Are You Suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Are You Suffering from Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Jul 26, 2021

What is 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
 
What is Saw Palmetto?

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!

Find out more about Saw Palmetto

References
 
  1. Suzuki, M., Ito, Y., Fujino, T., Abe, M., Umegaki, K., Onoue, S., Noguchi, H. and Yamada, S., 2009. Pharmacological effects of saw palmetto extract in the lower urinary tract. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica, 30(3), pp.271-281
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