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BPH is an enlargement of the prostate gland, which sits near the bladder, surrounds the urethra and produces a fluid that nourishes sperm. It is stimulated to grow by exposure to the male sex hormone testosterone. High levels of the testosterone derivative dihydrotestosterone (DHT), produced by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, appear to enhance prostate growth2.

An enlarged prostate gland is thought to interfere with bladder function and to cause urination difficulties because it presses on and partially blocks the urethra. Treatment, in both western and natural medicine, is aimed at reducing the size of the prostate gland.
Symptoms of BPH may include:
decreased force and size of urine stream
frequent urge to urinate during the day and especially at night
urgency to urinate
hesitancy, difficulty starting flow
straining to urinate
dribbling and difficulty stopping flow
feeling that the bladder has not been emptied fully
involuntary passing of urine

Microgenics Protech Prostate Formula is a convenient 1-a-day formula to help reduce the symptoms of medically diagnosed benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Saw palmetto
Saw palmetto is traditionally used for urination difficulties, male sexual dysfunction and as a diuretic. Studies have shown that saw palmetto can inhibit binding of DHT and testosterone to receptors. As high levels of DHT and testosterone stimulate growth of the prostate gland, blocking receptors for these hormones can therefore be beneficial.

Saw palmetto also has antispasmodic properties, which may be beneficial in preventing spasms of smooth muscle tissue in the enlarged prostate gland3,4. Research shows that saw palmetto can also improve urinary flow symptoms in BPH5.

Zinc
The testes and especially the prostate gland have a higher concentration of zinc than any other part of the body. Research has shown that those with BPH have a 61% decrease in mean tissue zinc levels compared to normal tissues. The researchers concluded that low zinc levels play a role in the development of BPH6 and that zinc supplementation could be beneficial.

Selenium
Research has shown that a combination of saw palmetto, selenium and lycopene was more effective to decrease the size and weight of the prostate than saw palmetto on its own7.

Lycopene
Research has found that supplementing with lycopene for 6 months can decrease PSA (prostate-specific antigen, a marker used to measure BPH) levels in men and can significantly improve symptoms of BPH8.

Epilobium parviflorum
Epilobium is a plant that has been used to support prostate health for many centuries. Research has shown than it can reduce PSA levels in men9 and that it may reduce the growth of prostate cells as well as have an anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effect10.