The Role of Hormonal Changes in the Development of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Mini Review

Bwanbale Geoffrey David

Faculty of Pharmacy Kampala International University Uganda

ABSTRACT

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a prevalent condition among aging males, characterized by the nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate gland, which can significantly impact the quality of life through urinary symptoms and complications. The etiology of BPH is multifactorial, with hormonal changes playing a central role in its pathogenesis. This review explores the intricate relationship between hormonal fluctuations, including testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), estrogen, and prolactin, and the development of BPH. Evidence suggests that androgenic hormones, particularly DHT, drive prostate growth by activating signaling pathways that enhance cell proliferation and inhibit apoptosis. The interplay between estrogen and androgen receptors further modulates prostate tissue remodeling. Additionally, age-related alterations in hormone levels, such as declining testosterone and increasing estrogen-to-androgen ratios, contribute to the pathological changes observed in BPH. This article also discusses the role of systemic hormones like insulin and leptin in prostate stromal-epithelial interactions. Understanding the hormonal underpinnings of BPH provides insights into therapeutic approaches targeting hormonal pathways for disease management and highlights areas for future research.

Keywords: benign prostatic hyperplasia, hormonal changes, dihydrotestosterone, estrogen, androgen receptor, prostate growth

CITE AS: Bwanbale Geoffrey David. (2025). The Role of Hormonal Changes in the Development of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: A Mini Review. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY, 6(1):141-145.  https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2025/61141145