Women's Health Archives - Illawarra Medical Centre

Australia helping lead the charge to eliminate cervical cancer

walrus — Tue, 18 Nov 2025 04:57:53 +0000

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer in women globally. In Australia, around 800 women are diagnosed annually.

The World Health Organization has put a strategy in place to help eliminate cervical cancer as a public health problem globally. Australia is at the forefront of this fight and has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the world.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at cervical cancer and how Australia is helping lead the charge to eliminate the disease.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer occurs when abnormal cells grow in the lining of the cervix.

The cervix forms part of the female reproductive system and functions to help produce moisture to lubricate the vagina and mucus to help sperm travel to the fallopian tube. It also serves to hold a developing baby in the uterus during pregnancy. During childbirth, it widens to allow the baby to pass down into the birth canal.

There are two types of cervical cancer, which are named after the type of cells that they originate from:

Squamous cell carcinoma – the most common type of cervical cancer, accounting for up to 90% of all cases.
Adenocarcinoma – less common and originating from the glandular cells. It generally starts higher in the cervix, making it more difficult to detect.

The good news is that cervical cancer can be cured if it is diagnosed early and treated straight away.

Symptoms

Precancerous changes in cervical cells rarely cause symptoms. However, once these cell changes develop into cervical cancer, common early symptoms will include:

unexpected vaginal bleeding – such as between periods, after menopause, or after sex
heavier and longer periods than normal
unusual vaginal discharge
pain in the pelvis region
pain during sex

Once cervical cancer becomes more advanced, people may also experience fatigue, leg pain or swelling, and lower back pain.

Risk Factors

Most cases of cervical cancer occur after an infection of the human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is very common and affects both males and females, with 4 out of 5 people experiencing the virus at some stage in their lives. It is usually passed on during sexual contact.

Most people who get HPV will have no symptoms or implications form the virus. However, for others, it can cause changes in the cervix over time and lead to cancer.

Other risk factors for cervical cancer include:

smoking and passive smoking
a weakened immune system
if your mother was prescribed diethylstilbestrol (DES) – an artificial form of the female hormone oestrogen often given during pregnancy between 1939 and 1971.

Treatment for cervical cancer will depend on the stage at which the disease is at and may include surgery, a cone biopsy, hysterectomy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or palliative care.

Australia’s approach to eliminating cervical cancer

Australia has one of the lowest rates of the disease in the world, thanks to proactive health strategies aimed at eliminating the disease.

In 1991, Australia first introduced its National Cervical Screening Program, which offered a free pap smear test every two years to women aged 18 to 70. In 2017, the pap smear test was replaced with the new Cervical Screening Test. Now women aged 25-74 are tested every five years for the presence of HPV, which is the main cause of cervical cancer.

Since 2022, cervical screening participants have been given the option to screen using either a self-collected vaginal sample or a clinician-collected sample. Both of these options are accessed through a healthcare provider.

In conjunction with the Cervical Screening Program, the Australian Government also introduced the free National HPV Vaccination Program in 2007 for girls, in a bid to reduce HPV-related cancers in Australia.

From 2013, boys were included in the program to reduce rates of penile and anal cancers in men, which can also result from persistent HPV infection.

Almost all Australian schools currently participate in the program, which sees the HPV Gardasil^®9 vaccine offered to girls and boys in Year 8 through the National Immunisation Program. The vaccine is targeted specifically to this age group, as it has proved to be most effective before people become sexually active.

Australia’s approach to eliminating cervical cancer is having a positive impact, with a recent report from Australia’s NHMRC-funded Centre of Research Excellence in Cervical Cancer Control highlighting that 75% of eligible women are up-to-date with cervical screening and have had a HPV test within five years. This means that Australia is well on its way to meeting the World Health Organization’s 2030 target for cervical screening of 70% of women screened a minimum of twice in a lifetime by 2030.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare notes that cervical cancer incidence rates have also noticeably decreased since the introduction of the vaccine program. Incidence rates have fallen from 9.3 cases per 100,000 females in 2013 to an estimated 0.5 in 2025. In addition, age-standardised mortality rates for cervical cancer decreased from 3.2 deaths per 100,000 females in 2000 to an estimated 1.8 deaths in 2025.

