How Hormones Influence Prostate Health Over Time

Some health changes happen quietly, unfolding over decades. For men in the UK, one of the most significant is the gradual shift in hormone balance that begins in midlife. Subtle changes in testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and oestrogen can influence the prostate long before any symptoms appear.

The prostate a walnut-sized gland beneath the bladder  is vital for both urinary and reproductive function. Understanding how hormones shape its health over time is essential for prevention and long-term wellbeing.

Why the Topic Matters

• BPH prevalence: Around 50% of UK men over 50 have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), rising to more than 80% by age 80.
  

• Delayed action: Early symptoms are often ignored, leading to more advanced issues.
  

• Preventive opportunity: Recognising hormonal changes early allows for proactive strategies.
  

Scientific Context: Hormones and the Prostate

The prostate’s growth and function are regulated by a balance of three main hormones:

• Testosterone — Maintains muscle, bone, libido, and reproductive tissue.
  

• Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — A potent form of testosterone that drives prostate cell growth; formed by 5-alpha-reductase.
  

• Oestrogen — Increases in relative influence as testosterone declines; can encourage tissue proliferation and inflammation.
  

It’s the balance, not just the absolute levels, of these hormones that shapes prostate health.

Hormonal Changes Over Time

• Age 30+ — Testosterone declines ~1% per year.
  

• Midlife (40–60) — DHT remains active despite lower testosterone, driving tissue growth.
  

• Later life (60+) — Oestrogen influence increases, especially in men with higher body fat, potentially promoting inflammation.
  
  

Hormones and Metabolic Health

Metabolic health affects hormonal balance.
Conditions like obesity, insulin resistance, and high blood pressure are linked to increased BPH risk. Maintaining healthy weight and metabolic markers supports both heart and prostate function.

Symptoms with a Hormonal Link

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
  

• Weak or interrupted urinary stream
  

• Hesitancy in starting urination
  

• Reduced libido or performance changes
  

• Fatigue from disturbed sleep
  
  

Lifestyle & Nutritional Strategies

Diet

• Mediterranean-style diet (NHS recommended) with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, oily fish, and olive oil.
  

• Key nutrients:
  

• Lycopene — tomatoes, watermelon
  

• Zinc — pumpkin seeds, shellfish
  

• Selenium — Brazil nuts, fish
  

Exercise

• Regular brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or resistance training to improve hormone balance and blood flow.
  

Stress Management

• Mindfulness, yoga, and outdoor activities to reduce cortisol and inflammation.
  
  

Supplementation  Evidence and Caution

Evidence suggests possible benefits from:

• Saw Palmetto — May reduce urinary symptoms via 5-alpha-reductase inhibition.
  

• Beta-Sitosterol — Improves urinary flow.
  

• Lycopene — Antioxidant protection for prostate cells.
  

• Curcumin — Anti-inflammatory effects.
  
  

Only use high-quality, standardised supplements and seek GP guidance before starting.

Conclusion

Hormonal changes with age are inevitable, but their impact on the prostate can be managed.
Through early awareness, healthy diet, regular activity, stress control, and evidence-based supplementation, men can protect their prostate health and maintain quality of life well into later years.

Author Attribution

Written by the BioNutrica Editorial Team based upon secondary research using the following articles:

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9. Zlotta, A. R., et al. (2006). ‘The effect of aging and lifestyle on the function and structure of the prostate.’ Aging Male, 9(3), 157–163.
   

10. Henkel, R., et al. (2008). ‘Influence of oxidative stress on the male reproductive tract.’ Andrologia, 40(2), 63–75.
    

11. Kulkarni, S. K., et al. (2008). ‘Curcumin: A promising natural compound with anti-inflammatory properties.’ International Journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, 46(10), 585–597.
    

12. Gupta, S. C., et al. (2013). ‘Therapeutic roles of curcumin: Lessons learned from clinical trials.’ AAPS Journal, 15(1), 195–218.