Womens Health Week – a valuable resource to help you stay informed

September 8, 2023
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This week, one of our specialist GPs, Dr Carol Tung, dedicated her time to researching various women's health topics. With her extensive knowledge of women's health, children's health, sexual and reproductive medicine, and gender-diverse health, Dr. Tung was pleased to recommend some valuable resources based on her findings.

Awareness of the myths surrounding hormones and health is essential, especially during Women's Health Week. Thankfully, a nonprofit organisation called Jean Hailes for Women's Health is here to provide accurate information on period pain, perimenopause, menopause, endometriosis, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and more.

Discover the Facts About PCOS: What You Need to Know for a Healthier Life

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that impacts ovulation and the menstrual cycle.According to an article in The Conversation by Professor Roger Hart, a specialist in Reproductive Medicine at The University of Western Australia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition that impacts ovulation and the menstrual cycle. This condition is prevalent among women in Australia, affecting approximately one in every 12 women.

Women with PCOS often have enlarged ovaries that contain small fluid-filled follicles or cysts. These cysts are where the condition gets its name: polycystic = many cysts.

However, although up to a third of women may have polycystic ovaries seen on an ultrasound, not all have the hormonal problems and physical symptoms that define PCOS.

For women with PCOS, hormonal imbalances cause a number of symptoms such as irregular or absent periods, weight gain, acne, excessive body hair, mood changes, dark patches of skin and thinning head hair.

Because women with PCOS may not ovulate regularly or may not ovulate at all, some women may have difficulties getting pregnant.

While the cause for the hormonal imbalance is unknown, it is believed to have some genetic basis.

Read more: Discover ways to improve your physical and emotional well-being and learn more about PCOS symptoms, causes, and health risks.

3 out of 10 girls skip class because of painful periods. And most won't talk to their teacher about it.

Period pain consult at Manuka Medical Centre

In a nationwide survey, more than one-third of young women said they missed at least one class at school or university in the past three months due to menstrual symptoms, including pain and fatigue.

Over three-quarters of young women said they had problems concentrating due to their period. Around half said they didn't feel like they had performed as well on a test or assignment due to their symptoms.

Three researchers from Western Sydney University, including Mike Armour, Senior Research Fellow, Kathryn Holmes, Professor of Education, and Kelly Ann Parry, Sessional Lecturer, conducted a nationwide online survey. The survey gathered information from 4,202 teenagers and young women in Australia aged 13 to 25 who were either attending school or pursuing tertiary education like university or TAFE. More than half (60%) of the women in our survey said they wouldn't feel comfortable speaking to a teacher or lecturer about how their period affected them.

Read more: The different types of period pain … and what the pain might mean.

Endometriosis can cause mild to severe pain and may affect your fertility

Endometriosis can cause mild to severe pain and may affect your fertility

It's important to know that 90% of young women experience period pain.

There are two types of dysmenorrhoea - primary and secondary. Primary dysmenorrhoea is caused by changes in hormone-like compounds called prostaglandins, while secondary dysmenorrhoea is caused by pelvic problems, with endometriosis being the most common cause. When tissue resembling the lining of the uterus is found outside of it, endometriosis occurs.

This information comes from a post-doctoral research fellow at Western Sydney University named Mike Armour, who wrote an article in The Conversation. Jane Chalmers, a lecturer in physiotherapy at Western Sydney University, and Melissa Parker, a clinician and researcher at the Canberra Endometriosis Centre, ACT Health, also contributed to the article.

Read more: Got endometriosis? Experts answer your top questions.

What is menopause?

Menopause treatment at Manuka Medical Centre

In an article for The Conversation, Yvonne Middlewick, a nurse and lecturer at Edith Cowan University, explains that menopause refers to the point when a woman permanently stops menstruating, which is medically determined to be one year after her final period. Once this milestone is reached, women are considered to be postmenopausal.

The average age of "natural menopause" (not caused by a medical condition, treatment or surgery) is around 51 years.

However, natural menopause does not occur suddenly. Changes can begin some years before periods stop and most often occur in a woman's 40s, but they can be earlier. Changes can continue for 10 years or more after periods have stopped.

Using hormones such as the oral contraceptive pill or hormone intrauterine devices may make it more difficult to determine when changes start.

Menopause before 45 is called "early menopause", while menopause before 40 is called "premature menopause".

Read more: Get the facts on perimenopause and menopause.
Fortunately, there are many knowledgeable doctors out there who are passionate about women's health, children's health, sexual/reproductive medicine, and gender-diverse health. One such doctor is Dr Tung, who enjoys all aspects of general practice and is particularly skilled in these areas. By working with a doctor like Dr Tung, you can ensure that you're getting the best possible care and advice to help you achieve your health goals.
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