Returning to GAALS

I’ve recently resumed consulting at GAALS, after a few months of leave to have a baby. Motherhood is certainly an adventure, at times challenging, but also very rewarding. I’m amazed and delighted to be a new parent!

I’m grateful to Dr Mowat for consulting at GAALS and caring for my patients while I was on leave.  I would like to thank my patients for being understanding of my temporary absence, and also thank my referring doctors for continuing their support of GAALS.

I’m now very pleased to return to GAALS, consulting on Tuesdays, and operating at Greenslopes Private Hospital.  If you have any gynaecological concerns and would like to see me, please click ‘Contact Us’ on the website, or phone 1300 242 257 to make an appointment.

Adult Acne – Why? What can I do to fix it?

Unfortunately, skin problems are not something limited to adolescence.  Breakouts can plague us well into adulthood. Adult acne may be lifestyle related, but may also be associated with hormonal fluctuations and conditions such as poly-cystic ovarian syndrome. Being time poor and chronically stressed may put our adrenal glands into overdrive, which may increase the oil flow from our skin follicles. This sets the stage for congestion in the form of blackheads, pimples and pustules. Once started, the cycle can be self-perpetuating. Seeking advice regarding what skin treatments to use is important, as products used to conceal imperfections may aggravate the problem spots rather than aiding them to heal or normalise.

Help your skin help you

1.    Don’t squeeze pimples!  Squeezing will most likely cause more damage by prolonging healing time, increasing the likelihood of scarring and the incidence of a pimple reoccurring in the same place.  Consider applying a spot treatment product instead.

2.    Eat a low GI diet.  There is evidence to suggest that regular consumption of high GI foods elevates insulin production, increases sebum (oil) production and may be associated with hormonal changes, all of which contribute to acne.   

3.    Take time to decompress and relax, which will help keep stress hormones in balance.  Additionally, having some time to focus on yourself can help you review your diet and your skin routine.

4.    Have an appropriate skin routine in place.  At a minimum, cleanse and moisturise twice a day.  Unless you’ve been advised against it, regularly exfoliating will also help promote a clear complexion.  Blemishes are often the result of excess dead skin cells binding with oil and debris to clog follicles.  Exfoliating will help shed the old skin cells and promote the generation of fresh, new cells.

5.    If your breakout levels are closely linked to your menstrual cycle, you may benefit from hormonal intervention in the form of the oral contraceptive pill.

At GAALS we are able to provide advice for conditions such as poly-cystic ovarian syndrome and can make recommendations about who to consult regarding your skin problems.  If you have a gynaecological problem or would like an appointment, please call us on 1300 242 257 or click Contact on our web page.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common condition, affecting up to 10% of women in the reproductive age group.

Endometriosis involves growth of endometrial tissue (the tissue that lines your uterus) outside of the uterus.  Most commonly, endometriosis occurs in the pelvis and around the uterus and may affect the ovaries and fallopian tubes.  The abnormally located endometrial tissue responds to female hormones each month and this causes inflammation and commonly pain.  In severe forms, endometriosis can cause adhesions between the female reproductive organs and other structures such as the bowel.

There is a lot of information and increasing publicity about endometriosis.  I recently found an interesting article that lists 10 things you should know about endometriosis:

Here’s 10 things you should know about endometriosis

1. Endometriosis can affect any woman of child-bearing age (it is rare in women who have been through the menopause)

2. Symptoms include: pelvic pain, heavy periods, bladder and bowel problems, fatigue, depression, pain during or after sexual intercourse, problems conceiving and difficulty fulfilling professional and social commitments. (NB: some women don’t experience any symptoms at all).

3. Any pain experienced often correlates to your menstrual cycle, but not always. Equally, the severity of pain experienced does not always correlate to the amount of scar tissue present, the pain is more dependent on where the abnormal tissue is located.

