Men's Health > Benign Prostate Hypertrophy > Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, previously called benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) is the term to describe enlargement of the prostate gland.

The enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT is concentrated in the prostate, scrotal skin, testicles and even the scalp (hence the connection with male hair loss). DHT levels increase within prostate cells as a result of increased activity of this enzyme, as well as a greater uptake of testosterone and a lower rate of breakdown and excretion of DHT.

This leads to prostate enlargement, which results in contriction of the urethra, which carries urine to the outside, and the development of BPH symptoms including weak urine streams, dribbling, progressive frequency, urgency and intermittency of urination. Men with benign prostatic hyperplasia often get up 3-5 times per night to urinate. In 2-3% of benign prostatic hyperplasia (bph), urinary incontinence results from instability of the detrusor muscle, the outer urinary bladder muscle.

Prostatic Hyperplasia Treatment

Surgery is the most recommended treatment for BPH. There are 3 different procedures, but "transurethral resection" is performed on 95%. Complications include incontinence and retrograde ejaculation. The medicine used to treat BPH is Proscar which inhibits the breakdown of testosterone. Proscar's side effects are impotence and decreased libido. Annual sales however top 1 billion dollars.

BPH Nutrition

Perhaps the most important element is zinc. A normal prostate gland contains more zinc than any other organ in the body. Other nutrients important are vitamin C, E and the mineral selenium.

Nutritional and herbal therapies can help prevent and treat prostate problems. Avoidance of sugar, damaged fats, processed foods and the use of key elements such as antioxidant nutrients and especially the mineral zinc and herbs such as saw palmetto and the food spice cumin can be particularly beneficial.

Jim Shaw