Enlargement of the prostate gland in men is an age-related, hormone-dependent condition, extremely common among ageing men, occurring in more than 50% of men over 50 years of age. The enlarged prostate gland in effect ‘strangles’ the urethra, leading to annoying urinary tract symptoms.

Urinary tract symptoms

The prostate is a single gland that surrounds the upper part of the urethra, just below the bladder in men, so when it becomes enlarged, it places pressure on the urethra, creating problems with urination such as:

• increased urinary frequency
• night-time urination
• urgency to urinate
• weak urinary stream
• difficulty starting urination
• dribbling
• sensation of incomplete emptying of the bladder
• increased risk for urinary tract infections

The bladder wall tends to become thicker and irritable, constricting even when it contains small amounts of urine, triggering more frequent urination. Eventually, the bladder weakens and loses the ability to empty itself, leaving urine sitting in the bladder. The narrowing of the urethra and incomplete emptying of the bladder are the major causes of the urinary tract symptoms.

Hormone involvement

Men produce both testosterone and small amounts of oestrogen during their lifetime. As men age, testosterone levels begin to decrease, leaving higher levels of oestrogen. Some studies suggest that oestrogen may promote cell growth, while other research suggests that even with decreasing testosterone levels, older men continue to produce high levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a more potent form of testosterone, thought to drive prostate enlargement.

Exciting new state-of-the-art, clinically trialled ingredients

Saw palmetto and Pygeum have traditionally been used for the symptomatic relief of urinary symptoms. Ongoing negative clinical reviews on the effectiveness of Saw palmetto and ethical concerns around Pygeum as a threatened species, means that it’s time to take a fresh new approach with clinically researched alternatives.

• Flowens™ - proprietary Cranberry extract Flowens™ is a unique, full spectrum proprietary blend of Cranberry fruit which has been clinically shown to improve urinary tract symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. 124 male volunteers over 45 years of age with urinary tract symptoms, taking 250mg once daily, showed significant, clinically meaningful reductions in urinary tract symptoms. Flowens™ was considered to be safe and effective, delivering improvements in as little as 30 days without any associated sexual side effects.

• Phytopin^® - beta-sitosterols Phytopin^® is a natural and pure extract containing phytosterols (beta-sitosterols) of exceptional quality, produced from tall/pine oil obtained from Pinus pinaster trees. Beta-sitosterols work by regulating and controlling cell growth, proliferation and destruction, and by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Beta-sitosterols bind to the prostate gland helping to reduce swelling and inflammation.A 6 month randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial of 177 patients were recruited to assess the efficacy and safety of 130mg beta-sitosterol or placebo daily. Significant improvements in urinary symptoms were seen in the beta-sitosterol group compared to placebo.

Flowens™ and Phytopin^® provide the cornerstone of any state-of-the-art, clinically trialled prostate formula to help alleviate urinary tract symptoms and improve quality of life for older men. 'Ask a Naturopath' for more information about Flowens™ and Phytopin^®, and how they can support prostate health and reduce annoying urinary symptoms

Mr Vitamins recommends:

Herbs of Gold Prostate Pro

Herbs of Gold Prostate Pro has been formulated with proprietary Cranberry fruit powder (Flowens™), clinically trialled beta-sitosterols in the form of Phytopin^®, and other synergistic nutrients for the maintenance of prostate health. Find out more about Herbs of Gold Prostate Pro