Medical Services
General Health
General practice is a branch of medicine that provides comprehensive primary healthcare services to individuals of all ages and genders.
General practitioners (GPs), also known as family doctors or primary care physicians, are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions, offer preventive care and health promotion, manage ongoing medical issues, and coordinate referrals to specialists when needed. They serve as the first point of contact for patients seeking medical care and provide continuity of care by building long-term relationships with their patients.
General practice encompasses a broad spectrum of medical services, including routine check-ups, immunizations, management of chronic diseases, minor surgical procedures, and counseling on lifestyle modifications for overall health and well-being.
Menopause and Menopause Hormone Therapy (MHT)
Menopause is a natural biological process that begins 12months after your last period. This typically happens between 45 to 55 years old. It is caused by the loss of ovarian function and the lack of estrogen production. However, symptoms can start years before menopause and this is called perimenopause.
Symptoms include:
- Hot flushes
- Poor sleep
- Night sweats
- Brain fog
- Weight gain
- Dry skin and itch
- Low sexual drive
- Dryness in vagina and painful sexual intercourse
- Mental health (mood swings, irritability, anxious feelings, depressed mood, tearfulness, feelings of unloved etc)
Not all women require medications to manage their symptoms. For those who do, there are hormonal and non hormonal medications to consider. It is best to discuss with your health care professional to decide which option would suit you best.
Menopause also marks the start of the decline in our bone and cardiovascular health. Menopause hormone therapy (MHT) has now been proven to be beneficial in protection of bone health and against cardiovascular disease. This is especially important in women who experience menopause prematurely before the age of 45.
For more information, please refer to the Australian Menopause Society or Jean Hailes website.
https://hub.menopause.org.au/channel/resourcesforconsumers/IntroductiontoMenopause
Cervical Screening Test (CST)
The Cervical Screening Test (previously known as a pap smear) is a simple process that looks for signs of the human papillomavirus (HPV) – a common infection that causes most cervical cancers. Most cases of HPV clear up on their own, however, sometimes it can develop into cancer.
Women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 74 years of age are invited to have a Cervical Screening Test every 5 years. And if eligible, they can have the choice to self-collect their own Cervical Screening Test sample.
For more information, please refer to the National Cervical Screening program.
https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-cervical-screening-program
Contraception – Mirena & Implanon
Contraception methods such as Mirena and Implanon are long-acting, reversible birth control options for women.
Mirena is an intrauterine device (IUD) that releases a small amount of the hormone levonorgestrel into the uterus, which thickens cervical mucus, thins the uterine lining, and inhibits sperm movement. It is effective for up to 5 years and is highly reliable at preventing pregnancy.
Implanon is a small, flexible rod that is inserted under the skin of the upper arm and releases the hormone etonogestrel. This hormone works similarly to levonorgestrel to prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. Implanon is effective for up to 3 years.
Both Mirena and Implanon are considered highly effective forms of contraception, with failure rates of less than 1%. They are convenient options for women who want long-term birth control without the need for daily pill-taking. Additionally, both methods are reversible, meaning fertility returns shortly after removal.
Sexual Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction refers to a variety of difficulties that can occur during any stage of the sexual response cycle, preventing an individual or couple from experiencing sexual satisfaction. These difficulties may manifest as problems with desire, arousal, orgasm, or pain during sexual activity.
Common types of sexual dysfunction include:
- Erectile dysfunction (difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection)
- Premature ejaculation (ejaculating too quickly)
- Delayed ejaculation (difficulty ejaculating despite adequate stimulation)
- Female sexual arousal disorder (difficulty becoming sexually aroused or maintaining arousal)
- Hypoactive sexual desire disorder (lack of interest in sexual activity)
- Painful intercourse (dyspareunia or vaginismus)
Fertility Issues
Fertility issues refer to difficulties experienced by individuals or couples when trying to conceive a child. These issues may involve challenges with conception, maintaining a pregnancy, or carrying a pregnancy to term. Common causes of fertility issues include:
- Ovulation disorders: Problems with ovulation, such as irregular menstrual cycles or failure to ovulate, can make it difficult for women to conceive.
- Tubal factors: Blockages or damage to the fallopian tubes can interfere with the fertilization of the egg by sperm or the transportation of the fertilized egg to the uterus.
- Uterine factors: Abnormalities in the uterus, such as fibroids or polyps, can affect implantation or the ability of the uterus to support a pregnancy.
Breast Checks
Breast checks refer to the process of examining the breasts for any abnormalities or changes that may indicate breast health concerns, such as breast cancer or benign breast conditions. These checks can be performed by individuals themselves through self-examinations or by healthcare providers during clinical breast exams.
During a breast check, individuals or healthcare providers may:
- visually inspect the breasts for changes in size, shape, or symmetry
- palpate (feel) the breasts and surrounding areas for lumps, thickening, or other abnormalities
- examine the nipples for changes in appearance, such as inversion or discharge
- assess the axillary (underarm) lymph nodes for any swelling or tenderness
PELVIC PAIN
Chronic pelvic pain affects one in five women. Unfortunately, it is often a topic that remains unspoken, and many women may wait years before receiving an assessment. The good news is that pelvic pain can be improved through effective management. Typically, a team approach is best, involving a general practitioner, physiotherapist, gynecologist, pain specialist, and psychologist.
Useful Resources
For more information and support, visit: Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia
Perimenopause
Perimenopause refers to the transition period leading up to menopause and lasts until one year after your final period. During this time, hormone levels fluctuate, which can result in changes to your menstrual cycle and the onset of menopausal symptoms, as well as symptoms similar to premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
Useful Resource:
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
PMS encompasses psychological, emotional, and physical symptoms that occur in the weeks leading up to your period and typically resolve with its onset. While PMS can manifest at any age from puberty to menopause, it is more prevalent in women in their late 30s to early 40s. Diagnosis is not determined through blood tests; instead, keeping a diary or using a menstrual app for 2-3 months can help identify patterns in your symptoms.
Consider discussing your symptoms with your doctor, as there are many effective treatment options available.
Useful Resources:
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
PCOS is a common hormonal condition affecting approximately 1 in 10 women. Symptoms may include irregular or infrequent periods, increased facial or body hair, acne, and difficulty with weight management.
Useful Resource: