Elevated PSA Causes & Solutions
- Kim Atherton
- 3 days ago
- 5 min read
The potential causes of elevated PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels, how PSA levels rise, an understanding of how to interpret PSA pathology results, and guidance on herbal, nutritional and lifestyle solutions to help are all discussed in this blog.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. It plays a role in the male reproductive system to liquefy semen. It is normal for small amounts of PSA to leak into the bloodstream. PSA levels are measured in the blood, and PSA tests are used to evaluate prostate health. Elevated PSA levels may indicate concerning prostate issues, but there are also other less concerning causes. Ensuring you get tested under optimal times and conditions (as discussed below) will assist with ensuring the results are more relevant, and often less concerning.
Elevated PSA Causes & Solutions
There are many possible causes of elevated PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) levels. They include:
Prostate Cancer
One of the most well-known reasons for elevated PSA levels is prostate cancer. While many men with high PSA levels do not have cancer, it is one of the primary concerns that drives further diagnostic testing such as biopsies and imaging studies. Elevated PSA levels on their own cannot be used to diagnose prostate cancer.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. This condition is prevalent in older men and can lead to elevated PSA levels. BPH can cause urinary issues such as:
a frequent and urgent need for urination
difficulty starting urination
a weak urine stream that stops and starts
an inability to completely empty the bladder
dribbling at the end of urination
increased desire for urination at night (nocturia)
It is often heard said by urologists that 'men with BPH will likely die with an elevated PSA level, but not from it'.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, can also elevate PSA levels. This condition may be acute or chronic and often comes with symptoms such as pain during urination, pelvic discomfort, and flu-like symptoms.
Other Factors
Age is an undeniable factor affecting PSA levels. As men age, PSA levels tend to rise as the prostate gland itself gets larger with age and squeezes the urethra (the duct conveying urine from the bladder out of the body), causing the urination issues. Other contributing factors for elevated PSA levels can include urinary tract infections (UTI's), recent medical procedures involving the prostate (rectal examinations), certain medications like non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAID's) e.g., Ibuprofen, vigorous exercise like bike riding, recently having had sex and ejaculated, or rectal prostate stimulation.
Why Does PSA get Elevated in Older Men
This is a little focused on the science (hang in there), but important to help understand the remedy.
The male hormone testosterone gets converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) under the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase type 2.
DHT is far more potent than testosterone and has a particular affinity to receptors on the prostate with nasty growth factors being released that result in the enlarged prostate.
The best way to block the conversion of testosterone to DHT is by reducing the impact of the 5-alpha reductase type 2 converting enzyme - in fact this is what pharmaceutical medication for men with BPH targets.
As PSA gets released by the prostate, we will see an elevated PSA level as an enlarged prostate releases more PSA.
Elevated PSA Herbal and Nutritional Solutions
Should you have an elevated PSA associated with BPH (and not Prostate Cancer), and be looking for natural solutions, the following may be of help:
There are herbs that act in the exact same way as pharmaceutical medications reducing 5-alpha reductase type 2 enzyme. These herbs are Saw Palmetto and Nettle.
The other good news, is that 5-alpha reductase type 2 becomes stimulated under conditions of weight gain, insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, so modifying your diet and lifestyle can be of great benefit in stemming the growth of the prostate, and reducing PSA levels.
These solutions do not have a negative impact on your testosterone levels, sex drive or semen, but do have a positive impact on reducing the more dangerous converted form of testosterone (DHT) which causes the enlarged prostate.
Understanding the PSA Test Results
PSA exists as two forms in the blood:
free PSA (not bound)
bound PSA (bound to other blood proteins)
Together the two forms make up the total amount of PSA (Total PSA).
Types of PSA Blood Tests:
Total PSA = sum of free (unbound) PSA and bound PSA. This is the test used primarily as a front-line screening test.
The PSA ratio which utilises free PSA and total PSA results. The PSA Ratio is calculated when total PSA levels are slightly elevated and sit between 4 to 10 ug/L. The test measures the amount of free PSA versus total PSA in your blood. This helps to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer. A lower PSA ratio (below 10-15%) suggests a higher chance of prostate cancer. This is because in this scenario, free PSA is not bound to 'safe' proteins.
Summary
An elevated PSA result can stem from various conditions, ranging from benign to serious. It is essential to understand that elevated levels do not immediately imply cancer but warrant further investigation. Lifestyle changes that can support overall prostate health may include a balanced diet rich in colourful fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats (Omega 3), reducing processed food and sugar consumption, regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and the inclusion of herbs like Saw Palmetto and Nettle.
If you would like some advice on herbal, nutritional, and lifestyle factors that may be supportive of improving elevated level PSA results and prostate symptoms, once it is confirmed by your medical practitioner that prostate cancer is not the cause, then please feel free to make an appointment.
Sign Up for Further Educational Material
If you would like to make sure you don't miss a Blog update from me, or would like to receive more information in the form of upcoming e-Books and Online courses, then please subscribe to my mailing list at the bottom of the Blog front page.
References:
ARTICLE/CONTENT DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this blog/article/handout is for your personal or other non-commercial, educational purposes. It should not be considered as medical or professional advice. We recommend you consult with a GP or other healthcare professional before taking or omitting to take any action based on this blog/article/handout. While the author uses best endeavours to provide accurate and true content, the author makes no guarantees or promises and assumes no liability regarding the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information presented. The information, opinions, and recommendations presented in this blog/article/handout are for general information only and any reliance on the information provided in this blog/article/handout is done at your own risk. Any third-party materials or content of any third-party site referenced in this blog/article/handout do not necessarily reflect the author’s opinion, standards or policies and the author does not assume any liability for them whatsoever.
Comments