This vaccination program, combined with the National Cancer Screening Program, is significantly helping to reduce the risk of cervical cancer across Australia.

It’s important to remember, however, that you still need to undertake regular cervical screenings to protect yourself against cervical cancer, even if you have had the HPV vaccine.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we are able to offer our patients both cervical screenings and immunisation for all vaccinations that form part of the National Immunisation Program Schedule, including the HPV vaccine.

To make an appointment with us, simply book online or contact us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation – https://accf.org.au/
Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Aging – https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/national-cervical-screening-program?language=en
Cancer Australia – https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/cancer-types/cervical-cancer
Cancer Council – https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/cervical-cancer
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cervical-cancer
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Cervical-screening
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/ovaries-uterus/gynaecological-cancers-ovaries-and-uterus/cervical-cancer
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cervical-cancer

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Women’s Heart Health

walrus — Tue, 30 Sep 2025 05:42:21 +0000

While cardiovascular disease (CVD) has traditionally been a focus for men’s health, there is growing recognition of heart health as a serious health issue for women – it may just present or be experienced in different ways.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at CVD and the specific risk factors, presentation, treatment and outcomes for women.

What is CVD?

Cardiovascular disease refers to a group of conditions related to the cardiovascular system, which comprises the heart and all the blood vessels that pump and move blood around the body.

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally and include:

Coronary Heart Disease – either angina or heart attack (acute myocardial infarction)
Stroke – either caused by a blockage with a blood clot (called an ischaemic stroke) or the rupturing of a blood vessel and bleeding (called a haemorrhagic stroke)
Peripheral Vascular Disease – obstruction of the large blood vessels that supply blood to the arms and legs.
Acute Rheumatic Fever and Rheumatic Heart Disease – caused by an untreated infection with group A streptococcus bacteria
Congenital Heart Disease – inherited conditions that affect the structure (such as valves) of the heart.

The biggest cause of deaths from cardiovascular disease is the progressive blocking of blood vessels leading to coronary heart disease and stroke.

CVD stats for women

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 19.8 million people died from CVD in 2022, which represents ~32% of all global deaths. Of these deaths, 85% were due to heart attack and stroke.

In Australia, 10 women die every day from a heart attack, and a further 22 women die every day of heart disease. In fact, women die of heart disease at three times the rate of breast cancer.

Indigenous women are up to twice as likely to have CVD, and to die from coronary heart disease or stroke.

The risk of heart problems increases significantly for women once they reach menopause. This is because of the drop in oestrogen levels, which help protect women from heart disease by supporting the flexibility of the blood vessels and arteries enabling them to adjust to support blood flow.

The drop in oestrogen in menopause can also lead to a number of other factors that increase a women’s risk of CVD, including:

higher blood pressure
higher total cholesterol
higher ‘bad’ cholesterol
lower ‘good’ cholesterol
higher blood fats such as triglycerides
excess weight gain, particularly around the stomach

Some studies have suggested that menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may help reduce the risk of CVD for some women.

Symptoms

Studies on cardiovascular disease have traditionally focused on men. As a result, women are often diagnosed and treated for CVD based on research findings about men. What we now know, however, is that the symptoms, risk factors and overall experience of CVD can be quite different for women.

Women tend to develop symptoms at a much later stage of the illness. They are also less likely to experience chest pain and may instead experience other symptoms, including:

discomfort in the neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or abdomen
breathlessness and a general feeling of unwellness
pain, tightness or discomfort in one or both arms
nausea or vomiting
heartburn or indigestion
sweating
light-headedness or dizziness
unusual fatigue

Women are also more likely to have heart attack symptoms when resting, or even when asleep, compared to men.

Prevention

While some risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as age, menopause, and family history, can’t be changed, the majority of risk factors are able to be managed to support good heart health.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is the main key to reducing your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. This includes:

Avoiding smoking – smoking is a major risk factor, with nicotine directly narrowing your blood vessels.
Eating healthy foods – eat a balanced and nutritious diet, avoid processed foods, drink plenty of water, and limit alcohol.
Exercising and moving more – aim for physical activity at least 5 or more days each week.
Maintaining a healthy weight – exercising and eating healthy food will make this easier.
Getting a good night’s sleep – aim for at least 6 hours of sleep each night to help keep you healthy and well-rested.
Managing stress – long-term stress can damage the arteries and worsen other risk factors for CVD. Stress can affect women’s hearts more than men’s, so make sure you take time for self-care and address any issues that are causing you stress.

