Prostate Enlargement

Prostate

• The prostate gland is a doughnut-shaped male gland situated beneath the urinary bladder and surrounds the  urethra, a tube which drains the bladder.

   

• The prostate assist in the regulation of urine passage. The prostate muscles contract and relax during urination.

   

• The hormones in the prostate include Testosterone, Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and Dihydrotestosterone (DHT). All of these hormones are required for prostate growth.

   

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement of the prostate normally affecting middle-aged men, i.e. all men above 45. However it depends if it will affect their quality of life. The enlargement process happens gradually and many are not aware of this condition.

   

• The exact cause of BPH is unknown but researchers have attributed it to the aging process and changes in the male hormones.

   

• The testosterone level will decrease while prolactin and estradiol increase when one ages.

   

• Naturally, testosterone is converted to DHT by an enzyme known as 5-alpha-reductase.

   

• Both testosterone and DHT can stimulate the growth of the prostate. However DHT is 5 times more powerful than testosterone.

Symptoms

• The American Urological Association created a symptom index for BPH known as the International Prostate Symptom Score (I-PSS) to assess urination problems.

   

  • Incomplete emptying - the sensation of not emptying the bladder completely after urination.

     

  • Frequency - a strong urgency to urinate again in less than 2 hours.

     

  • Intermittency - having to stop and start several times during urination.

     

  • Having difficulty in postponing urination.

     

  • Weak stream - having a weak urinary stream (dribbling effect).

     

  • Straining - pushing or straining to begin urination.

     

  • Nocturia - frequent urination during the night.

Relief

• Saw palmetto is one of the well-known herbs used primarily to relieve enlarged prostate symptoms. The major constituents in the ripe berries extract are free fatty acids and plant sterols.

   

• Clinical trials have established that Saw palmetto berries are equally effective as the standard drug "finasteride" used for treatment of prostate enlargement.

   

• The therapeutic action of Saw palmetto is to inhibit the enzyme conversion to DHT, thus reducing the inflammatory component of prostate growth.

   

• Pumpkin seed with high content of zinc and phytosterols has also been long used in treating prostate disorders.

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