4. There is currently no cure, no proven cause or known way of preventing endometriosis.

5. There are some ways to manage symptoms. These include: pain relief, complementary therapies, hormone treatment and surgery. The best course of action will be recommended depending on the patient’s age, severity of the disease and desire to have children.

6. The only definitive way to diagnose endometriosis is by a laparoscopy – a small operation that involves inserting a camera into the pelvis via the belly button.

7. The disease can cause infertility. But 50% of women suffering from endometriosis will not experience any problems conceiving.

8. Endometriosis is not an infection and it is not contagious.

9. Some women experience relief from their symptoms during pregnancy but in many cases symptoms return along with a woman’s period. Pregnancy is not a cure for the disease.

10. Having a hysterectomy does not always cure endometriosis. It only treats the disease on the organs that were removed.

You can find more information on endometriosis at:

www.endometriosisaustralia.org

At GAALS, we have a special interest in the management of endometriosis.  If you have a gynaecological concern and would like to see us, please call 1300 242 257 or click Contact on our website for further information.

Keeping up-to-date - education and conferences

AGES Conference

AGES Conference

Greenslopes Private Hospital GP Education Event

Greenslopes Private Hospital GP Education Event

The last couple of weeks have been busy with educational activities and I have thoroughly enjoyed participating in these events.

Recently, I was privileged to present at a fantastic GP education evening organised by Greenslopes Private Hospital.  About 50 local GPs attended this evening, and I, along with 2 other presenters, talked about the management of common gynaecological conditions, such as fibroids, endometriosis and ovarian cysts.  It was great to meet some of my referring practitioners and be involved in an interesting and interactive educational evening.  Prior to the event, with the support of Greenslopes Private Hospital, I also recorded a short introductory video that was posted to youtube.  A link to the video is at the bottom of this post.

Last week I attended the AGES conference (Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery Society) of which the focus topic was ‘The Modern Woman’.  There were many fantastic local and international speakers talking about the expectations of and challenges facing women today, and how practitioners can help women with their concerns. 

At the conference, Professor Judith Goh helped me to realise the importance of retaining perspective, with her lecture about her work in Africa helping women with genito-urinary fistulas.  For these women, without reliable access to healthcare or the basics, such as running water and electricity, simply surviving pregnancy and childbirth is a major challenge.  This certainly made me grateful for the services and healthcare we often take for granted in Australia.  Professor Goh’s work to help these women is inspirational.

At the AGES conference, I had the opportunity to present research I had completed in Sydney on use of the MyoSure device for removal of endometrial pathology such as fibroids and polyps.  I was both surprised and delighted when I won the award for best oral communication.

Maintaining current and relevant knowledge to help guide patient care is essential for all practitioners, and these 2 events were an enjoyable way to keep myself up to date, and also help my local GPs manage the gynaecological questions and issues posed by their patients.

At GAALS we are focused on providing high quality, evidence based care for women of all ages.  If you have a gynaecological concern and would like to see us, please call 1300 242 257 or click Contact on our website for further information.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

If you have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) you are not alone.  This condition affects between 1 in 10 and 1 in 20 women of reproductive age.  The impact may be far reaching, and may influence emotional state, body weight and relationships.

What is Polycystic ovarian syndrome?
The diagram below represents the contributing factors:

• Menstrual dysfunction includes irregular or infrequent periods.
• Hyperandrogenism includes bad acne or body hair growth in abnormal distributions. 
• Polycystic ovaries may be detected on pelvic ultrasound. 

To be diagnosed with PCOS, you may not necessarily have all these features, but symptoms from at least two categories must be present.

How is PCOS diagnosed?
Diagnosis will usually follow a discussion of symptoms and medical history with your doctor, ultrasound imaging as well as blood tests. 

Can it be treated?
Unfortunately there is no quick fix for this condition.  The key to managing PCOS is to make lifestyle changes by eating healthily and moderately and regular exercise.   Weight loss may also reduce the risk of associated diseases like diabetes. 

