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
