My Trichologist Gave Me Saw Palmetto, Which Made Me Dizzy

Hi doc,
I am a 30 year male with seborrheic dermatitis. I have been shedding some hair for the last 3 years. My doc said that I am Norwood scale 2.

I went to a trichologist some days back and she gave me some “so called” FDA approved Saw palmetto capsules. I got some pain in the arm and dizziness after using the capsules. I have now discontinued the medicine. I know Minoxidil is the way to go for me but considering that I have SD, would it aggravate my SD? What other options are good for me?

Thanks again

Saw palmetto is not FDA approved, as it is a supplement. If your trichologist said it was FDA approved, she’s mistaken. It has known effects on reducing hair loss in some men, but it is inconsistent and it will not help seborrhea.

On the other hand, minoxidil will aggravate seborrhoeic dermatitis. Option-wise, Propecia is the only other FDA approved medication for treating hair loss (along with minoxidil), but it is available by prescription only.