It’s also important to get regular health checks, including your blood pressure and cholesterol, to look for early signs of conditions that can increase your risk of CVD – particularly if you have a family history of heart disease.

Heart health checks at IMC

Got a health question or concern about your heart health? Book in for a heart health check with us today.

A heart health check will assess your risk of having a heart attack or stroke over the next five years.

To make an appointment, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/cardiovascular-disease-in-women-main/summary
Better Health Victoria – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/heart-disease-and-stroke
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.health.wa.gov.au/Health-conditions/Heart-health-cardiovascular
Heart Foundation – https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/your-heart/heart-conditions-in-women
Heart Research Australia – https://www.heartresearch.com.au/heart-disease/women-and-heart-disease/
Heart Research Institute – https://www.hri.org.au/health/learn/cardiovascular-disease/women-and-heart-disease
Jean Hailes – https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week/whats-on/heart-smart
Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute – https://www.victorchang.edu.au/heart-disease/women
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds)

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New RSV Vaccine for Pregnancy

walrus — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 04:10:52 +0000

Following last year’s introduction of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines for older adults and young children, the Australian Government last month introduced a new, free RSV immunisation program for pregnant women.

RSV is a serious disease for newborn babies and infants. Vaccination during pregnancy allows pregnant women to pass antibodies to their baby through the placenta to better protect this high risk group.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the new maternal RSV program and other recommended vaccines for pregnant women.

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common virus that infects the airways and lungs and commonly causes coughs and colds during winter.

The virus is highly contagious and can spread easily through respiratory droplets released into the air by an infected person coughing, sneezing or talking, or through people touching contaminated surfaces and transferring the virus to their eyes, nose or mouth. It can also spread through hand-to-hand contact with an infected person.

RSV can lead to life-threatening complications, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Those most at risk of serious complications include:

Infants aged 12 months and under – especially those aged 6 months and under.
Children aged 2 years and under with medical conditions, such as chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.
Children aged 2 years and under who were born pre-term or with a low birth weight.

Maternal RSV vaccination program

Up until 2024, there were no vaccines available in Australia to help prevent RSV. In 2024, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) approved a number of vaccines for those most at risk, including a vaccine for adults aged 60 years and over, and one for babies and infants.

Following last year’s successful introduction of the infant vaccine, Nirsevimab (or Beyfortus), the Australian Government recently announced the introduction of the maternal RSV vaccine – Abrysvo^®.

This new vaccine has been made available for free under the National Immunisation Program (NIP) for women who are between 28 to 36 weeks of pregnancy, to help protect their newborn baby from RSV.

How does the maternal RSV vaccine work?

When a pregnant woman receives the maternal RSV vaccine, their immune system produces antibodies against the disease in the first couple of weeks after vaccination. These antibodies are transferred through the placenta to the baby’s bloodstream. The antibodies help protect the infant against RSV from birth.

The process of providing antibodies from mother to baby is a form of passive immunisation and provides protection to the infant for up to 6 months from birth.

The Abrysvo vaccine cannot cause RSV and most side effects experienced are mild. As noted by the WA Government Department of Health, research has shown no difference in the rates of serious adverse events in pregnant women or infants born to pregnant women who receive Abrysvo compared to those who received a placebo.

This vaccine has already been approved for use in the United States of America and research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that, when given to pregnant women, the vaccine was 81.8% effective in preventing severe disease within 90 days of birth and 69.4% effective in preventing severe disease within 180 days of birth.

More information on the maternal RSV vaccination program is available here>>

What other vaccines are recommended during pregnancy?

Other vaccines recommended during pregnancy include ones for influenza and whooping cough – diseases that cause serious harm to pregnant women and their unborn babies. Both of these vaccines are available free to pregnant women through the NIP.

The influenza vaccine is available at any stage of pregnancy. As babies under 6 months are too young to have the vaccine themselves, the best way to protect newborns from influenza is for mothers to have the vaccine during pregnancy.

