Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Synopsis of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly affects men over 50. As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra, leading to urinary symptoms such as difficulty starting urination, weak stream, frequent urination, and incomplete bladder emptying. Although BPH is not cancerous and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, it can significantly affect quality of life due to urinary discomfort.
The exact cause of BPH is unclear, but it is likely related to hormonal changes, particularly an imbalance between testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) as men age. Managing BPH involves lifestyle modifications, medications, and in some cases surgical procedures.
Types:
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Glandular BPH: Enlargement of the glandular tissue in the prostate.
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Stromal BPH: Overgrowth of the connective tissue and smooth muscle components.
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Mixed BPH: Combination of glandular and stromal tissue enlargement (most common).
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Symptomatic BPH: When prostate enlargement leads to noticeable lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
Common Causes (Risk Factors):
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Aging: Risk increases significantly after age 50.
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Hormonal imbalance: Elevated DHT (dihydrotestosterone) levels relative to testosterone.
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Family history: Genetics may predispose some men to BPH.
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Obesity and metabolic syndrome: Contribute to hormonal changes.
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Sedentary lifestyle: Associated with higher risk of BPH.
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Diabetes and heart disease: Share risk factors with BPH development.
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Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation may contribute to prostate growth.
More Severe Causes (Complications):
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Urinary retention: Inability to empty the bladder completely.
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Bladder stones: Due to stagnant urine in the bladder.
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Urinary tract infections (UTIs): From incomplete bladder emptying.
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Bladder damage: Overstretching weakens the bladder muscle.
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Kidney damage: From backpressure if severe urinary retention persists.
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Sexual dysfunction: May occur due to prostate enlargement or treatment side effects.
When to See a Doctor or Specialist (Urologist):
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Frequent urinary urgency or difficulty starting urination
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Weak urine stream or dribbling at the end of urination
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Incomplete bladder emptying sensation
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Nighttime urination (nocturia) that disrupts sleep
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Episodes of urinary retention or blood in urine
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Significant impact on quality of life or sexual function
Natural remedies for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
Saw Palmetto: Traditionally used to inhibit DHT production and reduce prostate enlargement symptoms. Consume as standardized extract.
Pygeum Africanum (African plum bark): Supports urinary flow and reduces inflammation in the prostate. Supplement under guidance.
Zinc Supplementation: Essential for prostate health, may reduce inflammation and inhibit prostate enlargement. Include dietary sources or supplements.
Beta-Sitosterol: Plant sterol that supports urinary flow and reduces BPH symptoms. Found in plant extracts like saw palmetto.
Pumpkin Seed Oil: Contains phytosterols and zinc, which support prostate and urinary health. Consume regularly.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA, EPA): Reduce inflammation and may support prostate health. Include fish oil supplements.
Lycopene (Tomato Extract): Antioxidant that supports prostate health and may reduce symptoms of BPH. Found in tomatoes, watermelon, or supplements.
Curcumin (Turmeric): Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, helps reduce prostate inflammation. Take with black pepper for better absorption.
Exercise (Aerobic and Strength Training): Improves hormone balance, reduces inflammation, and may lower BPH risk. Aim for 150 minutes per week.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol: Both can irritate the bladder and worsen urinary symptoms. Reduce or eliminate as needed.
