Primary Causes & Action Plans

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

Prostate tumor marker; elevation indicates prostate disease (benign or malignant)
PSA is produced by prostate tissue. Elevation indicates either BPH (benign) or cancer. Trending PSA over time is more informative than single values.
Target < 4.0 ng/mL (age-dependent)
Suggested Action Plan

If PSA is elevated, further testing (free PSA percentage, prostate ultrasound, digital rectal exam) determines whether cancer screening is needed.

Free PSA Percentage

Lower percentage indicates higher cancer risk; higher percentage indicates likely benign cause
If total PSA is elevated, free PSA percentage distinguishes benign from malignant causes. Free PSA >25% suggests benign; <25% suggests cancer risk.
Target > 25% (benign)
Suggested Action Plan

If free PSA is low, more aggressive cancer screening is warranted. Work with urologist on next steps.

Testosterone

Paradoxically, optimal testosterone is protective against BPH; excessively low testosterone doesn't prevent BPH
The relationship between testosterone and BPH is complex: mild-to-moderate testosterone deficiency increases BPH risk, while normal/optimal testosterone is protective.
Target > 600 ng/dL
Suggested Action Plan

Maintain testosterone in optimal range (600-800 ng/dL). If low, testosterone replacement is protective. If excessively high, estradiol management is needed.

Vitamin D

Critical for prostate cell differentiation and cancer prevention
Vitamin D deficiency is associated with increased BPH and prostate cancer risk. Optimal vitamin D is protective.
Target > 50 ng/mL (target 60-80)
Suggested Action Plan

If deficient, supplement vitamin D3 4000-5000 IU daily. Optimal vitamin D is essential for prostate cancer prevention.

hs-CRP

Chronic inflammation associated with BPH and prostate disease
Elevated hs-CRP indicates systemic inflammation that drives BPH progression. Anti-inflammatory interventions reduce BPH symptoms.
Target < 1.0 mg/L
Suggested Action Plan

Lower hs-CRP through Mediterranean diet, omega-3 supplementation, exercise, stress management. Retest in 3 months.

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Getting Started

1
Get Baseline Prostate Testing

Test PSA, free PSA, testosterone, vitamin D, hs-CRP, and digital rectal exam. Establish baseline at age 40-45 so you have comparison points for future changes.

2
Monitor PSA Trend, Not Just Level

A single PSA result is less meaningful than trends over time. Rising PSA (even if still <4.0) warrants investigation. Stable PSA is reassuring.

3
Adopt Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Mediterranean diet with high antioxidants (tomatoes, green tea, berries) and omega-3 supplementation reduces BPH progression. Limit red meat and dairy (which promote inflammation).

4
Add Targeted Supplementation

Saw palmetto (320 mg daily) reduces BPH symptoms and slows progression. Add lycopene (from tomatoes or supplement), β-sitosterol, and pumpkin seed oil for prostate support.

5
Retest PSA Every 1-2 Years

Trending PSA over time is more informative than single tests. Annual testing allows early detection of trends. Discuss with urologist what PSA changes warrant further investigation.

Why I built this guide.

"Prostate disease is largely preventable when you address inflammation and hormone balance early."

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