Similarly, babies do not receive their first whooping cough vaccination until they are six weeks of age. Therefore, the best protection for newborns is for mothers to be vaccinated prior to delivery.

The whooping cough vaccine is recommended for every pregnancy between 20 and 32 weeks, and can be given up to the time of delivery.

This brochure from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care provides further information on recommended vaccines during pregnancy>>

Are vaccines safe?

Yes. Vaccines given in Australia are perfectly safe and you cannot get the virus from having the relevant vaccine.

Like any vaccine, it is possible that some people may experience a reaction; however, the risk of the vaccines causing serious harm is very low. Some people may experience mild side effects, including reactions at the injection site (redness, swelling, and pain where the injection is given), fever and fatigue.

In Australia, all vaccines must pass strict safety testing before being approved for use by the TGA. We also have a national program – AusVaxSafety – that monitors the type and rate of reactions to all vaccines on the National Immunisation Program.

At Illawarra Medical Centre, we utilise the SmartVax system as an additional vaccine safety measure for our patients. SmartVax uses SMS and smartphone technology to actively monitor vaccine safety in real time and feeds that information into the AusVaxSafety program.

Vaccinations at IMC

All recommended maternal vaccines are available at Illawarra Medical Centre. To book in for your vaccine or discuss and questions or concerns you may have, book an appointment with one of our GPs. Bookings can be made online or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – https://www.health.gov.au/topics/immunisation/when-to-get-vaccinated/immunisation-for-pregnancy
Healthy WA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Respiratory-syncytial-virus
National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance Australia – https://ncirs.org.au/ncirs-fact-sheets-faqs-and-other-resources/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv-frequently-asked

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Keeping women’s mental health in good shape

walrus — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 02:12:44 +0000

Statistically, females will experience poorer mental health than males, particularly when it comes to depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders.

Following on from Women’s Health Week earlier this month, we thought we’d look at the issues impacting on women’s mental health and ways to help keep your mental health in good shape.

What is mental health?

According to the World Health Organisation, mental health is defined as “a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community.”

It’s essentially about our ability to maintain healthy relationships with others and to cope and function with the everyday trials, triumphs and challenges that life throws our way.

While the focus is often on keeping physically fit and healthy, good mental health is just as important to our overall health, wellbeing and quality of life.

What can affect a person’s mental health?

Mental health issues can affect anyone at any time and for a variety of reasons.

According to Health Direct, some of the most common issues that can impact on a person’s mental health include:

Relationship problems, separation and divorce
Financial stress
Work-related pressures
Unemployment or retirement
Physical illness
Social isolation
Pregnancy and birth of a baby
Drug and alcohol use
Death of a close friend or family member

These life events can cause a person to feel distressed and may impact on their day-to-day functioning and relationships.

While it’s common to experience ups and downs at various times throughout life, a continued or long-term feeling of distress and/or inability to function and maintain relationships with others is a cause for concern and could indicate a mental illness.

Just as with our physical health, the earlier we seek help for any mental health concerns, the better; particularly as mental health conditions are associated with poor physical health and premature death from suicide.

Women’s mental health – the stats

Overall, women and girls in Australia have poorer mental health than men and boys.

According to the National Mental Health Commission, around 1 in 6 women in Australia will experience depression and 1 in 3 women will experience anxiety during their lifetime. Postpartum depression impacts 1 in 6 women during their first year after birth. Females also experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders at higher rates than males.

Recent research undertaken by the Liptember Foundation found that one in two (54%) of Australian women are currently experiencing mental health issues to some degree.

Some of the more prevalent mental health issues affecting women include:

Depression

Depression is the most prevalent mental health condition affecting women. It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.

For women who are pregnant or have recently given birth, they are also at risk of antenatal or post-natal depression (PND). PND impacts one in seven to 10 women within the first year after birth.

Signs and symptoms of depression can be physical, emotional and impact on the way you think. They can include:

Feeling sad, teary, anxious or irritable
Having negative thoughts about yourself and others
Feeling exhausted, guilty and/or angry a lot of the time
Lacking motivation and the ability to enjoy things you would normally find pleasure in
Changes in sleep quality (i.e. sleeping or waking up more than normal, or insomnia)
Loss of appetite or weight
Lack of interest in sex
Difficulty in concentrating or remembering things
Increased use of drugs and alcohol

Anxiety

Anxiety occurs when we have intense feelings of worry or distress that are difficult to control and start to interfere with our everyday lives, making it hard to cope with life’s ‘normal’ challenges.

