Understanding PSA Levels
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate gland. Doctors often measure its levels in the blood to check for prostate issues, such as an enlarged prostate (BPH), inflammation, or prostate cancer. While high PSA levels can be concerning, there are natural ways to help lower them and support prostate health.
PSA Level in Prostatitis
1.Acute Prostatitis:
A study found that 71% of people with acute prostatitis (a sudden inflammation of the prostate) had PSA levels above 4 ng/mL, which is generally the point where doctors start to be concerned about prostate cancer.1 In severe cases, PSA levels can spike dramatically—for example, one report described a patient with acute prostatitis who had a PSA level of 1,398 ng/mL.1
2.Chronic Prostatitis:
Chronic prostatitis (long-term inflammation of the prostate) can also cause high PSA levels. In a study of 142 men with this condition, their average PSA level before treatment was 8.11 ng/ml. After six weeks of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicine, the average dropped to 4.7 ng/ml. This shows that treatment can help bring PSA levels down, but it doesn’t completely rule out the risk of prostate cancer.2
Factors Influencing PSA Levels
Several factors can affect PSA levels, including:
- Infections or Inflammation: Conditions like prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) can temporarily raise PSA levels, making it less reliable as a sole test for detecting prostate cancer.3
- Recent Medical Procedures or Activities: Actions such as intense physical activity or ejaculation can cause short-term increases in PSA levels.4
What is the PSA of a 60-year-old?
For a 60-year-old man, PSA levels are usually considered normal if they fall between 0 and 4 ng/ml. However, some research suggest that the upper limit might be slightly higher, up to 4.89 ng/ml, for men aged 60 to 64. If PSA levels go above 6.5 ng/mL, doctors may recommend further tests to check for prostate cancer or other health issues.5 6
What lowers PSA scores?
Dietary Changes
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Eat a Prostate-Healthy Diet
A healthy diet can help manage PSA levels. Here are some key foods to include:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Eat more cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli and kale), berries, and tomatoes. Tomatoes are especially helpful because they contain lycopene, which may lower PSA levels and reduce the risk of prostate cancer.7
- Healthy Fats: Include foods with omega-3 fats, like fatty fish (salmon), avocados, almonds, and walnuts. These fats can help reduce inflammation.7
- Limit Animal Protein: Reducing red meat and dairy may lower certain growth factors linked to prostate cancer. Choose lean meats like chicken or plant-based proteins like beans and legumes instead. 7
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Stay Hydrated
Drink plenty of water to stay healthy. Proper hydration support overall health and may also benefit prostate health.8
Lifestyle Changes
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Exercise Regularly
Staying active is important for maintaining a healthy weight and reducing inflammation, both of which can help manage PSA levels. Try to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, along with some strength training.9 Incorporating Kegel exercises can also help strengthen pelvic muscles and support prostate health.10 -
Manage Stress
Chronic stress can affect prostate health. Stress-relief activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing can help lower stress and might help improve PSA levels.9
What can disturb the PSA result?
An increased level of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) can sometimes happen for reasons unrelated to cancer. It can be caused by a recent rectal examination, prostate biopsy, or prostate inflammation due to procedures like bladder catheterization. Additionally, high PSA levels can also be found in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It’s important to keep in mind that PSA levels alone are not a definitive indicator of prostate cancer.
What medication lowers PSA?
There aren't any medications that directly lower PSA levels, but some treatments for prostate problems can help reduce PSA. For example:
- Alpha-blockers: Medications like tamsulosin are used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (BPH), and they may help lower PSA levels.11
- 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors: Drugs like finasteride and dutasteride can shrink the prostate and may reduce PSA levels, especially in men with a larger prostate.12
However, it’s important to remember that lowering PSA with medication doesn't mean all prostate problems are solved.
How to lower PSA level with natural supplements?
To support prostate health and help maintain healthy PSA levels, natural supplements can play an important role. A well-rounded approach, focusing on ingredients that promote prostate wellness, can offer benefits. Prost-X is a natural dietary supplement formulated to support prostate health and urinary tract function. With ingredients like Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum) and Prunus domestica extract, it offers a gentle way to support overall prostate well-being, helping you stay on top of your health naturally.
Conclusion
Keeping PSA levels healthy is an important part of men’s health, especially as they get older. By making smart choices like eating a balanced diet, staying active, managing stress, and being mindful of overall health habits, men can help maintain healthy PSA levels naturally. It’s always a good idea to talk to a doctor for personalized advice based on your specific health needs. Regular check-ups are important for spotting any potential prostate health issues early on.
References
1.Anamika Nepal, Sharma P, Bhattarai S, Mahajan Z, Sharma A, Ashok Sapkota, et al. Extremely Elevated Prostate-Specific Antigen in Acute Prostatitis: A Case Report. Cureus [Internet]. 2023 Aug 18 [cited 2025 Jan 6]; Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10505831/
2.Sherif Azab, Ayman Osama, Rafaat M. Does normalizing PSA after successful treatment of chronic prostatitis with high PSA value exclude prostatic biopsy? PubMed [Internet]. 2012 Sep 1 [cited 2025 Jan 6];1(3):148–52. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4708243/
3.Deem SG. Acute Bacterial Prostatitis Workup: Approach Considerations, Urine Studies, Serum PSA Levels [Internet]. Medscape.com. Medscape; 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/2002872-workup?form=fpf
4.NIH. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test [Internet]. Cancer.gov. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet
5.123bodyscan. What are Normal PSA Levels by Age? [Internet]. Viascan of Las Colinas – Non-Invasive Preventative Body Scan and Screening Services. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://123bodyscan.com/blog/normal-psa-levels-by-age/
6.Reza HS, Ali Z, Tara H, Ali B. Age-specific reference ranges of prostate-specific antigen in the elderly of Amirkola: A population-based study. Asian journal of urology [Internet]. 2020 Mar 7 [cited 2025 Jan 6];8(2):183–8. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8099648/
7.Goldman R. How to Lower Your PSA Levels Naturally [Internet]. Healthline. Healthline Media; 2017 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/prostate-cancer/advanced-education/naturally-lowering-psa
8.UCI. Is drinking a lot of water good for your prostate? | UC Irvine Health | Department of Urology [Internet]. Uci.edu. 2020 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.urology.uci.edu/is_drinking_a_lot_of_water_good_for_your_prostate.shtml
9.Sherrell Z. How to naturally lower PSA levels [Internet]. Medicalnewstoday.com. Medical News Today; 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/how-to-naturally-lower-psa-levels#exercise
10.Health U. Pelvic Muscle Exercises [Internet]. ucsfhealth.org. UCSF Health; 2022 [cited 2025 Jan 6]. Available from: https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/pelvic-muscle-exercises
11.Narayan P, Hari. Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Tamsulosin for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. Reviews in Urology [Internet]. 2025 [cited 2025 Jan 6];7(Suppl 4):S42. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1477608/
12.Page ST, Hirano L, Gilchriest J, Manjiri Dighe, Amory JK, Marck BT, et al. Dutasteride Reduces Prostate Size and Prostate Specific Antigen in Older Hypogonadal Men With Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy. The Journal of Urology [Internet]. 2011 May 21 [cited 2025 Jan 6];186(1):191–7. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3353656/
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