Q My husband is in his early fifties and just recently has been waking through the night to use the lavatory. He says he finds it hard to urinate and feels as though he's not emptying his bladder properly. Could he have a prostate disorder?

A YES, it does sound as if he might. Prostate disorders are much more common than most people think, affecting over 50 per cent of men over the age of 50 and almost all men over the age of 80.

A walnut-sized gland located below the bladder, the prostate surrounds the urethra which drains the bladder. As men get older, the prostate gland starts to enlarge, slowly squashing the urethra and reducing the amount of space available for urine to pass through.

Your husband probably has Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or enlargement of the prostate, which is caused by an over-production of the growth-stimulating hormone DHT, found in testosterone.

Although uncomfortable, enlargement of the prostate is not life-threatening. You do, however, need to rule out the possibility of prostate cancer. Both disorders can cause the symptoms you have mentioned plus others such as a weak urinary stream, blood in the urine and pain or discomfort in the urinary tract. Do get an official diagnosis from your GP, if only to put your minds at rest.

For enlargement symptoms there are several natural alternatives that can help. One that has been used for centuries is Saw Palmetto, an American Saw Palm found exclusively in Florida.

The Saw Palm contains precious berries which the Native Americans used to help with prostate enlargement, bladder infections and stubborn coughs. Today, however, these oily berries are heavily documented for their ability to reduce prostate enlargement. In sufficient quantities, they contain enough essential fatty acids and plant sterols to help inhibit the production of DHT.

According to recent research, A. Vogel Saw Palmetto Capsules can help to reduce enlargement symptoms by up to 42 per cent in just eight weeks.

The study, involving 367 men, also found that these extra oily capsules - each one contains the equivalent of two to three Saw Palmetto berries - can even help with severe enlargement symptoms.

However, men taking prescribed medicines for hormone adjustment should consult their GP before embarking on any alternative course of treatment. Likewise, passing blood should always be checked by your doctor.

* Mike Barker, The Health Food Warehouse, Post House Wynd, Darlington