Description

Several of the more common prostate conditions in men are:

An enlarged prostate is a common condition affecting more than fifty percent of men in their lifetime. The condition is often benign and is referred to as benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH). If over the age of forty, it is important to get annual prostate exams and work with a physician to determine if the condition is not benign, in which case other actions may be necessary.

Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate, is another somewhat common prostate condition. In prostatitis, unlike BPH, the prostate is usually tender.

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. In most (but not all) cases, it is a slow-growing cancer that develops over many years. 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetimes, but only 1 in 34 will die from it. Regular screening (digital rectal exam, PSA level) after age 50 in low-risk individuals (40 in high-risk individuals - family history, African-American) can help to avoid a diagnosis of more advanced and dangerous prostate cancer.

Causes

BPH's primary causes are believed to be changes in hormone levels. With age, the male sex hormone testosterone tends to decrease, while estrogen and pituitary hormones are increased. As a result of these changes, testosterone and its more potent form, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), concentrate in the prostate. Higher levels of estrogen, in turn, may inhibit the removal of DHT from the prostate.

Prostatitis has several potential causes:

- Fungi, mycoplasma, or viral infection (latter most common)

- Acute bacterial urinary tract infection

- Chronic bacterial infection, possibly as a result of BPH

Potential risk factors for prostate cancer include:

- Age - 2/3 of cases diagnosed in men over age 65
- Family history - close family member (father or brother)
- Geography - higher latitude = greater risk (vitamin D deficiency)
- Race - darker skin = greater risk (vitamin D deficiency)
- Obesity
- Hormone imbalances (e.g., low testosterone, high estrogen)
- High dairy and animal fat intake
- Low fruit and vegetable intake
- Physical inactivity
- Smoking

Also, importantly, toxin exposure (e.g., heavy metals, pesticides) may impair the immune system and/or alter hormone levels, and, in turn, may play a role in the development of BPH, prostatitis, and prostate cancer.

My Treatment Approach

- Shift to an anti-inflammatory diet.

- Supplement to help manage symptoms and possibly reduce cancer risk and progression, e.g.:

     - Vitamins

     - Minerals

     - Essential fatty acids
     - Herbals

- Maintain a healthy body weight through dietary and lifestyle (e.g., exercise) changes.

- Identify and address potential infections.

- Support hormone balance.

- If smoking, try to stop on your own or join a smoking cessation program.