Benign prostate enlargement, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a common condition in men over the age of 50. BPH can cause uncomfortable symptoms such as frequent urination, weak or interrupted urinary stream, and difficulty starting to urinate. Fortunately, there are several ways to shrink an enlarged prostate, including medications, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies.
Medications
Alpha-blockers are a type of drug that relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck, allowing urine to flow more easily. Common alpha-blockers used to shrink the prostate include tamsulosin (Flomax), alfuzosin (Uroxatral), and doxazosin (Cardura).
Another type of drug used to treat BPH is called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. These drugs reduce the size of the prostate by blocking the activity of an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that can cause prostate cells to grow. The most common 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to shrink the prostate is finasteride (Proscar).
Lifestyle Changes
Making lifestyle changes can also help shrink an enlarged prostate. Limiting fluid intake to reduce the amount of urine produced and avoiding caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the bladder, can help reduce symptoms of BPH. In addition, exercising regularly and maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce the risk of developing BPH.
Natural Remedies
In addition to medications and lifestyle changes, there are several natural remedies that may help shrink an enlarged prostate. Saw palmetto is a popular supplement often taken to reduce symptoms of BPH. Studies have shown that saw palmetto may help reduce the size of the prostate and improve urinary symptoms. Other supplements that may help shrink the prostate include beta-sitosterol, pygeum, and rye pollen extract.