In a nutshell
This study investigated the effects of statin treatment on benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Statins were found to significantly reduce prostate size and improve urinary symptoms.
Some background
Statins, such as simvastatin (Zocor) and atorvastatin (Lipitor), are common drugs used to reduce cholesterol levels. Updated guidelines by the American Heart Association recommend that statins be taken by adults with an increased risk for cardiovascular events (heart or blood vessel disease, such as heart attacks or strokes). Obesity, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, high triglyceride levels, smoking and diabetes, are all common risk factors for such events.
Although the exact cause for BPH remains unknown, recent studies have suggested a link between risk factors for cardiovascular events and prostate disease. Therefore, researchers theorized that statin treatment may be of benefit in the treatment of BPH.
Methods & findings
124 patients participated in this study. Men were randomly assigned to receive simvastatin (43 men), atorvastatin (40 men), or a placebo (control group, 41 men), for 12 months. Cholesterol and sugar levels, prostate-specific antigen (PSA, a protein used to estimate prostate growth), prostate size, BPH symptoms, and indicators of inflammation (such as IL-6 and CRP, measured by blood tests), were tested before and after treatment.
Total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and inflammation marker (CRP and IL-6) levels were all decreased with statin treatment compared to placebo. Prostate size and patient reported BPH symptoms were also reduced with statin treatment. Patients who received simvastatin showed greater prostate size reduction than those receiving atorvastatin. The decrease in prostate size with statins was more significant in obese patients than in the normal weight patients.
The bottom line
Researchers concluded that statins significantly reduce prostate size, improve urinary symptoms, and slow the progression of BPH.
The fine print
The exact mechanism by which statins affect BPH has not been clarified, and further research is needed.
What’s next?
Consult with your physician on the potential risks and benefits of statin treatment.
Published By :
World Journal of Urology
Date :
Dec 01, 2015
Has there been any study comparing statins for this purpose to such drugs like Flomax/Tamsulosin with regard to side effects?
Also, were these patients receiving statins on any other medication (e.g.: Flomax, etc.)?
Has it been proven? I dont know much about this topic, the only knowledge I have is based on my own experience. I suffered of bph for years, my symptoms were ED and frequent urination , I tried with some remedies but none of them helped me so i chose to get help from an urologist, he explained me it was normal in most of men that are my age (53), and prescribed me alpharise for my prostate, also told me I needed to lose some weight and quit smoking, I followed his instructions and got nice results.
I had to stop taking my simvastatin for 3 months while I took a medication to cure hepatitis C. During those 3 months, I quickly started having BPH symptoms. I asked the doctors that told me to stop taking the statins while taking the Hep C treatment drug if the Hep C drug could’ve caused these sudden symptoms during those 3 months. I was told no. See a Urologist. Then I googled it and discovered that statins can reduce swelling of prostate. I’m hoping it was stopping the statins that allowed BPH symptoms. Doctors should’ve been able to make that connection. They’re not paid to care.
i’ve been taking statin ( XPlendid 20 mg ) since the last 8 months and found improvement in my bph symptoms.I wake up once in the night and my urine flow is strong. Is it due to ststin medication?