PSA, Total
Routine annualalso prostate-specific antigen
What it isPSA is an enzyme produced almost exclusively by prostate cells. Small amounts leak into the bloodstream normally; more leaks when the prostate is inflamed, enlarged, or has cancer.
DoesLiquefies semen physiologically; serves as a tumor marker for prostate cancer.
GoodA low, stable PSA tracks the absence of clinically significant prostate cancer.
BadRising or elevated PSA flags benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, or prostate cancer. PSA velocity and density add specificity beyond the single number.
- Standard
- <4.0 ng/mL.
- Optimal
- 0–1.0 ng/mL in 40s, 0–1.5 ng/mL in 50s (lower is good)
- Modifiers
- Rises with age, ejaculation within 48 hours, prostate manipulation, cycling, infection; lowered by 5α-reductase inhibitors (multiply by 2).
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Maintain sexual activity; Zone 2 cardio; weight loss; quit smoking; avoid cycling 2 days before testing.
- Diet
- Cut saturated fat and dairy in some; lycopene-rich foods (cooked tomatoes); cruciferous vegetables.
- Supplements
- Lycopene (10–20mg/day), vitamin D3, omega-3 EPA+DHA (2–4g/day), curcumin (500mg 2×/day), saw palmetto for BPH.
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- Finasteride/dutasteride lower PSA ~50% (adjust accordingly); tamsulosin for BPH symptoms.
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
within Men's Hormones