Ingredients
These raw ingredients are often used in alternative medicine to treat Benign Prostate Hyperplasia
alpha lipoic acid
berberine
beta-sitosterol
black cumin
curcumin
DIM (diindolylmethane)
fiber blend (proprietary)
ginseng
green tea
lignans
lycopene
maca
marine lipid
nettle
omega-3 fatty acids
polypeptide complex (proprietary)
pomegranate
psyllium
pumpkin seed
pygeum
reishi mushroom
saw palmetto
selenium
tomato
tongkat ali
tribulus
vitamin D
vitamin D3
vitamin E
zinc
lingzhi
cistanche
dodder
Equol (proprietary)
algae
soy isoflavones
1-Androstenedione
2, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-1-ene-3-one
2a, 17a-dimethyl-17b-hydroxy-5a-androstan-3-one
3b-Hydroxy-androstan-17-one
3-Ketosteroid
Agmisode
Amino Acid Chelate
Avocado
Allium (unspecified)
Acacetin
Alkaloids
Andarine
African Wild Potato
Alpha phytosterol
alkaloid
Acetyl-L-Carnitine-L-Arginine
Anti-aromatase
Arginine
Beta Sitosterol
Brassica oleracea (unspecified)
blend (herb/botanical)
botanical (unspecified)
Beta-Glucans
Black garlic
berry
Boron (various)
Ba Ji Tian
Butea superba
Brassica (unspecified)
Blend (combination)
Beta-Sitosterol
blend (herb/botanical)
B. brevia
Beta Glucans
Beta Sitosterol
Cucurbita
Cucurbita moschata
Carotenoid
Cordyceps
Curcuminoid
Cistanche deserticola
Curcuminoid (unspecified)
Chinese Dodder
Cistanche tubulosa
Cistanche
Curcuma
Cornus
Crinum latifolium
Cytokines
Capsules
Cistanche (unspecified)
Curcumin
DHEA
Digestion resistant Maltodextrin
Dioscorea collettii var. hypoglauca
Diosgenin
Dioscorea collettii vs. hypoglauca
Delivery system
Epimedium
Eurycoma Longifolia
Epimedium extract
Epidermal Growth Factor
Elephant's Head
food additive (unspecified)
Fiber
Flower Pollen
Flavonoid (mixture)
Flavonoid (unspecified)
Fructooligosaccharides (FOS)
fibroblast growth factors
Flavans
fibroblast growth factor
Fish (including shell)
Genseng (not specified)
Gland (unspecified)
Ginsenosides (unspecified)
Ginseng
Ginsenoside
Ginseng, Panax
Ginsenosides
Horny Goat Weed
isoflavone (unspecified)
Isoflavones
icariin
Isoflavones (mixed)
Lycopene
Lignans
Lycopene
Maca
Molluscs
Maitake Mushroom
Mushroom (various)
Macaenes
Niacinamide ascorbate
Nettle (mixed)
Nettle (unspecified)
Naphthoquinone (unspecified)
Oriental Ginseng
Pomegranate
Prostate
Pumpkinseed Oil
peptides (unspecified)
Polysaccharide
Phenylpropanoids (unspecified)
Polysaccharide
Polyphenols
Panax Ginseng
Peptide (unspecified)
Prostate
Peptides (unspecified)
Pumpkin Seeed Oil
Protein
Protodioscin
Peptide
Protodioscin
Pumpkin Seed Oil
Pygeum
Protein (unspecified)
polyphenols (various)
Polypeptide (unspecified)
plant (unspecified)
Peptide (unspecified)
Poly-thyronine
Proprietary Blend (Herb/Botanical)
Phytoestrogen
Phenolic (unspecified)
Phytoestrogen (unspecified)
Polyphenols (mixed)
Peptides
Reishi mushroom
Softgel/ Soft gel
Stinging Nettle
Soy
Soy Isoflavones
Serrapeptase
Sitosterol
Stinging Nettle
Safed musli
Stinging Nettle
SOD (Superoxide Dismutase, antioxidant activity)
Stellaria dichotoma
Stem Cells
Sterones (unspecified)
Saw Palmetto
Trichosanthis
Triterpenes
Testosterone precursor (unspecified)
Tribulus
Tribulus Terrestris
Ursane-type triterpenoid
Vitamin D (mixed)
Vitamin E (tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol succinate)
Vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate)
Vitamin D (ergocalciferol)
Vitamin D
Vitamin D3
Vitamin D (cholecalciferol)
Vitamin D (unspecified)
Velvet
Vitamin (unspecified)
Zinc Yeast
Zinc