Hormone therapy such as the oral contraceptive pill may also assist in the management of PCOS.

At GAALS, we can help patients with PCOS and provide advice to manage this condition.  If you have a gynaecological concern and would like an appointment, please call us on 1300 242 257 or click Contact on our website.

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.  In Australia, each year about 1300 women will be diagnosed with this disease.  The cause is unknown.  A small percentage of women (5-10%) will have a genetic predisposition to develop ovarian cancer.  Genetic testing may be helpful if you have a strong family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, endometrial or colon cancer.

Symptoms of ovarian cancer are often vague and may include bloating, lower abdominal discomfort, weight loss, decreased appetite or urinary frequency.  These symptoms can also often be present in many other less serious conditions, and that is why diagnosis of ovarian cancer may be difficult or delayed.

Unfortunately there is no screening test available that can detect early ovarian cancer or prevent it from occurring.   We encourage women to be aware of any changes within their bodies and to seek medical attention and advice if they have concerns.

More information is available at:

ovariancancer.net.au

ovarian-cancer.canceraustralia.gov.au

Although at GAALS we do not offer treatment for women with confirmed ovarian cancer*, we do see women for ovarian cysts and other gynaecological concerns.  If you have a gynaecological concern and would like to see us, please call 1300 242 257 or click Contact on our website for further information.

*If you have diagnosed ovarian cancer you should be under the care of a gynaecological oncologist.

New Year’s resolutions every woman should make (and keep!)

Now that it’s February, 2016 is well and truly underway.  January seems to go by in a bit of a blur, so now it’s time to get serious about your new year’s resolutions.

As women we often have so many things to juggle. However, our health should never be neglected. The following are three resolutions I think every woman should make:

1.     Keep up to date with your pap smears

Let’s be honest, as women, we really don’t like having pap smears.  The procedure may be uncomfortable and some women may feel embarrassed.  However, having regular pap smears is really important, as it is a screening test for cervical cancer.  Pap smears can detect abnormal cells on the cervix, and these can then often be easily treated.  The pap smear registry will remind you when your next pap smear is due, so if you receive a reminder, don’t put it off. 

2.     Fit some exercise into your daily routine

It is very easy to make excuses for not doing any exercise.  Many health concerns may be lifestyle-related, so it is important that we make time for regular exercise.  The easiest way to do this is to try to fit some exercise into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs or walking to work.  That way it won’t seem like something extra to ‘fit in’. 

3.     Don’t put off those annoying female problems, such as heavy or painful periods, any longer

If you find yourself dreading ‘that time of the month’, then it’s important you do something about it.  Many women suffer from period problems such as very heavy or painful periods.  There are treatments available to help manage your periods, including hormonal or surgical options.  So if you find your periods are problematic, please see your doctor about it.

At GAALS these are all common conditions we see everyday and we would be happy to help you with any of your gynaecological concerns.  If you have a gynaecological concern and would like to see us, please call 1300 242 257 or click Contact on our website for further information.

Welcome to GAALS

Welcome to GAALS - Gynaecology and Advanced Laparoscopic Surgery, Brisbane.  Starting this practice has been my dream for some time and I am so glad to now have it come to reality. I have a passion for women’s health and have completed further training in gynaecology to master the skills required to treat more complex gynaecological conditions. 

I relocated to Sydney to complete a 2 year fellowship in minimally invasive surgery, gaining expertise in the management of common gynaecological problems including endometriosis, pelvic pain and abnormal uterine bleeding.   

My belief is healthcare should be provided in an approachable, friendly, evidence-based and honest manner. That is why I am delighted to start GAALS, as I believe it reflects and describes everything I stand for.

GAALS Brisbane is a private gynaecological medical practice for women of all ages established by Dr Amy Arnold.  If you have a gynaecological concern and would like to see me, please call 1300 242 257 or click Contact on our website for further information.