What It Measures
Measures the total amount of prostate-specific antigen in the blood, including both free (unbound) and complexed (protein-bound) forms. PSA is produced almost exclusively by prostate tissue, so elevated levels indicate increased prostate cell activity from cancer, enlargement, inflammation, or other prostate conditions.
Total PSA is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. It is the primary blood-based screening tool for prostate cancer and is also used to monitor prostate health, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis.
Current Value
What High Means
Elevated total PSA may indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis (prostate infection/inflammation), recent ejaculation, vigorous exercise (especially cycling), urinary tract infection, or recent prostate procedures (biopsy, DRE). PSA rises with age due to natural prostate enlargement. Values above 4.0 ng/mL traditionally trigger further workup, though cancer can exist at lower levels. Very high values (>10 ng/mL) carry roughly 50% probability of prostate cancer.
Possible Symptoms
Elevated PSA itself is asymptomatic. However, the underlying conditions causing elevation may present with: difficulty urinating, weak or interrupted urine stream, frequent urination (especially at night/nocturia), pain or burning during urination, blood in urine or semen, pain in the back/hips/pelvis, erectile dysfunction, painful ejaculation.
What Low Means
Low PSA levels are generally favorable and suggest low prostate cancer risk. Very low levels (<0.5 ng/mL) may be seen after radical prostatectomy (expected), with 5-alpha reductase inhibitor use (finasteride/dutasteride which artificially lower PSA by ~50%), or in individuals with naturally smaller prostate glands. Extremely low PSA in someone not on medication is typically reassuring.
Possible Symptoms
Low PSA does not cause symptoms. It is generally a marker of good prostate health.
Risk Factors
Prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, family history of prostate cancer (especially BRCA2 carriers), African American descent (higher risk), obesity, age over 50, exposure to Agent Orange, high-fat diet, sedentary lifestyle, sexually transmitted infections.
Actionable Advice
Supplements
- •Saw Palmetto
- •Lycopene
- •Green Tea Extract (EGCG)
- •Zinc
- •Vitamin D3
- •Pygeum Africanum
- •Beta-Sitosterol
- •Stinging Nettle Root
- •Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- •Selenium
- •Pomegranate Extract
- •Boswellia
Diet & Lifestyle
- •Eat a diet rich in cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale) and tomatoes (cooked for lycopene)
- •Maintain a healthy weight — obesity is associated with higher PSA and more aggressive prostate cancer
- •Exercise regularly (150+ min/week moderate activity) — associated with lower PSA and reduced prostate cancer risk
- •Limit red and processed meat consumption
- •Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids from fish or supplementation
- •Avoid prolonged cycling before PSA testing (can transiently elevate levels)
- •Abstain from ejaculation for 48 hours before PSA blood draw for accurate results
- •Limit alcohol consumption
- •Manage stress — chronic inflammation may contribute to elevated PSA
- •Get screened regularly starting at age 45 (or 40 if high-risk: family history or African American descent)
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Historical Trend
Related Biomarkers
Resources & Studies
All Readings
| Date | Value | Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-08-25 | 0.5 ng/mL | +0.1 |
| 2025-06-27 | 0.4 ng/mL | — |