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By the age of fifty, about 30% of men will start to experience difficulties with urination related to enlargement of the prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). These symptoms often lead to an increased sense of frustration and embarrassment, as well as the disruption of normal activities.
Causes & Development
Enlargement of the prostate is usually caused by an abnormal overgrowth and/or swelling of the tissue of the prostate, which then blocks the urethra or opening from the bladder.
Throughout their lives, men produce both testosterone (an important male hormone) and small amounts of estrogen - a female hormone. As men age, the amount of active testosterone in the blood decreases, leaving a higher proportion of estrogen. Studies done with animals have suggested that BPH may occur because the higher amount of estrogen within the gland increases the activity of substances that promote cell growth.
Another theory focuses on dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a substance derived from testosterone in the prostate, which more actively stimulates prostate growth. Most animals lose their ability to produce DHT as they age. However, some research has indicated that even with a drop in the blood's testosterone level, older men continue to produce and accumulate high levels of DHT in the prostate. Scientists have also noted that men who do not produce DHT do not develop BPH. 5-alpha reductase is the enzyme which converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which, besides stimulating prostate growth is the hormone that triggers androgenetic alopecia in individuals who are genetically susceptible.
Some researchers suggest that BPH may develop as a result of "instructions" given to cells early in life. According to this theory, BPH occurs because cells in one section of the gland follow these instructions and "reawaken" later in life. These "reawakened" cells then deliver signals to other cells in the gland, instructing them to grow or making them more sensitive to hormones that influence growth.
Diagnosis & Tests
There appears to be little or no connection between BPH and prostate cancer development. PSA, a lab test for detecting prostate cancer can occasionally be elevated in BPH also.
Treatment & Prevention
Several natural treatments have been found to be very useful in preventing and treating BPH. Some products contain combinations of beneficial agents and as such may be more effective.
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Signs, symptoms & indicators of Enlarged Prostate:
Conditions that suggest Enlarged Prostate:
Risk factors for Enlarged Prostate: | | | | | Digestion |  Constipation | Chronic constipation has been implicated as a contributing factor to prostatic discomfort when there is an already enlarged gland. A correction of the constipation will bring some relief of symptoms since the rectum puts pressure on the prostate gland when it is enlarged. In addition, there is a buildup of waste products in the circulation with chronic constipation. This will indirectly have an effect on the function of the prostate. |
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Hormones |
Low Melatonin Level |
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Enlarged Prostate suggests the following may be present: | | | | | Digestion |  Constipation| | Chronic constipation has been implicated as a contributing factor to prostatic discomfort when there is an already enlarged gland. A correction of the constipation will bring some relief of symptoms since the rectum puts pressure on the prostate gland when it is enlarged. In addition, there is a buildup of waste products in the circulation with chronic constipation. This will indirectly have an effect on the function of the prostate. |
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Recommendations and treatments for Enlarged Prostate: | | | | | Botanical |  Saw Palmetto| | One of the most well-known and time-honored herbs for prostate problems is saw palmetto. Saw palmetto has been tested in clinical trials and results show that the berries improve signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate. During the trials, benefits were recorded for symptoms such as difficulty in urination, frequent urination at night, urine flow and size of enlarged prostate.
In all cases, the treatment was free of side effects. Scientists believe the main benefits may be due to the ability of some constituents in saw palmetto to inhibit the enzyme 5-reductase in the body. This enzyme converts the hormone testosterone to DHT. DHT is five times more potent than testosterone in stimulating the enlargement of the prostate. |
 Stinging Nettle| | Radix urticae is another plant investigated for its beneficial properties in treating benign prostate hyperplasia. Much less information is available on radix urticae compared to saw palmetto and what little there is comes from Eastern Europe, but there are a few reports that suggest radix urticae extracts may help improve symptoms. [Romics 1987] |
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Diet |
Pumpkin Seeds| | Pumpkin seeds have long been used by naturopathic physicians in treating prostate disorders. Pumpkin seed oil has become popular today as a treatment, and it was approved for this use in 1985 by Germany’s Commission E. The efficacy of pumpkin seeds is thought to be due to their high content of essential fatty acids, zinc and plant sterols.
Pumpkin seed relieves the urinary difficulties that develop when an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer obstructs the exit from the bladder. Although pumpkin seed promotes normal urination, it does not correct the underlying problem, so it is important to pursue other treatments for the condition.
Note, however, that there is no meaningful evidence that pumpkin seed is helpful for this condition. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can prove a treatment effective, and none have been reported for pumpkin seed oil alone. |
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Hormone |
Natural Progesterone| | Males also produce progesterone, although only about half as much as females do. Progesterone prevents the body from converting testosterone to di-hydro testosterone. It does this by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. Progesterone inhibits 5-alpha reductase more effectively than Proscar and saw palmetto which are the more standard agents employed in traditional and natural treatments for BPH. The dose of natural progesterone for men is 10-12mg per day (5-6mg bid) applied topically. Men do NOT need to cycle like premenopausal women and can safely take the progesterone daily. |
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Mineral |
Zinc| | Zinc supplementation has a clearly documented usefulness in shrinking an enlarged prostate. Research has shown that zinc and essential fatty acids are important to help prevent prostate problems that affect men as they grow older. Many studies confirm that a lack of these two nutrients in the diet could be associated with prostate enlargement.
