or suffered any side effects?
I’m losing faith in these herbs with regards to hair loss and it would be a breath of fresh air to be proven wrong.

Thanks Mike
ken said on October 31, 2010
when i first started saw palmetto (in the form of privillus 2pills twice a day2 years ago) i have no doubt that my hair shedding reduced DRASTICALLY, prior to this i used to shed quite a bit and was at early stage mpb, si i definetely noticed a reduction in hair shedding and my hair felt stronger and more anchored to the scalp. this was just 3 weeks on it! i also noticed a single thick terminal hair grow on my right side of the forehead about 1/2 inch below my forhead. i thought to myself what the hell??? that was enough for me to stick wih it. i was a hair loss newbiw in them days and did not know provillus was considered a scam, however i think i ran out and did not bother to stock up again?..i cant remember and then started nourkrin, which i didnt really notice anything. anyway my point is i definteley believe there is something to saw palmetto, whethere its the beta sitisterol who knows? i only wish i stuck with it for a good 6 months – to a year. i have currently been on saw pal with beta sis one a day for the past 3 weeks and have recently just introduced provillus 1 a day, i will be sticking with this for a good 6 months to see what effect it has.
dale said on December 14, 2010
if Beta Sitosterol more likely to cause impotence than Saw Palmetto, many people said they have some side effcet, i wonder if i use the saw palmetto alone will be more safe?
James said on February 1, 2011
@dale
I think it depends on each person individually and your age, because I’ve been taking saw palmetto extract and beta sitosterol for months and have never had an impotence problem, in fact it seems to have done the opposite. I’m only 20, so i think when you’re older it causes testosterone levels to decrease too much.
steve smith said on February 6, 2011
Hi im steve im in my 50s have been looseing my hair for years, but still got alot of hair on. ive just started takeing saw palmetto, can anyone tell me which is the best to take, and what dosage,

steve
Alex said on February 19, 2011
I have been taking Beta sitosterol for a lil over 3 months. From the 2nd day I started getting very stiff morning erections, like I used to get in my teens. It did lower my libido a bit and I thanked BS for this! Anyways in my 3 rd month the libido is back with a vengence.. As far is hair regrowth, I do notice small thin hair growing but I still do shed a lil more than I would like to….
Rick said on April 12, 2011
@ MMC:
What specific long term side effects of saw palmetto and BS did you read about that are worrisome?? I’d like to know before I actually start taking the stuff. thanks
Ken said on May 1, 2011
I started taking saw palmetto berries (Procerin, 1 tablet in a.m., 2 in p.m.) when I noticed the first signs of male pattern baldness about 2 1/2 years ago (age 22). So I have been eating the stuff for quite a long time. I could not stand Propecia, the side effects were too crazy.
The saw palmetto DEFINATELY has slowed/stopped my hair loss. I actually saw new hair growth at my hairline and at the crown of my head after about a month, but the hairs are small and thin. My hair grows much faster, so I cut it myself to save some money every month. I haven’t had any short/long term negative side effects. The only thing is that it seems to be slightly cyclic. What I mean is that sometimes my hair will seem like it is thinning, only to bounce back a month later. So if it seems like what you are taking has “lost it’s magic,” just keep going with it – it could just be a phase.
Hope this helps somebody!
Ken
Michael said on May 23, 2011
Started seeing hairloss, with the age of 21. (!!!!).. since i lived with long Hairs for as long as i remember (and i dont wanna change it.. =(( ), ill give BS a try. i let you know if something positive/negative happens to me, since all of your stories were very helpfull in making my decision!
Clean Eating said on July 23, 2011
Thanks for the info – i plan to try the Saw and Beta. I stopped the use of Rogaine about 3 weeks ago.
Nutrition Coaching said on July 28, 2011
Just had my SP and BC arrive today. I will keep you updated on any changes I notice.
Jerry said on August 9, 2011
Not all Beta-sitosterol is equal. Obviously Men should consider a Non-SOY Source.

Most of us know that GMO (or “genetically modified organisms”) is the science that allows DNA from one species to be injected into another species in a laboratory, creating combinations of plant, animal, bacteria, and viral genes that do not occur in nature or through traditional crossbreeding methods. In over 30 countries around the world there are restrictions and/or bans on the production of GMOs. These restrictions and/or bans exist because GMOs are not considered to be proven as safe. Some of the countries that have these restrictions include: Japan, Russia, Australia, and all of the countries in the European Union.

