- What are 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors?
- Main 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
- How do 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitors work?
- Types of 5 Alpha Reductase Enzymes
- Are they effective treatment options for BPH?
- Side effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
- Natural 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
- Other natural remedies for an enlarged prostate
- Ben’s Natural Remedies To Help Shrink An Enlarged Prostate
- Conclusion
- Source
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a condition that affects a significant number of men.
The symptoms can be uncomfortable, making it difficult to urinate normally, as well as causing sexual dysfunction.
The risk for benign prostatic hyperplasia significantly increases with age.
By the age of 40, only 8% of men will experience signs that are associated with this condition1.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia affects the prostate gland. As the condition develops, the prostate gland of the patient becomes enlarged.
This can affect the functioning of the urinary tract and bladder. The result may be urinary tract symptoms, including urinary retention, and erectile dysfunction.
What are 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors?
5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors is a term used to describe a family of pharmaceutical drugs, often prescribed to men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia.
These drugs target specific chemicals in the patient’s body to potentially reduce the size of the prostate. It should, however, be noted that not all of these drugs will effectively help to treat the enlarged prostate.
Some of these drugs, instead only work to assist in reducing the severity of the symptoms.
Different types of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors have been developed in the last few years2.
Male patients are advised to gain more insight and select the drug type that would yield the best results for their specific condition.
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Main 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
The two main options that male patients may be provided with when using a 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitor include3:
Dutasteride
Dutasteride is most commonly sold under the brand name Avodart. It can relieve urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with enlarged prostates.
However, Dutasteride is not without side effects. It can lead to loss of libido, sexual problems, depression adn heart failure.
Therefore, natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can be a good way to relieve BPH symptoms without adverse side effects.
Finasteride
Finasteride is marketed as either Proscar or Propecia. It prevents the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase from converting testosterone into DHT. This helps to shrink the prostate. Studies show Finasteride reduces intraprostatic DHT levels by 91.4%.
However, this treatment is not without side effects. In placebo-controlled studies, 8.1 % of men reported regular impotence, 6.4 % of men reported decreased libido, and 3.7% of men saw a decreased volume of ejaculate.
Therefore, natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors can be a good way to shrink the prostate without adverse side effects.
How do 5 Alpha Reductase Inhibitors work?
Men who are considering the use of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors should know about the options available. They should also have an understanding of how these drugs work as well.
The male body contains a specific enzyme that is called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme helps the body convert the testosterone into a different hormone, known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Both of these hormones play essential roles in the male body.
Medications like Finasteride and Dutasteride contain chemicals that act against the function of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.
When the function of this enzyme is inhibited, it means less testosterone in the male body will be converted into dihydrotestosterone.
This means there will be more testosterone hormones in the male patient’s body. Meanwhile, the amount of dihydrotestosterone circulating will start to decline with the continued use of the 5-Alpha reductase inhibitor.
Dihydrotestosterone might be useful for specific functions in the body. Still, it is essential to note that this particular hormone may contribute to two common issues in the male population.
The two conditions commonly associated with elevated DHT levels in the male body include:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness
In addition to these risk factors, it is also important to take note that a high level of DHT might increase the risk of prostate cancer.
Thus, the use of a 5-Alpha reductase inhibitor could also act as a means of prostate cancer prevention among men who are at an elevated risk for prostate cancer.
Types of 5 Alpha Reductase Enzymes
It is vital to take note that there are two types of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes present in the human body. Not all of the pharmaceutical drugs used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia will inhibit the functioning of both enzyme types.
The two forms of these enzymes include:
- 5-alpha-reductase enzyme type 1
- 5-alpha-reductase enzyme type 2
Dutasteride is a pharmaceutical drug that we know can interact with both of these enzymes. Finasteride, on the other hand, only interact with the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme type 1.
Due to the impact the drug has on both of these enzyme types, clinical trials have not provided enough evidence to prove this as a more effective way of reducing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, compared to Finasteride.
It is important also to take note that Dutasteride is sometimes combined with another drug, known as Tamsulosin. This drug is sold under the brand name Jalyn.
Tamsulosin is classified as an Alpha-Blocker and helps to assist in causing a relaxing effect in specific muscles. The muscles that relax include the muscles at the neck of the bladder and the prostate muscles.
When would they be offered?
A drug like Jalyn will usually be offered to a man who experiences more noticeable symptoms with their prostate gland and urinary tract. The relaxation of the prostate gland and the bladder neck muscles might help to alleviate these symptoms at a more significant level.
Urination may improve faster and more effectively when using a drug that combines both a 5-Alpha reductase inhibitor and alpha-blockers.
Male patients sometimes receive Tamsulosin as a separate drug. The drug does come with its range of side-effects that male patients do need to be aware of.
Flomax is not only for male patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. There are cases where Flomax is prescribed for women who experience urinary tract symptoms.
Are they effective treatment options for BPH?
Apart from understanding how these 5ar blockers work, men should know if they are an effective BPH treatment option.
Fortunately, several studies have been conducted in the past to provide men an overview of how effective the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors is.
We will consider a few of these studies to provide a more accurate overview of what male patients should expect if they decide to take advantage of a drug like Finasteride or Dutasteride.
Study 1)
The first study4 we want to look at here was published in the Asian Journal of Urology and conducted by researchers at the Washington University School of Medicine. The idea was to test the efficacy of both 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that are currently available.
The paper includes several previous studies too. The researchers conclude that the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors seems to produce an effective reduction in serum DHT levels among men who have benign prostatic hyperplasia.
This is the primary goal of the medication, which does mean the use of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor may yield effective results.
The researchers further noted that the use of these 5ar blockers alone already yields effective results when it comes to reducing levels of DHT in the male body.
