﻿What is a normal psa level by age?
If you are a man, over the age of 50, you will probably have heard of the PSA test.
The PSA test is a valuable biomarker for the detection of prostate cancer,
but its usefulness can `be limited. A high PSA level can cause much anxiety.
But it is worth being aware that other factors such as age,
prostatitis, and BPH have been shown to elevate PSA levels.
Therefore, a high PSA is not always caused by prostate cancer.
Thus, it is important to make positive lifestyle changes to help improve your prostate health.
In this video we will be discussing what causes PSA to spike, what you can do to lower PSA levels,
and whether there is really such a thing as a ‘normal’ PSA range for men.
(Remember, if you enjoy our video, don't forget to like, share and subscribe!)
*** What is PSA?
PSA is a protease, a group of enzymes that break down proteins
into smaller peptides or amino acids. It is released by the prostate gland,
promoting the movement of sperm. However, a small amount escapes into the bloodstream and can be
used to monitor prostate activity. Healthy men have low levels of serum PSA
but they often elevate in the presence of prostate disorders, including, urinary tract
infections, prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
What is a ‘normal’ PSA level? The definition of physiological PSA
levels remains an active debate. 2.5 ng/mL is safe. 2.6 to 4 ng/mL is safe in most men
but talk with your doctor about other risk factors. 4.0 to 10.0 ng/mL is suspicious.
Although this is not always the case. Men with high PSAs do not always have prostate cancer,
while men with very low PSAs sometimes DO have prostate cancer. The prostate gland increases in
size and produces more PSA as you get older. Note that the American Urological Association
recommends against routine PSA screening in men aged less than 54 years. If your PSA test result
is high for your age or persistently increasing, a prostate biopsy may be recommended.
Your health care provider should consider conditions that can elevate PSA levels before
recommending a prostate biopsy. When it comes to prostate cancer
screening and raising awareness, PSA testing has an important role.
A raised PSA level can be a sign of a problem and a PSA blood
test can help diagnose that problem. However, while the test has its benefits,
it’s also important to remember that it is not always a reliable indicator and should
be followed by other tests, including a rectal exam and multiparametric MRI.
An elevated PSA level is not the cause of these prostate conditions, but only an indicator of the
underlying disease. ***
Enjoyed our video? Then please like, subscribe, and help us get to 100,000 subscribers!
Lifestyle changes are still the most effective way to maintain a healthy
prostate and lower your PSA level. If you already have any prostate condition,
you should get immediate treatment to avoid disease progression. Natural antioxidants and
supplements are also useful in lowering your PSA levels and maintaining a healthy prostate.