Up to one-third of women and one-fifth of men will experience anxiety at some point in their lives.

Common signs and symptoms for anxiety include:

excessive fear or worry
trouble concentrating or making decisions
feeling irritable, tense or restless
experiencing nausea or abdominal distress
heart palpitations
sweating, trembling or shaking
trouble sleeping
having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom

For women, anxiety can often be exacerbated by the unique stressors they face throughout their lives, such as societal pressures around body image and social media, balancing career aspirations with family responsibilities, and hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a group of stress reactions that can develop after witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, such as death, serious injury, natural disaster or sexual violence.

The main signs and symptoms of PTSD include:

re-experiencing the trauma
avoiding reminders of the event
negative changes in thoughts and mood after the trauma
feeling ‘on edge’ and overly aroused

For women, PTSD often stems from experiences with sexual violence, domestic abuse, and other traumatic events. According to the Liptember Report, PTSD has a higher prevalence amongst women aged 40 to 49 years old, those belonging to LGBTIQA+ or indigenous communities, and those who have faced homelessness/poverty or comorbidity in their lives.

Body Image Issues and Eating Disorders

Body image relates to the thoughts, feelings, attitudes and beliefs we have about our bodies and the way we look.

While it’s normal to have times where you feel unhappy or uncomfortable in your own body, it’s these feelings start to increase or intensify that can impact on your mental health and increase your risk of engaging in unhealthy and unhelpful behaviours around food, exercise and supplements.

For females, body image concerns are often fueled by unrealistic beaty standards portrayed in the media, online and through societal expectations. According to the Butterfly Foundation, around 90% of young people report some concern about their body image. Body image issues can also arise for women experiencing menopause, as their bodies change.

Body image issues can lead to eating disorders, which include anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge eating disorder, unspecified feeding or eating disorder, disordered eating, avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder and PICA.

Females are twice as likely to be affected by an eating disorder then males and, according to the National Mental Health Commission, 15% of women will experience an eating disorder in their lifetime.

Maintaining good mental health

There are a number of simple things you can do to help maintain your mental health. These include:

Stay connected – spend time with people who make you feel good. Staying connected with family, friends and the community can provide a sense of security, support and purpose.
Talk – if you are struggling with your mental health, talk about how you feel with people you trust, whether it be friends, family, co-workers, your GP or other health professional.
Listen – family and friends can play an important role by providing practical and emotional support to those struggling with their mental health, even if it’s just being there to listen. If you know someone who is having mental health issues, make sure you check in with them regularly.
Eat well – eating a healthy diet is not only good for your physical health, but can also help to give you a better overall sense of wellbeing.
Move more – keeping active can help you stay physically fit and mentally healthy and provides a healthy outlet for everyday stresses.
Cut back on drugs and alcohol – drugs and alcohol change the way your body and brain work and can cause symptoms of anxiety and depression or make an existing problem worse.
Get plenty of sleep – getting a good night’s sleep is crucial for your mental health and physical wellbeing.

Need a little extra help?

The good news is that most mental illness can be effectively treated or managed and there are plenty of resources and services available for those who need a little extra help with their mental health.

Making an appointment with your GP is a good first step.

To make a booking with one of our GPs to discuss any mental health concerns you may have, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.

For more information on this topic, visit:

Beyond Blue – https://www.beyondblue.org.au
Black Dog Institute – https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
Butterfly Foundation – https://butterfly.org.au/
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-illness
Lifeline – https://www.lifeline.org.au
Liptember Foundation – https://www.liptemberfoundation.org.au/2024-womens-mental-health-research
Mental Health Commission of WA – https://www.mhc.wa.gov.au/
Mental Health First Aid Australia – https://www.mhfa.com.au/women-and-mental-health-across-the-lifespan/
Think Mental Health, WA Mental Health Commission – https://www.thinkmentalhealthwa.com.au
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/mental_health/en/

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Health impacts of menopause

walrus — Tue, 17 Oct 2023 02:08:51 +0000

Menopause is a natural progression in every woman’s reproductive life and signals the stage when your periods stop completely and you can no longer fall pregnant.

