Benign prostatic hypertrophy: Analysis and homeopathic treatment

Abstract

Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a common ailment in older men, causing both obstructive and irritative urinary symptoms. Proper diagnosis and follow-up is important as the consequences of undiagnosed prostate cancer and possible resulting renal failure can be dire. The pathophysiology diagnosis and conventional treatment of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) are discussed. Homeopathic treatment can offer significant relief to men suffereing the symptoms of BPH; it can also result in a lowering of elevated and/or accelerating PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels. The cases of eight patients with BPH from Der. Weinstein's practice are discussed, most of whom benefited from his homeopathic treatment. The more common remedies employed in the treatment of BPH include: Baryta carbonica, Mercurius vivus, Sulphur(iodatum), Thuja, Aurum Muriaticum, Chimaphila umbellata, Conium, Ferrum picricum, Iodum, Nitric acid, Pulsatilla nigricans, Sabal Serrulata, Senecio aureus and staphysagria. Brief material medica descriptions of several of these remedies are discussed. Dr. Weinstein asserts that a consideration of the local prostatic/urinary symptoms in addition to more constitutional symptoms is important when homeopathically analyzing these cases.