Are You Suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or non-cancerous prostate gland enlargement is a common issue for men above the age of 40. About one-third of men experience moderate to severe symptoms by 60s, and about half by 80s. Thus, it is advised to go for regular medical check-up especially those with family history of BPH.

Prostate is a walnut-sized gland that produces semen, located beneath your bladder. As men age, the prostate gland tends to speed up the conversion of testosterone (male hormone) into dihydrotestosterone (DHT- by-product of the testosterone breakdown). Overproduction of DHT may cause prostate enlargement, which presses the urethra leading to lower urinary tract symptoms, such as:

• Frequent urination and/or night urination
• Difficult in postponing urination
• Weak urinary stream
• Problem in starting or maintaining urination

Saw palmetto is a type of palm tree and the berries of the plant are traditionally used to improve urinary and reproductive health among men. It was found to work via several mechanisms, including:

• Reduce the production of DHT
• Prevent DHT accumulation
• Reduce inflammation

Fun fact: Saw palmetto may help in DHT-related baldness (i.e. hair loss due to high level of DHT hormone) among men as well!