With this change comes an increased risk of developing certain health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and osteoporosis.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at menopause and its health impacts for women.

What is menopause?

Menopause occurs when you have your final menstrual period and no menstrual period for the 12 months following.

As noted by the World Health Organization, it is caused by the loss of ovarian follicular function and a decline in oestrogen levels. Menopause can occur naturally or as a result of certain medical or surgical procedures, such as a hysterectomy, chemotherapy or radiation therapy.

It generally occurs naturally between the ages of 45-55, with the average age being 51 years.

For women using the contraceptive pill, it can be difficult to know whether you have reached menopause or not, as it can mask and reduce symptoms and you may still continue to have a monthly bleed. It is best to speak with your GP about when and how to stop taking the pill as you reach the age range for menopause.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms can occur some 5-10 years before a woman reaches menopause and this is known as perimenopause.

During this phase, your monthly periods may change and become more or less frequent.

Some women may also experience forgetfulness and have more difficulty concentrating throughout menopause.

As outlined by the Australasian Menopause Society, some of the other common symptoms experienced during this phase include:

Hot flushes and night sweats
Trouble sleeping
Joint pain
Fatigue and tiredness
Anxiety and mood changes
Dry vagina, discomfort during sex and/or the need to urinate more frequently

Many of these symptoms are only temporary and can be managed without treatment; however, around 20% of women will have severe symptoms that significantly impact on their daily lives.

For those who do have symptoms, Jean Hailes for Women’s Health has put together this useful checklist to help you track your symptoms, so that you can discuss them with your doctor at your next appointment>>

What are some of the health impacts?

The decline in oestrogen can put women at a greater risk of developing a number of health issues, including heart disease, stroke and osteoporosis.

Oestrogen is known to help maintain blood flow and a healthy balance of cholesterol.

Lower levels of oestrogen can lead to an increase in cholesterol build up on the arteries leading to the heart and brain, subsequently increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Lower oestrogen levels can also contribute to osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis occurs when bones lose minerals more quickly than the body can replace them. This leads to a loss of bone thickness (or density) and can make your bones more likely to break from minor injuries or falls.

What treatment is available?

For those suffering severe menopausal symptoms, there are a number of therapies and medicines available to help reduce symptoms, including:

Menopausal Hormone Therapy (MHT) – one of the most effective treatments, used to replace hormones and relieve symptoms. This treatment is not suitable for everyone though, particularly those with a history of certain cancers including breast and uterine.
Medicines – such as antidepressants, which can help to reduce hot flushes.
Natural Therapies – including herbal remedies, hypnotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness, and acupuncture.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is also important in managing symptoms and your overall health and wellbeing.

This includes:

eating a healthy diet
drinking lots of water
maintaining a healthy weight
regularly exercising
getting a good night’s sleep
reducing and/or limiting your alcohol intake
giving up smoking, if you’re a smoker
staying connected to friends, family and your community

It’s also important to stay up-to-date with your vaccinations, regular health checks and recommended screenings, particularly your heart health check, cervical screening, breast check, skin checks and bone density checks.

For a comprehensive list of recommended health checks for women, visit Better Health Channel.

If you believe you may be experiencing menopause and have concerns about any related symptoms or your overall health and wellbeing, contact us on (08) 9208 6400 or book online.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Menopause Society – https://www.menopause.org.au
Better Health Channel, Victoria – https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/menopause
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/menopause
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause
John Hopkins Medicine – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/introduction-to-menopause
OAHS, Office on Women’s Health, USA – https://www.womenshealth.gov/menopause/menopause-and-your-health#:~:text=Changes%20in%20your%20body%20in,disease%2C%20stroke%2C%20and%20osteoporosis.
The Royal Women’s Hospital – https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/menopause-information/managing-menopause
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/menopause

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Dementia – the leading cause of death for women

walrus — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 05:36:08 +0000

You might be surprised to learn that dementia, including Alzheimer’s, is the leading cause of death for women in Australia, accounting for 13% of all female deaths compared to 6.3% of males.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at dementia, including the risks, symptoms and ways to help prevent against the disease.