In 2008, a CBS News poll found that 87% of consumers wanted products containing GMOs labeled as such. A more recent poll by CBS/New York Times found that 53% of consumers would not buy food that was genetically modified.

Most beta-sitosterol found in prostate formulas is derived from soy. This is interesting in that it is well known that soy contains phyto-estrogens and consumption of soy has been shown to reduce testosterone levels. FYI, most soy consumed in Asian countries is fermented soy. Un-fermented soy was and is reserved for un-faithful husbands. Unlike Asian countries most soy consumed in the US is not fermented. Now back to soy and GMO. In 2009 the US Department of Agriculture reported that 93% of the soy grown in the United States was GMO. Unlike most prostate formulas, the beta-sitosterol in Best Prostate™ is non-GMO. In addition the beta-sitosterol in Best Prostate™ is derived from pine and not soy.

Research of the medical literature shows that one of the best natural ingredients for prostate health is Beta-sitosterol. Many prostate formulas contain Beta-sitosterol. However not all Beta-sitosterol is from a non-soy, non-GMO (genetically modified organism) source. Why is this important? Well soy is high in phytoestrogen. In addition studies have shown that soy consumption can actually reduce testosterone. In addition 91% of all soy produced in the US is genetically modified. Best Prostate is unique in that the source of Beta-sitosterol is from pine and not soy. The source is non-GMO.
dale said on August 14, 2011
http://www.puritan.com/beta-sitosterol-690/beta-sitosterol-complex-1200-mg-per-serving-030642?NewPage=1

you mentioned”beta-sitosterol” is this product
Dennis said on September 9, 2011
Hi,

I am 22years old and I have NW 2. I have been using SP extract (160mg 3times dailey) and beta sitosterols (300mg 3times daily) for 1 and 1/2 month now. Now The last 2weeks I am shedding a lot more hair than I used to… When washing my hair 2x more hair stays behind in the tub.

I am certain that the use of SP and beta sitosterol is to blame for the shedding. I would like to know if this is normal? Because i am really freaking out.. :s

Regards.
Daniel said on October 11, 2011
Hi guys. I started losing my hair around the age of 17. I’m 20 years and 2 months now. My dad is bald, and his dad was bald. I’m trying to prevent what may be the inevitable. My hairline is still pretty normal but the entire top of my head is thinning out. I started using rogaine about 10 months ago and have experienced noticeable improvement. I use it on my problem areas which would be, like i said, the top of my head and also a little of the crown. I ordered finasteride and was only on it for about 10 days and was already experiencing a dramatic drop in libido. It was basically nonexistent. After reading so many dramatic stories from people who used finasteride and didn’t regain their libido upon discontinuing their use of it, I decided i would rather have my sex drive than hair. I’m still searching for solutions though. I haven’t given up yet. After doing research on Saw Palmetto and Beta Sitosterol, I decided to order some myself. I would appreciate if anyone could give me some helpful tips. I bought the 450mg Saw Palmetto. I plan on starting with only 120mg of BS, seeing as that is the recommended dosage. What I am wondering though is, should i take either the saw palmetto or BS by itself first to see if it has the same effect on my libido as finasteride did? That way I can attribute it to one of the two? Or should I just take them both and see what happens? From your guy’s experiences, what seems to cause impotence more often? Any help would be much appreciated. I’m desperate for a way to stop my hair loss and possibly regrow and hair I have lost.
Daniel said on October 11, 2011
Oh sorry I forgot. Does the effect either of these have on libido usually come within a common time frame? Let’s say I go two weeks without any change, am I in the clear? Or can it happen at any time?
Derek said on November 1, 2011
Daniel,

I also started losing my hair around the same age (very, very slightly). I am now going on 24 and have maintained almost all of my hair since I started to fight it (stupidly waited until age 21ish). My advice is use products like Procerin (contains SP), Beta Sitosterol, multivitamins (I use an extra one specifically for hair growth), Revita shampoo (or nizoral), and Nioxin cleanser (system 2). This is not too expensive and does not inconvenience your day. Beta can have an effect on libido if taken in too high of a dose. I recommend cutting the pills in half when you first start using. Just to warn you, you WILL go through several periods of shedding hair. This may take up to a year for hair growth to fully reset and begin growing thicker all over. It sucks at the time, but is totally worth the wait. There will be times when you will get discouraged and want to stop. If you can’t take watching your hair become thinner than ever then I recommend shaving it. Any regimin that is going to work is going to cause sheds. Good luck man. Any questions are welcome.
Daniel said on November 5, 2011
Thanks Derek. I actually had started a regimen on October 15th. I”m gonna see how it works first and it to no avail, I’ll try yours out.

