What Are the Causes of BPH?

by Jules Stark

Overview

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, consists of the enlargement of the prostate gland, which results in unpleasant symptoms such as frequent urination. The causes of BPH are not well understood, but researches have suggested a number of theories.
Aging and Testes

Many researchers believe that prostate enlargement can occur because of factors relating to the testes, as well as aging.

Cell "Instructions"

Other researchers suggest that cells are given "instructions" to grow in early life and that these "instructions" reactivate in part of the prostate gland at a later time in life, causing it to continue growing.
DHT

Dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, is a testosterone-derived substance that may help control prostate growth. Accumulation of DHT as men age may promote cell growth in the prostate gland.
Estrogen Imbalance

Testosterone production slows as men age, leaving an imbalanced amount of estrogen. BPH might be caused by the higher levels of estrogen contributing to cell growth.
Growth Periods

The prostate experiences two growth periods as a man matures, the first of which happens in puberty, and the second during his mid-twenties. However, this second period of growth often results in BPH years later.

Overview