PSA levels after 50 can rise or fall for several reasons besides cancer. Here are 5 factors, plus questions to bring to your doctor.
PSA Levels After 50: 5 Things That Can Affect Them
If your PSA is elevated or trending upward, here is what can influence your PSA levels and what to ask your doctor.
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. According to the National Cancer Institute, it is a protein produced by normal as well as malignant cells of the prostate gland. That is why PSA levels can change for several reasons, and why a single number rarely tells the whole story.
Important context: This article is for informational purposes only. If your PSA is elevated, work with your physician to find the cause. Do not start, stop or change any medicine or supplement without talking to your healthcare provider.
What PSA Levels Actually Measure
The PSA test measures how much of this protein is circulating in your blood. Mayo Clinic explains that PSA is produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate.
The NCI notes that there is no single threshold that separates a normal from an abnormal PSA result. A level above 4.0 ng/mL has traditionally been considered abnormal, but doctors may adjust this based on age and medication use. Mayo Clinic likewise says there is no specific cutoff point between a normal and an abnormal PSA level.
| Factor | Effect on PSA | What the source says |
|---|---|---|
| BPH (enlarged prostate) | Can raise | Named by both NCI and Mayo Clinic as a noncancer cause of higher PSA |
| Prostatitis | Can raise | An inflamed or infected prostate can raise PSA (NCI, Mayo Clinic) |
| Age | Rises normally | Mayo Clinic notes PSA levels normally increase with age |
| Finasteride or dutasteride | Can lower | NCI says these BPH medicines lower PSA, so doctors apply adjusted cutoffs |
| Obesity | Can lower | Mayo Clinic notes obesity can lower PSA levels |
5 Things That Can Affect PSA Levels After 50
These are the factors that come up most often when doctors look at PSA levels. Which ones apply to you is a question for your healthcare provider.
PSA is one piece of information. Your doctor looks at the number together with your age, medicines, symptoms and trend over time.
Everyday Habits and Prostate Health
Habits cannot replace a medical evaluation of your PSA levels, but they are part of overall prostate health. Here is what reliable sources say.
Exercise and Weight
Mayo Clinic states that obesity raises the risk of BPH and that exercise can help lower the risk. Walking, swimming or resistance training are simple places to start, and your healthcare provider can help you choose a safe routine.
Zinc and Magnesium Intake
The NIH Office of Dietary Supplements lists a recommended daily intake of zinc for men of 11 mg and an upper limit of 40 mg a day for adults. The NIH lists almonds, seeds and spinach among magnesium sources, and gives a supplemental upper limit of 350 mg a day. Food is a good first source for both minerals.
Supplements and Your PSA Results
PSA is used to monitor prostate health, so tell your doctor about any supplement you take. NCCIH notes, for example, that ashwagandha has been linked to rare cases of liver injury and may interact with medicines for diabetes, blood pressure and thyroid conditions.
Good to know: If you are curious about a nutritional formula designed for prostate support, read the full label on the official page and bring it to your next appointment.
Questions to Ask Your Doctor About PSA Levels
Mayo Clinic suggests talking with your doctor about the benefits and risks before a PSA test. These questions can help you get the most from the visit:
- When will my PSA results be discussed with me?
- What recommendations might follow an elevated result?
- How often should my PSA be retested?
- Could any of my medicines, such as finasteride or dutasteride, be changing my PSA?
- Do my symptoms point to BPH or prostatitis, and how can we check?
Important reminder: If your physician recommends a biopsy or further testing based on your PSA results, follow that guidance. Nothing on this page is a substitute for medical care when medical care is indicated.
Related Reading
Learn More About ProstaVive’s Ingredients
ProstaVive is a powder supplement with 15 listed ingredients per scoop, including zinc, magnesium, ashwagandha and panax ginseng. The official page shows the full label.
180-day guarantee on the official page · Check with your healthcare provider first
This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The statements on this page have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. ProstaVive is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen, especially if you have a pre-existing medical condition or are taking prescription medications. PSA testing and interpretation should always be done in consultation with a qualified physician. This page contains affiliate links — if you purchase through them, we may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.