Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, affects most men as they get older. It can restrict urine flow and cause discomfort both during and after urination.
Lifestyle changes and medications such as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or alpha blockers may also be employed for treating various conditions.
These medications help shrink the prostate and improve urinary flow while simultaneously decreasing PSA blood levels – something doctors use as a screening test for prostate cancer.
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are among the most frequently prescribed pain relievers worldwide, providing relief from headaches, sprains and arthritis symptoms while simultaneously reducing inflammation and fever. NSAIDs work by blocking enzymes used by your body to make prostaglandins (similar to hormones), which play an integral part in many bodily processes including tissue swelling, increasing blood flow and creating blood clots. Available as tablets, capsules, suppositories creams or gels; some can even be purchased without prior physician’s order (“over-the-counter”).
NSAIDs may cause various side effects when taken beyond recommended dosages or for extended periods, especially at higher than recommended doses or for an extended duration. They can affect the lining of the stomach and lead to irritation, diarrhea or constipation; kidney problems (usually not serious). Some individuals are more vulnerable than others when it comes to adverse reactions of NSAIDs; those who have had stomach or intestinal disorders like peptic ulcer disease or inflammatory bowel disease may be at higher risk.
Some NSAIDs are more likely than others to increase the risk of heart attack or stroke, especially with longer and higher doses. Risk increases further with additional factors like high cholesterol or smoking; they can also raise blood pressure in people who already have preexisting high blood pressure.
NSAIDs can be divided into several different groups based on their chemical structure and selectivity. Common examples are aspirin, non-acetylated salicylates, naphthalic acids (such as Diclofenac and naproxen), phenyl sulfonyl amides (clopidogrel) and anthranilic acid NSAIDs such as Meloxicam/Piroxicam; COX-2 inhibitors like Celecoxib/Celebrex are special NSAIDs less likely to cause digestive upsets or increase heart disease risk.
NSAIDs should always be taken with food or a glass of water in order to minimize stomach upset. Furthermore, it’s essential that your doctor knows about any other medications such as herbal remedies and vitamin supplements you are taking.
Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto (Serenoa repens or Sabal serrulatum) is a plant often used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), in which the prostate gland becomes larger than usual and causes symptoms in the lower urinary tract – including difficulty with urination and impediments to urinary function. Saw palmetto can also act as a natural hair-loss remedy and some research indicates it could possibly slow progression of prostate cancer.
Saw palmetto extract contains phytosterols that prevent testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone by 5-alpha reductase, thus helping alleviate BPH symptoms. One study showed taking 320 milligrams of saw palmetto daily improved BPH symptoms such as increased frequency of urination and improved their International Prostate Symptom Score score after eight weeks of treatment – proof positive that saw palmetto works!
Saw palmetto seems unaffected by readings of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a test commonly used to detect early signs of prostate cancer. More research must be conducted, though, in order to establish exactly when these supplements will take effect; additionally, due to an unregulated industry and product variations varying widely depending on manufacturer quality: some only contain some active compounds while others include additional non-active ones.
Notably, this herb may interact with certain medications, particularly NSAID painkillers like ibuprofen and naproxen. Furthermore, it could affect those metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzyme such as Warfarin or desloratadine that use this pathway, potentially altering their effects or interfering with their metabolism.
When purchasing saw palmetto supplements, make sure the brand you choose discloses how much of their supplements contain the liposterolic fraction from fruit – this is considered the most potency part of this plant. Also ensure it has been tested for contamination before purchasing from a reputable company with rigorous safety and quality standards in place, such as being free from additives.
Stinging nettle
Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica) is a wild plant with edible leaves and medicinal benefits, including its antihistamine properties that make it useful in treating allergies like skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Furthermore, this traditional medicine also boasts anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects and can even relieve sore muscles from arthritis pain. Furthermore, its roots have also long been used as herbal treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate condition characterized by urinary symptoms – helping BPH sufferers manage symptoms as well as potentially decreasing blood sugar, decreasing triglycerides levels while supporting heart health in those living with type 2 diabetes.
Stinging nettle is an excellent source of vitamins C, iron, magnesium, calcium and potassium. The high concentration of vitamin K found in this superfood may help protect against osteoporosis while its amino acids, fatty acids flavonoids and phenolic compounds promote hair and nail growth. Furthermore, it’s one of the top sources for boron – an essential mineral for strong bones – as well as being high in dietary fiber, helping reduce cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
Cooking nettles removes their stinging chemicals and turns them into an edible food source, providing antihistamine, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic benefits when eaten. They’re rich in minerals and vitamins such as iron, folic acid, magnesium potassium calcium zinc; plus contain rutin an antioxidant that supports cardiovascular system health.
Studies suggest stinging nettle may help with BPH, though further investigation is required. Its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties may help relieve urinary symptoms associated with the condition while its activity may work by blocking an enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-5 that produces testosterone and other male hormones.
Stinging nettle supplements are generally safe for adults; however, they may interact with certain drugs. People taking blood thinners, blood pressure medicines or diuretics should discuss consuming stinging nettle with their healthcare provider first before doing so. Pregnant women should also not consume it due to potential interference with menstruation and miscarriage risks; additionally nettle has abortifacient properties and may cause rashes in some people.
5-alpha reductase inhibitors
Finasteride and dutasteride medications are both 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs). They work by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), thus controlling prostate tissue growth while decreasing male pattern baldness. While both medications have proven themselves as effective BPH treatments, it’s essential that users understand both their benefits as well as any limitations or risks they pose.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly seen among men aged 50 or above, is characterized by an enlarged prostate that produces lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and decreased peak flow rate (Qmax). Symptoms range from mild to severe but are typically relieved through lifestyle modifications. Over time, BPH may progress by increasing in volume while simultaneously decreasing Qmax; progression can increase the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR) or necessitate surgery-related procedures to treat it.
Patients diagnosed with BPH should speak to their physician regarding 5ARIs use before starting any treatments. While these medications tend to be safe, there have been reports that some individuals taking 5ARIs may increase the likelihood of high-grade prostate cancer; as a result, FDA has issued black box warnings for these drugs; although risks are generally considered low it’s essential that all decisions regarding treatment be discussed beforehand with your healthcare provider.
Finasteride and dutasteride have both been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as treatment options for BPH, and have both proven safe and effective. Both oral medications come in two strengths – finasteride 5 mg and dutasteride 1 mg; these brand name medicines can be found under Propecia or Avodart.
Studies have demonstrated that finasteride and dutasteride significantly alleviate symptoms associated with BPH. Both medications were found to be as effective as alpha blockers in treating these symptoms, making them suitable for patients who cannot tolerate side effects associated with other BPH treatments. Some research studies even demonstrated a 50-50% drop in PSA levels within 6 months while taking these medicines; however, patients must still undergo routine prostate cancer screenings even if their PSA falls below normal range.