What is dementia?

As defined by the World Health Organization, dementia is the term for several diseases that affect a person’s memory, thinking and ability to perform daily tasks.

As well as memory and thinking, it can also affect a person’s behaviour, their ability to communicate, and their judgement.

The illness gets worse over time and is most likely to affect people aged 65 years and over, although it can affect people of any age.

As noted by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare report on Deaths in Australia, women are disproportionately affected by dementia (including Alzheimer’s) and it is the leading cause of death for women, accounting for 13% of all female deaths compared to 6.3% of males.

Across Australia, there are over 400,000 people estimated to be living with dementia, including 1 in 12 people aged over 65. These rates are only set to get worse and are expected to double by 2058.

What are the symptoms?

Dementia can affect different people in different ways and early symptoms may be difficult to detect.

However, the most common early signs and symptoms to look out for include:

Memory loss
Changes in the ability to plan and problem solve
Difficulty in doing everyday tasks
Changes to mood and behaviour
A lack of interest in things or activities that would normally be enjoyed
Showing poor judgement or a lack of insight
Problems with speaking and writing
Confusion about time and place

Most symptoms will become worse over time and those with dementia will generally need assistance with their personal care, as the disease progresses.

This video from Dementia Australia provides a good overview of what living with dementia can be like>>

Why is it more prevalent in females?

We know that dementia affects twice as many women as men worldwide, by why is that?

The main explanation is to do with age. Living to an old age is one of the leading risk factors for dementia and women tend to live longer than men, therefore making them more susceptible to developing the disease over time.

As noted by Alzheimer’s Society, it is also thought that hormones – particularly oestrogen – may have an impact on the rates of dementia and Alzheimer’s in women. Oestrogen is the main female sex hormone and is believed to play a role in protecting the brain from the damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease.

Research has shown that oestrogen helps to increase the number of connections in the memory centre of the brain.

When women go through menopause, their levels of oestrogen fall significantly. Dementia is more common in women after menopause and it is thought that this drop in oestrogen may make women more prone to the learning and memory problems associated with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Another potential factor is the tau protein, which helps to stabilise the internal skeleton of nerve cells in the brain. In Alzheimer’s disease, there is an abnormal build-up of tau that causes this internal skeleton to fall apart. Research from 2019 found that the levels of tau in the areas of the brain involved in memory was higher in older women than men, even for those with normal cognition, thus presenting a possible higher risk of developing symptoms of Alzheimer’s.

While there are a number of possible explanations as to why more women than men are diagnosed with the disease, there is still a lot of research to be done to gain a better, more conclusive understanding as to why.

Other risk factors

Aside from age and being female, other risk factors for developing dementia include:

A family history of the disease
Having a poor diet
Being overweight or obese
Being physically inactive
Being a smoker
Drinking too much alcohol
Being socially isolated
Having depression
Other underlying diseases that can cause damage to the brain

Prevention

While there is no cure for dementia, there are a few ways to help reduce your risk of developing the disease, including:

Staying physically active and exercising regularly
Eating a healthy, well-balanced and nutritious diet
Limiting your alcohol consumption
Avoiding smoking
Staying connected with others and maintaining an active social life
Keeping yourself mentally stimulated

For those diagnosed with dementia, some medications can help to reduce the symptoms and improve your quality of life. Speak to your GP about your options and the best way to manage the disease.

If you have any concerns about your risk of dementia or notice any signs and symptoms of the disease in yourself or a loved one, please make an appointment with a GP to discuss. Appointments at Illawarra Medical Centre can be made online or by phoning (08) 9208 6400.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information, visit:

Alzheimer’s Society, UK – https://www.alzheimers.org.uk
Alzheimer’s WA – https://www.alzheimerswa.org.au
Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care – https://www.health.gov.au/topics/dementia?language=en
Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/life-expectancy-death/deaths-in-australia/contents/leading-causes-of-death
Dementia Australia – https://www.dementia.org.au
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/dementia-overview
World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/dementia

The post Dementia – the leading cause of death for women appeared first on Illawarra Medical Centre.

