Hormone-free Option for Vaginal Dryness and Atrophy
Vaginal dryness can occur at any age but is a particularly common symptom once menopause commences. It can be treated effectively with hormone-free vaginal moisturising products with an improvement in symptoms and quality of life.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Cardio-Metabolic Disease and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS):A narrative review
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is considered the most common endocrine disorder affecting females. Although it has been primarily studied and discussed in terms of its reproductive symptoms, there are also its cardio-metabolic consequences. PCOS patients are prone to these abnormalities from a very young age, increasing their morbidity and mortality rates. The usual pathogenesis of PCOS is a culmination of several genetic and environmental factors. Regarding its cardio-metabolic aspects, insulin resistance is said to be the single most important cause of a variety of metabolic risk factors, whereas a few other non-traditional factors are also said to be increased in PCOS patients, further increasing their risk of complications due to cardiovascular diseases. A timely diagnosis and treatment of these risk factors by using lifestyle interventions, diet, and/or medications are essential to reduce the burden of PCOS in today’s world.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022
Progestogens Help Manage Menstrual Disorders
The use of progesterone and synthetic analogues, the progestogens, in abnormal (dysfunctional) uterine bleeding (AUB) and menstrual disorders including menopausal hormone replacement, is well established. AUB is defined as menstrual bleeding of abnormal amount, duration or schedule. It is common, and accounts for one in three gynaecology clinic visits.1 Dydrogesterone therapy has been shown to be effective in achieving menstrual cycle regularity with neutral effects on sex hormones.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2021
Post-menopause HRT Needs the Right Progestogen
Menopause is a normal life event for women and so it is not an illness or a medical condition. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is generally a safe, effective treatment of menopause and as such should be considered for many more women than it has been in the recent past. Women with a uterus require a progestogen to prevent endometrial hyperplasia and the risk of endometrial cancer associated with the use of unopposed oestrogen.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021
Dydrogesterone, Supporting Female Reproductive Health
Introduced in the 1960s, dydrogesterone is a progesterone agonist used to support female reproductive health, and is particularly useful due to its high bioavailability and highly selective nature.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2020
Managing Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome
IC/BPS is a poorly understood syndrome, commonly diagnosed in the fourth decade or later in life. Several studies have documented its negative impact on various health-related quality of life domains as well as psychosocial functioning. The exact aetiology and pathogenesis of IC/BPS is poorly understood.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2020
Dydrogesterone, Supporting Female Reproductive Health
Introduced in the 1960s, dydrogesterone is a progesterone agonist used to support female reproductive health, and is particularly useful due to its high bioavailability and highly selective nature.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2020
Women’s Health and Evening Primrose Oil
Obtained from the seeds of a North American wildflower (Oenothera biennis), evening primrose oil (EPO) is widely used thanks to the omega 6 fatty acids, linoleic acid (LA) and gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) inherently present in the oil. Research has shown that the use of EPO may be beneficial in a variety of conditions, such as dermatitis, hormone imbalances and diabetic neuropathy. A study reported a statistically significant improvement in neuropathy scores – including nerve conduction tests – in those taking EPO for six months.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2019
Current Choices of Hormonal Contraceptive What are the factors to consider?
There is now a wide array of hormonal contraceptive options for women to choose from. GPs and other primary health providers are well placed to provide evidence based and balanced guidance to assist in appropriate individualised choice. Long-acting reversible contraception, particularly ‘fit and forget’ implants and intrauterine devices, provide very high efficacy, immediate reversibility and are safe for use by most women. They are, however, underused. Although most women can safely use combined hormonal contraceptives, history taking with reference to the international Medical Eligibility Criteria (MEC) framework is extremely important so that women at higher risk of venous thromboembolism, stroke and ischaemic heart disease can be offered alternative methods.
Modern Medicine – April/May 2019
Heavy Menstrual Bleeding Treatment and referral options
Heavy menstrual bleeding affects about one in four women. Comprehensive assessment is essential to determine the likely cause of the bleeding and its impact on a woman’s life; it includes exclusion of anaemia, iron deficiency and reproductive tract cancer. After excluding malignancy, first-line management in primary care is with pharmaceutical treatments. Other treatment options include endometrial ablation and hysterectomy.
Modern Medicine – Feb/March 2019
