By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
November, or “Movember” has come to be known as men’s health month where men grow facial hair in solidarity and support of men’s health. For most men, one of the primary concerns as they age is the health of their prostate gland. As men age, the size of the prostate gland naturally increases. In some men, the rate of growth is higher than what is normally expected especially in the cells of the prostate that surround the urethra (the tube that allows urine to flow out of the body). If this growth is not cancerous, it is considered benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH will not metastasize (i.e., spread) to other parts of the body and is not usually a concern unless it causes symptoms such as difficulty passing urine, frequent urination (especially at night), difficulty initiating urination, weak urine stream, and/or leakage (incontinence). Although BPH is not a risk factor for prostate cancer, the Canadian Cancer Society does recommend that men speak with their doctors about the need for prostate cancer screening after the age of 50 (earlier for those men with other risk factors). Men experiencing symptoms of BPH should speak with their doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and to see if medications are necessary.
Testicular cancer is another big concern. Although it is not a common cancer, it is the most common in men under 40 years of age. There are no standard or routine screening tests so the best way to catch it early is for men to do self-exams or to allow their physicians to perform routine physical exams. The good news is testicular cancer is usually curable at any stage of the disease.
Men have historically been expected to be stoic and not show the world that they are undergoing any type of struggle, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological. It is reported that 840,000 men in Canada are affected by depression and of the 4000 suicides reported in Canada per year, 75% are men. It is important than we all realize depression (and other psychological concerns) can happen to anyone, regardless of age or gender. Realizing the issue and seeking help as early as possible is key to ensure physical safety and psychological well-being.
Regardless of what type of health issue may be of concern, make sure to get yourself or your loved one in touch with a primary healthcare provider as soon as possible. Along with the proper diagnosis, natural supplements can play a role in a comprehensive treatment plan. Consider formulations such as PROSTATE PERFORM from New Roots Herbal that contain Saw Palmetto and Rye. Saw Palmetto’s active constituents have been found to inhibit the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which might reduce prostate growth and thus BPH symptoms. Rye has also shown efficacy in reducing symptoms of BPH by interfering with hormonal binding that is related to accelerated growth of prostate cells. TESTO MATRIX from Cyto Matrix contains KSM-66® ashwagandha, which is indicated for reducing stress and cortisol levels, supporting memory and cognition, and improving testosterone levels. It also contains saffron to help improve mood, cognition, erectile function and libido in males.
Come speak with your Integrative Pharmacist at our Pharmasave locations in Cloverdale and Steveston Village to see if this product is right for you or your loved one.
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Find them on Instagram and Facebook! Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
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