Let's Talk Male Hormones

1. Testosterone - Testosterone has a direct effect on skeletal growth, sexual development, sperm development and sex drive. About 5-6 mg of testosterone is secreted per day.
2. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - DHT is the active form of testosterone and up to 10% of testosterone in the body is converted into DHT by the enzyme, 5-alpha reductase. DHT is required for the development of the prostate gland, urethra and scrotum and plays a role in the general characteristics of males, like deeper voices and body hair. However, after puberty, DHT generally has undesirable effects like, male pattern baldness and hair thinning. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (main drugs on the market right now for men’s health) can stop testosterone from being converted into DHT and help to suppress these undesirable effects. 

What Is The Prostate?

• Symptoms include: chronic pain in the abdominal cavity, pain on urination, increased urinary frequency, especially at night, lower back pain, fatigue and sexual dysfunction. 

2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) - This condition signifies an enlarged prostate gland. As the prostate gets larger, it puts pressure on the urethra, which runs through the middle of the prostate, leading to problems with urination. BPH occurs in almost all men as they age. More than 50% of men over 75 years of age experience symptoms of BPH.

• Symptoms Include: urinary frequency, waking up to urinate at night, weak urine stream, trouble starting urine flow and a sense of incomplete urination. 

3. Prostate Cancer - Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed male cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer related death among men worldwide. 

• ​Symptoms include: difficulty urinating and lower abdominal pain. Upon physical examination with a doctor, the prostate will often feel like a rock. 

What Are Some Naturopathic Treatments To Support The Prostate?

• Limit red meat. Frying meat can create a carcinogenic chemical that can increase the risk of prostate cancer. 
• Increase protein content. Low protein in the body can stimulate the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for causing an enlarged prostate.
• Include more Fatty acids - Fish and flax seeds provide essential fatty acids (EFA’s) that act as natural anti-inflammatories and are important in prostate function.  Individuals who have BPH often have an EFA deficiency. 
• Include more Pumpkin seeds - High in zinc, free fatty acids and plant sterols which all help with the health of the prostate. 

2. Lifestyle Changes:

• No smoking. Cigarettes have toxins that prevent the absorption of zinc. Zinc is a natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, which can be used to shrink the prostate gland. 
• Limit alcohol intake. Heavy drinking, especially beer can increase the risk for prostate cancer. Beer is known to increase prolactin levels which increases testosterone uptake in the prostate, and therefore increases DHT levels. It also puts you at a higher risk of developing a zinc and other nutrient deficiencies.
• Lower exposure to pesticides. Pesticides have been shown to increase the activity of 5-alpha reductase. Choose organic fruits and veggies whenever possible (especially if you are eating one of the dirty dozen), and thoroughly wash all produce before eating. 

• Vitamin D - Low levels of Vitamin D may put you at a higher risk for developing prostate cancer. 
  • ​Food sources of vitamin D: Cod liver oil, fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines). Mostly derived from the sun!
  • Recommended dose: Get your levels checked first to see how much you should be taking. 
• Zinc - The prostate is known to concentrate zinc more than any other organ in the body.  Zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the size of the prostate gland. It also inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha reductase so there is less conversion of testosterone to DHT, which minimizes all those unwanted side effects mentioned earlier. Individuals who are deficient in zinc also have higher incidences of BPH, prostatitis and prostate cancer. 
  • ​Food sources of zinc include: nuts and pumpkin seeds.
  • Dose: 80 mg/day
• Lycopene -  Lycopenes are strong antioxidants found in tomatoes. It has been linked to lower the risk of prostate cancer.
  • Food sources of lycopene include: apricots, guava, watermelon and papaya. 
  • Recommended dose: 15 mg/day

• Saw Palmetto - Is an herb that has been shown to improve the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which like we talked about before helps to lower levels of DHT, thus lowering inflammation in the prostate. It can also help to lower nighttime urination. 
  • Dose: 160 mg twice a day
• Pygeum africanum - Reduces testosterone and prolactin accumulation in the prostate. This herb can also lower cholesterol levels. This is important because prostate tissue affected by BPH or prostate cancer accumulate cholesterol content inside the prostate and raise inflammation. This herb has been shown to decrease urination at night, and can decrease urinary frequency and hesitancy.
  • Dose: 100-200 mg a day.