Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein the prostate produces from both normal and abnormal cells.
The prostate is amale reproductive organthat produces and transports reproductive fluid.
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What Is a PSA Test?
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The PSA test is not a routine lab test for most people.
PSA testing typically begins around age 55.
In higher-risk individuals, PSA screening may begin as early as 40.
Anabnormal PSA leveldoes not always mean something is wrong.
Age, race, and taking certain medications can impact PSA levels.
It is important to be aware of which medications have the potential to increase PSA levels.
Falsely elevated PSA levels can indicate that there is a problem with the prostate when there isn’t.
It is important to be aware of medications that can increase PSA levels.
Betamethasone
Betamethasone is acorticosteroid medication.It is available in oral, topical, transdermal, and injectable formulations.
It treats symptoms associated with several skin conditions.
Androgens are a class ofsex hormones, withtestosteronebeing the most prominent androgen.
Changes in PSA levels may also occur in people taking betamethasone orally (by mouth).
Testosterone is involved in several processes throughout the body.
People with lower initial testosterone levels are more likely to experience increases in PSA.
However, clinical trials and research have failed to provide a definitive link between the cancer and the therapy.
What Is Considered a High PSA Level?
Your provider will be able to interpret your PSA results.
In general, a PSA level is considered normal if it is less than 4 ng/mL.
It is important to note that even PSA levels considered to be high are not diagnostic.
It is possible to have what is considered a normal PSA and still have prostate problems.
Conversely, high PSA levels do not necessarily mean there is something wrong with the prostate.
The following medications can lower PSA levels:
5-ARIs
5-ARIs are commonly taken over long periods to treat BPH.
Statins
Statins help lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease risk in high-risk people.
They have been associated with up to a 13% decrease in PSA levels when used long-term.
Other statins were not associated with notable PSA changes.
Thiazide Diuretics
Thiazide diuretics are taken to lower blood pressure.
They are also associated with lowering PSA levels by more than 20% with long-term use.
Taking a thiazide diuretic with a statin resulted in the largest difference in PSA levels.
This combination of medications is not uncommon and may warrant clinical consideration when evaluating PSA results.
NSAIDs
NSAIDs are commonly taken as pain and fever reducers.
This can aid in their assessment of your prostate health.
Summary
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate.
PSA testing usually begins around age 55 but may begin sooner for high-risk individuals.
The PSA test is a screening tool and should not be used for diagnosis.
If your PSA is elevated, the lab may be repeated, or additional imaging may be required.
A PSA level of less than 4 ng/mL is typically considered normal.
However, having an elevated PSA does not necessarily mean something is wrong.
In some cases, taking certain medications can affect how high or low your levels are.
Betamethasone and testosterone replacement therapy, for example, have been shown to increase PSA levels.
This means you should tell your healthcare provider if you take these medications before PSA testing.
National Cancer Institute.Anatomy of the prostate.
National Cancer Institute.Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
MedlinePlus.Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
American Cancer Society.Screening tests for prostate cancer.