But to whom it may concern,
My new regiment goes as follows:
-Rogaine Foam 5% in the morning and at night(I’ve been on this for about 11 months now actually but the following supplements are new additions)
-Saw Palmetto(85-95%) BERRY EXTRACT 160mg x2 daily.
-Beta Sitosterol(120mg daily)
-Zinc (25mg daily)
-Magnesium(300mg daily)
-Pantothenic Acid (100mg)
-Niacin (50mg)
-Inositol (650mg)
-Raw Thymus Gladular (500 mg)
-Biotin (2000mg at least. Sometimes 300omg if I remember. I’m trying to up my way up to 5000mg eventually)
-Vitamin C (500mg daily)
-Calcium +Vitamind (400IU of Vitamin D daily and 600mg of Calcium daily)
-Pyrodixine Hydrochloride (50mg daily) BECAUSE MY B-COMPLEX DIDN”T HAVE IT!!!
-B Complex (Standard serving size daily)
-Vitamin E (400IU daily)
I had recently purchased generic finasteride online as I said in my earlier post but if you missed it I will state my results again. I really didn’t take it long enough to know if it was helping my hair loss After only the 10th day, my libido was reduced to an almost nonexistent level. I went days without an erection and when I did experience one, it was more painful than pleasurable. I got a little scared when I read so many disastrous experiences people had on the drug. I’m not sure if the side effects it had on me would have gone away after a few weeks but I was too afraid to risk it if they did not. So I discontinued my Propecia use and I’m trying this alternative out.
I’ve been on this regimen of supplements 3 weeks today. I haven’t experienced a noticeable drop in libido, maybe a very miniscule drop, but nothing I’m really worried about. I know it probably doesn’t make sense to say this but I feel like my hair isn’t necessarily more abundant now( although it seems like it), but stronger. When I run my hands through my hair it feels more resilient and not so flimsy. I keep my hair very sort, buzzed in fact. I really feel like this regimen has brought me some hari regrowth. I’ll keep you guys posted.
Any recommendation, alterations to my regime, or questions would be greatly appreciated.
Robertto said on November 6, 2011
Chris did you realize about thin hair the first 3 weeks taking Betasisterol?
Daniel said on November 8, 2011
I have experienced a drop in sex drive since taking the combination of Saw Palmetto and Beta Sitosterol. Nothing too bad but I want to find it if it’d being caused by just one or the other. I am going to stop using beta Sitosterol for 10 days. If my libido returns to a normal level, then I’ll assume it was the BS. If it does not, then I will go back onto the BS and stop the SP. If my libido bounces back, then I’ll stay off the saw palmetto. From what I have read it sounds like it is different for everybody.
Robertto said on November 15, 2011
Hi Daniel! Do you have a email?
Im taking Betasisterol about 1 month, and my libido is like always (good).

Are you realizing about shedding since you takes Betasisterol?
Bleedin'Recedin' said on November 16, 2011
I’ve been experiencing an ever receding hairline for the last few years (I’m 30) and over the last year I could see my scalp through my longish hair, was VERY worried. Since July this year I have been taking 1 (sometimes 2) caps of Beta Sis, 1 Omega 3 cap and 1 Vitamins for hair (from Holland and Barrett) every day and using nizoral only on the baldy bits every few days…..and exfoliating said frontal/temple baldy bits and always washing them every evening and giving them a strong towel drying.

And in the 4 months or so since I started this, my left temple/hairline has noticeably lowered and has many new hairs along the hairline and tiny new hairs where there was nothing at all not long ago – an inch or so from my current hairline. The right side is on the right track too, but lagging a bit behind. And the hair is definitely a LOT thicker all over than it was 4 months ago.

Even my g/f has been impressed and said it’s certainly thicker now (she was very skeptical about my regimen and expectations)

I can’t believe how it looks now….I smile now when i pull back my hair, rather than recoil in horror.

