What are BPH biomarkers

BPH biomarkers are measurable signals in blood that come from the prostate and mirror how large and active the gland has become with benign overgrowth. The core marker is prostate‑specific antigen (PSA), a protein made by prostate lining cells that normally stays inside prostate ducts and semen; when the gland enlarges or its lining turns over faster, more leaks into the bloodstream. Tests that look at PSA and its related forms—free PSA (unbound PSA), precursor PSA (proPSA, especially [-2]proPSA), and human kallikrein 2 (hK2)—capture different facets of prostate biology (kallikrein‑related peptidases). Together they reflect gland volume, ductal integrity, and secretory activity, giving a biochemical readout of BPH rather than just symptom scores. No single blood marker “proves” BPH, but patterns in these prostate‑derived proteins help separate benign enlargement from other prostate conditions, indicate when more evaluation may be useful, and provide a simple way to track the gland’s behavior over time. Hormone signals that drive growth (androgens such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone) are related context but are not prostate‑specific biomarkers.

Why is blood testing for BPH important?

• Gauge prostate health and cancer risk using total and free PSA levels.
• Clarify BPH versus cancer when PSA is borderline by using percent free PSA.
• Spot larger prostate size, since higher PSA often reflects greater gland volume.
• Guide need for MRI or biopsy by combining PSA, free PSA, and age.
• Track disease trend with PSA velocity to flag progression versus stable BPH.
• Monitor BPH therapy; 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors often halve PSA after six months.
• Explain confounders: infection, ejaculation, cycling, or recent exam can temporarily raise PSA.
• Best interpreted with symptoms, digital exam, prostate size, and age‑specific ranges.

What insights will I get?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common, non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can affect urinary, reproductive, and overall metabolic health, especially as men age. At Superpower, we assess BPH risk and status by measuring two key blood biomarkers: PSA Total and Free PSA. These markers help us understand how the prostate is functioning and whether its growth is stable or showing signs of abnormality, which can impact energy, urinary flow, and even aspects of cardiovascular and immune system health.

PSA Total (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced by both normal and enlarged prostate tissue. Free PSA refers to the fraction of PSA circulating in the blood that is not bound to other proteins. In BPH, both PSA Total and Free PSA can be elevated, but the ratio between them helps distinguish benign enlargement from more concerning conditions like prostate cancer. A higher proportion of Free PSA relative to Total PSA is more typical of BPH, while a lower ratio may warrant further investigation.

Stable and healthy prostate function is reflected by PSA levels that remain within an expected range for age and by a Free-to-Total PSA ratio that supports a benign process. These markers, when interpreted together, provide insight into the balance and integrity of prostate tissue, helping to monitor for changes that could affect urinary and systemic health.

It’s important to note that PSA levels can be influenced by age, recent ejaculation, prostate manipulation, infections, and certain medications. Laboratory methods and reference ranges may also vary, so results are best interpreted in context with clinical history and other findings.