Prostatic Hyperplasia Risk Factors
When you are just born, the prostate gland is very small – it can be compared with a pea. With age it increases in size, the most active period being the puberty. The prostate gland develops completely before you are 25 years old.
Although it’s not known for sure why prostatic hyperplasia occurs in so many males, there are a number of theories suggested to explain this phenomenon:
Hormonal Factors
Prostate hormones. Special male hormones – androgens – are believed to contribute to the abnormal growth of the prostate. Testosterone is by far the most famous androgen: the body produces it throughout a man’s life. Testosterone is then transformed into a more complex and powerful kind of androgen – DHT (dihydrotestosterone); this process takes place in the prostate. DHT is responsible for the stimulation of the cell growth in the glandular epithelium – the prostate lining – and in the long term can lead to the enlargement of the prostate gland.
Estrogen. It has been suggested that, as some men also carry certain amounts of estrogen, it may somehow contribute to the development of prostatic hyperplasia. With age the levels of testosterone decrease, while those of estrogen rise, which may be one of the causes.
The Cells
There is yet another possible explanation for BPH: the delayed growth of cells. The cells present in the gland may activate later than usual, making the prostate sensitive to some growth-stimulating hormones.
There is also a process called apoptosis, which involves natural destruction of the cells unable to perform their functions; when this process goes wrong, the cells continue living and start spreading actively.
Blood Vessel Injury
Some scientists believe that the condition of your blood vessels (especially those in the prostate gland) can become worse, causing oxygen deficiency and insufficient blood flow. There is a fact that can confirm the theory: many men suffering from BPH also have heart problems.
Age
The older you are, the greater the risk you run. BPH is a common diagnosis for 60% of males older than 60; prostate specific antigen is found in eight men out of ten older than 80. There is a theory saying that prostate stimulation helps delay the condition, but the results are inconsistent.
Genetic Predisposition
If one of your close relatives suffered from this condition, you are very likely to be affected by it, too. According to the results of studies, males with an enlarged prostate who had more than three close relatives with the same problem had a lot larger glands than average.
Medical Conditions
There are some medical conditions that can be connected with an enlarged prostate. For instance, many men with excessive weight and those suffering from obesity often have benign prostatic hyperplasia and other urinary tract problems. The symptoms can be caused by increased pressure in the abdomen because of an enlarged prostate. It’s not clear whether BPH is directly related to smoking, hypertension or diabetes, but it’s very likely to be so.
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