Osteoporosis

walrus — Wed, 19 Oct 2022 05:50:36 +0000

Osteoporosis is a chronic health disease affecting close to two million Australians, with females aged 70 and over and with a family history of the disease most at risk.

In this month’s blog, we take a closer look at the symptoms, risk factors, prevention and treatment options for the disease.

What is Osteoporosis?

While loss of bone minerals is a normal part of ageing for everyone, those with the disease have bones that are more porous and full of holes, and therefore likely to fracture more easily.

In some cases of osteoporosis, even a simple sneeze can break a bone!

Any bone in the body can be affected by the disease, however the most common are the:

Hip
Spine
Wrist
Ribs
Pelvis
Upper Arm

What are the symptoms?

Osteoporosis has no symptoms. In most cases, a fracture is often the first sign of the disease.

Some noticeable signs that may indicate osteoporosis include:

a gradual loss of height;
back pain; or
a bone fracture from a minor knock to your limbs or a fall.

Risk factors for Osteoporosis

While there are no specific symptoms for the disease, there are a number of known risk factors. These include:

Age – those aged 70 years and over are at greater risk of the disease.
Gender – osteoporosis is more common in women. Those who experience early menopause are at even greater risk of developing the disease.
Family History – your risk increases if either of your parents or a close relative had osteoporosis.
Previous Fracture – if you have had a previous low trauma fracture, you are more likely to experience another fracture within 5-10 years after your first fracture. In fact, the risk doubles if you are female and is three to four times more likely to occur if you are male.
Falls – if you are prone to falls, then you are more likely to experience a fall that results in a fracture. Exercises that build muscle strength and balance are a good way to help prevent falls.
Medication – certain long-term medications can increase your risk of osteoporosis. These include prednisone and thyroid hormone replacement medications. If you do take these over the long term, your doctor may recommend bone density tests to monitor your bones and risk of developing osteoporosis.

To check your risk of developing osteoporosis, use the online “Know Your Bones” assessment tool created by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research.

Preventing Osteoporosis

There are a number of things you can do to help prevent the disease. These include:

Giving up smoking, if you’re a smoker.
Maintaining a healthy weight and lifestyle.
Making sure you’re getting enough calcium in your diet. Calcium is one of the main building blocks of bones.
Getting out in the sunshine for your Vitamin D fix, to help your body better absorb calcium.

Reducing your alcohol intake.
Keeping physically active and including bone strengthening exercises (such as brisk walking or strength training) in your weekly routine, to help fragile bones heal and become denser and stronger.
Working on your balance with balance training, to help improve your overall stability.

This useful guide from the Garvan Institute of Medical Research provides a good overview of the risk factors for osteoporosis and how to prevent developing the disease>>

How is it diagnosed?

Osteoporosis is generally diagnosed through a bone mineral density test, combined with a look at your medical history and a physical examination by your doctor.

A bone density test involves a special x-ray which that assigns you a T-score and compares your bone density to the expected density for a healthy adult of your own age, gender and ethnicity.

If your T-score is -2.5 or less, this usually akun demo slot indicates you have osteoporosis.

Treatment

While there is no cure for osteoporosis, it can be managed through medication and lifestyle changes. Your doctor will recommend the appropriate treatment for you based on your age, sex, and medical history.

Treating the disease early will give you the best chance of avoiding broken bones as you get older.

If you have any concerns about your bone health, make a booking with one of our GPs. Appointments can be made online through our Online Bookings page or by contacting us on (08) 9208 6400.

We also have appointments available with our in-house specialist endocrinologist – Dr Imran Badshah – with a referral from your GP. Dr Badshah consults on all aspects of endocrinology, including osteoporosis.

Where can I find out more information?

For more information on this topic, visit:

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare – https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/chronic-musculoskeletal-conditions/osteoporosis/contents/what-is-osteoporosis
Garvan Institute of Medical Research – https://www.garvan.org.au/research/diseases/osteoporosis
Healthy Bones Australia – https://healthybonesaustralia.org.au
Health Direct – https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/osteoporosis
HealthyWA – https://www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Articles/N_R/Osteoporosis
Jean Hailes for Women’s Health – https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/bone-health
Know Your Bones Assessment Tool – https://start.knowyourbones.org.au/home

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