There is still room for improvement, but at the current rate….I can’t wait til 4 months from now, to see just how good things can get.

I’ll post here again soon to give an update.
Bleedin'Recedin' said on November 16, 2011
Oh, as for side effects….

I have noticed a slight drop in my libido.

Stronger and faster growing nails and thicker, faster growing facial hair.

Nothing else of note.
Robertto said on November 16, 2011
“Bleeding Receding” did you realize about shedding or thinner hair the first weeks?

My hair now is a little thinner and I dont know if the cause is a shedding produced for Betasisterol, or maybe is for using a concealer like “Hair so Real”
Bleedin'Recedin' said on November 17, 2011
Robertto.

Yes I did, but I *think* this was because I was using Nizoral around 2-3 times per week at the time I started taking Beta Sis.

My hair and scalp felt like I’d used sulphuric acid as a topical! very, very dry. And I shedded quite a bit of hair. So I stopped using nizoral (all over the head) and a couple of weeks later the oiliness of the beta kicked in, and my scalp felt on fire…but in a good way – it was like I could sense the follicles springing to life.

It was a weird sensation.

Once things settled down, my hair/scalp was fairly greasy (very oily on the baldy bits at the front) but manageable, and my scalp was (and still is) quite itchy from time to time.
Robertto said on November 18, 2011
Its curious… im taking 375 mg and I havent realized about “itchy” or “oily scap” :S
Robertto said on November 21, 2011
Im so worried about my thinner hair…
Daniel said on February 1, 2012
I’m back guys. I have to let you know first off that I have stopped taking BS and SP all together because they both killed my libido. However, I did develop a regimen without them that has been working very well. To be completely honest, I think I might have a thick head of hair by summer. Here is what I do on the daily on this regimen:

-When I wake up, I give myself a scalpal massage for 15 minutes on my target areas (which for me is the entire top of my head)

-Then I wash my hair using a DHT blocking shampoo I bought. It was cheap, only like 10 dollars. I’m not sure if that is really helping all that much but it contains saw palmetto, so that’s good enough for me.

-Apply minoxidil. (Rogaine Foam 5% is what I use)

-Throughout the day I take an assortment of supplements. I checked daily recommended dosages and made sure I wasn’t putting myself in danger. I take them in pairs throughout the day in intervals of 1 hour to try to improve absorption. I usually pair them up this way:

1. Vitamin C (5oomg) with Biotin (5000mcg)

2. Calcium 600 +D (600mg of Calcium with 400 IU of Vitamin D with
Magnesium (300mg)

3. Vitamin E (400IU) with Niacin (50mg)

4. Inositol (650mg) with Zinc (25mg)

5. Raw Thymus Glandular (500mg) with Vitamin B-6 aka Pyridoxine Hydrochloride
(50mg)

6. Pantothenic Acid (100mg) with a B-Complex
***NOTE: I noticed by B-Complex didn’t have any pantothenic acid in it and had
very miniscule amounts of B-6 and Niacin in it, so I later implemented those
two into my regimen. Be careful and make sure you don’t take too much of
these three or it can be unhealthy.***

-EXERCISE DAILY. This is what really made the biggest difference for me. I’ve only recently started working out again while doing all these other steps I have been doing but it has made a tremendous difference. Whether it’s cardio’ or just an intense weight lifting session, exercise really does help. Make sure you really break a sweat.

-I give myself another scalp massage for 15 minutes.

-Wash hair with the same shampoo as before.

-Apply minoxidil (Rogaine foam 5%)

As far as my hair loss, I’m was thinning out on my vertex and crown before I started. My hair line had never really been a problem.
I’m not guaranteeing that this will work for anyone, but it has been working for me very well. I’m sure the fact that I am only 20 has been helping my body bounce back from alopecia, seeing as I have only been suffering from it for about a year. I began using rogaine new years day of 2011. I added the shampoo and supplements around september of 2011. But like I said, the game changer for me has been the exercise in accordance to the shampoo, scalpal massages, and supplements. I hope this helps some people that are in my situation and couldn’t use the BS or SP without adverse side-effects.

P.S. The shampoo I used, i bought online. It’s called “My Secret Correctives Hair Enhancing Shampooo with DHT Blocker System”.

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This article was written on May 15, 2006 was posted in these categories DHT Blockers, Hair Nutrition, Hair Products .