Still, there do seem to be cases where combining these medicines with other types of drugs used in the treatment of BPH may offer better results.
Study 2)
Another study5, published by researchers at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, looked at how the efficacy of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor would compare to the results provided by other treatment options.
The effects of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors were compared to the efficacy of alpha1-adrenergic antagonists.
Researchers describe 5-alpha reductase inhibitors as a highly effective option for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia, especially when compared to the efficacy offered by alternative options.
Specifically, the researchers noted that a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor could effectively reduce the prostate volume in patients with BPH. Peak urinary flow increased, and urinary symptoms improved.
Side effects of 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
There are certain side-effects with the use of 5-alpha reductase inhibitors that patients do need to be aware of. These side-effects can be unpleasant.
The patient should weigh the pros and cons of using these drugs before deciding to utilize this type of medicine.
The following side-effects can occur in some patients who use the 5ar blockers (6):
- There may be a decrease in the patient’s sex drive.
- Retrograde ejaculation can occur in some patients.
- The patient may also note a reduction in their erectile function. This can cause symptoms associated with erectile dysfunction.
Natural 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors
The adverse side effects from 5 alpha reductase inhibitors can be difficult for patients with BPH to deal with. Luckily, there are some natural 5ar inhibitors in food, drinks, and supplements that can block DHT and help manage BPH symptoms.
These include:
Green Tea
Green tea has numerous health benefits for men. It contains antioxidants such as EGCG, making it a great natural ingredient to promote good overall health.
Studies show Green Tea can act as a natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. This can also help limit hair loss. One study applied the extract to 4 men’s scalp for 4 days and found that the extract stimulated hair growth. It did this by preventing the death of cells that regulate the growth and development of hair caused by DHT.
We still need more research to confirm how effective green tea is as a natural 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. But, the current results look promising.
Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle also has many benefits for male health. High levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can contribute to prostate problems such as BPH.
Studies show stinging nettle can reduce the level of dihydrotestosterone, and by limiting DHT levels, it can act as a natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and improve BPH symptoms.
Other DHT Blockers
Other natural remedies can block DHT in the body, too. These include:
- Coconut Oil
- Onions
- Turmeric
- Pumpkin Seeds
- Edamame
Other natural remedies for an enlarged prostate
The side-effects that may occur when a person uses a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor may be unpleasant and cause the patient concern.
In such a case, it is important to take note that certain natural remedies for an enlarged prostate have shown potential as therapies for use in patients with BPH.
When it comes to looking for a natural remedy to treat the enlarged prostate, research must be first conducted on the specific ingredients that have been clinically proven to yield effective results.
Some of the natural remedies that have shown potential at treating enlarged prostate and the additional symptoms related to the urinary tract include:
- Saw Palmetto: One of the most popular natural remedies for enlarged prostate would be Saw Palmetto extract. This medicine is made from the fruit that grows on a palm tree. There are chemicals in the plant that may reduce inflammation and also block the specific hormones that link to the condition.
- Pygeum: Pygeum extract may also help to assist in improving the urinary tract symptoms. Specifically, an improvement in urine flow and bladder emptying may be experienced.
- Beta-Sitosterol: Another popular natural remedy would be beta-sitosterol. This is a combination of plant-based materials that could assist in improving urine flow, as well as reducing urinary symptoms.
Ben’s Natural Remedies To Help Shrink An Enlarged Prostate
At Ben’s Natural Health, our prostate supplements are a great natural remedy for an enlarged prostate.
Total Health
Our natural supplement, Ben’s Total Health contains ingredients clinically proven to reduce prostate size, manage BPH symptoms and help you restore optimal prostate health.
Clinical trials and meta-studies show the active ingredients in Total Health have a positive impact on prostate volume, improve lower urinary tract symptoms, and decrease the risk of acute urinary retention.
Find out more about Total Health.
Prostate Healer
We formulated Prostate Healer to effectively combat BPH and prostatitis and provide symptomatic relief from urgency, frequency, and nocturia. It works on the prostate, kidney, and bladder simultaneously, coaxing cells gently to resume normal function.
So, by this action, you’re fighting against prostatitis and BPH. If you’re like many men that use the formula, you’ll see a reduction in the number of times you get up to go to the bathroom to urinate. Plus, you’ll see an improvement in the flow of your urine. Find out more about Prostate Healer.
Prostate Power
Our dietary supplement, Prostate Power, contains ingredients clinically proven to shrink an enlarged prostate and slow the progress of BPH and prostate disease.
Numerous clinical trials and meta-studies show the key active ingredients in Prostate Power can shrink prostate volume, improve urine flow and decrease the risk of acute urinary retention.
Find out more about Prostate Power.
Why Choose Ben’s Natural Health Supplements?
At Ben’s Natural Health, our motto is to combine holistic healing with modern science.
Ben’s Natural Health is the world’s first high-quality, all-natural, scientifically proven clinical supplement company. Our supplements are effective, natural and 100% side effect free.
Moreover, at Ben’s Natural Health, we have four rules for all our supplements:
- We only use the highest quality ingredients
- We only use them if they are proven to work in independent, peer-reviewed double-blind studies
- With all our supplements, we find a way to get every ingredient into a single bottle
- We always formulate them in clinically significant doses of the most bioavailable form
We pride ourselves on offering excellent customer service. We offer a free health consultation where you can ask questions and receive tailored advice from our expert health consultants.
Conclusion
Studies prove 5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors are effective in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Men with this condition have to take note of the adverse events that may occur when they use these drugs.
There are alternative treatment options for patients with BPH. This includes the use of certain herbal medicines that may help to improve symptoms and reduce the prostate size when an enlargement has developed.
