Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Causes and Risk Factors
Risk Factor
BPH is a condition of aging. Nearly all men over the age of 50 have an enlarged prostate.
What Causes Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia?
The cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia is unknown. It is possible that the condition is associated with hormonal changes that occur as men age. The testes produce the hormone testosterone, which is converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (estrogen) in certain tissues. High levels of dihydrotestosterone, a testosterone derivative involved in prostate growth, may accumulate and cause hyperplasia. How and why levels of DHT increase remains a subject of research.
