With all the talk about prostatic cancer, Hal C., 47, was a nervous wreck when he went to his physician to discuss a list of symptoms he'd developed. Hal described an increased frequency with a feeling of never emptying completely, a decreased force of his stream, and nocturia (excessive nighttime urination).
There was also a growing problem of dribbling. After a thorough examination, which included a complete blood examination with emphasis on the PSA level, Hal's physician diagnosed the problem as BPH (Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy). An enlarged Prostate gland is a complaint very common in men over the age of 40, running (by some estimates) upwards to 50 per cent, and causes some symptoms in the majority of those over 50.
The condition is believed to be caused by an increase in testosterone followed by a subsequent conversion in the (prostate) gland to a product named DHT (dihydrotestosterone). That plus the presence of estrogen which inhibits the body's mechanism to eliminate the DHT are primary factors. Many physicians have begun prescribing Proscar (finasteride) to treat this condition.
Unfortunately, Proscar has an unwanted side effect that men find quite objectionable: impotence. Approximately four per cent of the men treated developed the problem which usually is accompanied by decreased libido (energy or drive) and a decreased ejaculate. Other unwanted side effects included tender and enlarged breasts, swollen lips and skin rashes.
Different Treatment Modalities vailable
There is good news, however. New classes of medications and treatments are emerging that may be as beneficial (perhaps more so than current modalities) that possess little or no side effects. Professionals in Europe have combined nutrition and phytomedicines (natural remedies) to treat BPH, often with greater success than by using current pharmaceuticals. The phytomedicine most often used for this condition is the herb Saw Palmetto, a standardized extract whose principal ingredients, free fatty acids and sterols (up to 90 per cent) have gained recognition in the treatment of BPH. In several double blind studies done in Europe, Saw Palmetto performance was superior to Proscar.
Saw Palmetto is believed to possess multiple mechanisms of action including inhibiting production of DHT and slowing the action DHT exerts on receptors (cells that accept the hormone and react under its influence) thus promoting its breakdown. These studies also have demonstrated a possible anti-estrogenic effect as well as blocking progesterone (a female hormone) and the androgenic receptors. The recommended dosage for Saw Palmetto is 160 milligrams twice each day. To date there have been no indications of side effects or toxicity, even in much higher dosages.
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