Zinc has been found to inhibit the activity of 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme that irreversibly converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a form which binds more avidly to the prostrate and stimulates greater growth. It also decreases prolactin secretion by the pituitary gland, thus decreasing its binding to the prostate, both of which prevent prostatic enlargement. |
Colloidal Silver |
Nutrient |
 Essential Fatty Acids| | The administration of an essential fatty acid (EFA) complex containing linoleic, linolenic and arachidonic acids has resulted in significant improvement for many patients. All 19 subjects in an uncontrolled study showed diminution of residual urine, with 12 of the 19 having no residual urine by the end of several weeks of treatment. These effects appear to be due to the correction of an underlying EFA deficiency, since these patients' prostatic and seminal lipid levels and ratios are often abnormal. Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), which is derived from evening primrose oil and borage oil, appears to be a powerful 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link | | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Strongly counter-indicative |  | | Very strongly or absolutely counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended |
GLOSSARY
Alopecia
Loss of hair.
Benign
Literally: innocent; not malignant. Often used to refer to cells that are not cancerous; they tend to grow slowly and don't spread (metastasize) like cancer tumors do.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH)
The benign buildup in the prostate of "warts" or epithelial neoplasias that can block or interrupt urination, and which are usually concurrent with moderate prostate enlargement. They cause a dull ache on urination, ejaculation, and/or defecation. The diagnosis is medical, since the same subjective conditions can result fromcancer of the prostate. BPH is common in men over fifty and can be the result either of diminished production of complete testosterone or poor pelvic circulation. Alcohol, coffee, speed, and antihistamines can all aggravate the problem.
BID
Twice per day.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Chronic (Chronicity)
Usually referring to chronic illness: Illness extending over a long period of time.
Commission E
The body of scientists and panel of experts that provides advice on herbal treatments and evaluates the safety, effectiveness and dosage of medicinal herbs; Germany's equivalent of the FDA.
Constipation (Constipated)
Difficult, incomplete, or infrequent evacuation of dry, hardened feces from the bowels.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
A highly active form of testosterone, which influences many aspects of manly behavior, from sex drive to aggression. The conversion from testosterone to DHT is driven by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is produced in the prostate, various adrenal glands, and the scalp.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
Essential Fatty Acid (EFA, EFAs, Essential Fatty Acids)
A substance that the human body cannot manufacture and therefore must be supplied in the diet.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Gamma-Linolenic Acid (GLA)
A downline metabolite of linoleic acid, an Omega-6 oil.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Lipid (Lipids)
Fat-soluble substances derived from animal or vegetable cells by nonpolar solvents (e.g. ether); the term can include the following types of materials: fatty acids, glycerides, phospholipids, alcohols and waxes.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Naturopathy (Naturopath, Naturopathic, Naturopaths)
Medical practice using herbs and other various methods to produce a healthy body state by stimulating innate defenses without the use of drugs.
Pituitary (Pituitary Gland)
The pituitary gland is a small (half-inch), bean-shaped organ that hangs down from the lower center of the brain on a stalk attached to another gland, the hypothalamus. Weighing less than one gram, the pituitary gland is often called the "master gland" since it controls the secretion of hormones by other endocrine glands. It regulates many body activities, and is partitioned into front and back lobes. The front lobe is stimulated by the hypothalamus, and produces any one of six different hormones that in turn stimulate the thyroid, adrenal and reproductive glands, and also breast milk production.
Premenopause (Premenopausal)
The period when women of childbearing age experience relatively normal reproductive function (including regular periods).
Progesterone
This is the hormone secreted after ovulation by the corpus luteum. It is a steroid (similar to a cholesterol), enters receptive cells to stimulate their growth, and acts as an anabolic agent. Estrogen should be viewed as the primary coat underneath all the cycles during a woman's reproductive years, with progesterone, its antagonist, surging for ten or twelve days in ovulatory months. Most of the actions of progesterone cannot occur without estrogen having previously induced the growth of progesterone-receptive binding sites.
Prolactin
An anterior pituitary peptide hormone that initiates and maintains lactation.
Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.
Sterols (Sterol)
A large subgroup of steroids.
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Zinc
An essential trace mineral. The functions of zinc are enzymatic. There are over 70 metalloenzymes known to require zinc for their functions. The main biochemicals in which zinc has been found to be necessary include: enzymes and enzymatic function, protein synthesis and carbohydrate metabolism. Zinc is a constituent of insulin and male reproductive fluid. Zinc is necessary for the proper metabolism of alcohol, to get rid of the lactic acid that builds up in working muscles and to transfer it to the lungs. Zinc is involved in the health of the immune system, assists vitamin A utilization and is involved in the formation of bone and teeth.
Last updated: Nov 14, 2009
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