In this episode of The Good GP Podcast, host Dr Krystyna de Lange welcomes back Dr Marita Long to discuss the important topic of menopause. With her extensive experience in women's health, Dr Long provides clear and concise definitions that help demystify the terminology surrounding menopause.

Explaining key terms such as menopause, perimenopause, premature menopause, and premature ovarian insufficiency. She outlines the clinical nuances and the symptomatic variations that can occur during these different stages. Providing an in-depth look at the symptoms that women may experience during the perimenopause to post menopausal transition, including mood changes, sleep disturbances, hot flashes, and cognitive changes like brain fog.

Moving into the assessment phase, Dr Long dives into the appropriate investigations and when they are indicated. She emphasises the importance of a comprehensive evaluation for women in the midlife phase, noting when hormonal evaluations might be necessary and when they can be misleading or unneeded.

The discussion also covers non-pharmacological management strategies, focusing on lifestyle modifications such as exercise, diet, stress management, and self-care practices. Dr Long highlights how interventions like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and certain lifestyle changes can alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being during this critical time.

They aim to equip general practitioners with the knowledge and tools needed to support women going through menopause more effectively and empathetically, reinforcing the importance of individualised care and thorough assessment.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com

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Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global

In this episode of The Good GP, hosts Dr Sean Stevens and Dr Tim Koh are joined by Dr Chanika Ariyawansa, a WA-trained chemical pathologist with additional training in genetic pathology. Dr Ariyawansa, who holds significant roles in the Australian Association of Clinical Biochemistry, delves into the nuances of liver function tests (LFTs), exploring patterns and implications of abnormal results.

Firstly, with an examination of the prevalence and general patterns of abnormal LFTs, highlighting the commonality of mild and transient abnormalities. Dr Ariyawansa clarifies common misconceptions regarding LFTs, emphasising that not all markers in the standard LFT panel are liver-specific or directly assess liver function.

They also explain in detail individual LFT components such as bilirubin, ALP, GGT, AST, and ALT. The guest expert also categorises potential abnormalities into hepatocellular, cholestatic, mixed, and non-hepatic causes, with practical insights on each. Special attention is given to non-hepatic causes, analytical causes, and how these might influence LFT interpretation.

Dr Ariyawansa's expertise shines as she discusses managing patient anxiety around abnormal LFT results and the practical aspects of educating patients about their liver health. She stresses the utility of resources such as the Pathology Tests Explained website for patient education.

Wrapping up with an engaging Q&A session addressing specific scenarios like non-drinking patients with isolated raised GGT and the impact of statins on LFTs. She answers with clinical relevance, offering listeners practical strategies for understanding and communicating complex test results in their practice.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com.

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global

In this episode of The Good GP, guest host Dr Catherine Bourke engages with Dr Desmond Chih, an esteemed infectious disease physician and microbiologist, in a comprehensive discussion about tuberculosis (TB). Dr Chih offers an in-depth exploration of the distinctions between latent and active tuberculosis, drawing from his extensive experience at Western Diagnostics Pathology, St John of God Hospital, and Royal Perth Hospital.

Focusing on the fundamental differences between latent TB, which involves a non-symptomatic infection contained by the immune system, and active TB, which is characterised by symptoms such as a prolonged cough, fevers, weight loss, and lymph node enlargement. Dr Chih elaborates on the diagnostic techniques, including the Tuberculin skin test and the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, utilised to detect these conditions.

They then shift the discourse to the epidemiology of TB in Australia, discussing the incidence of active and latent TB predominantly among migrants and the crucial public health responses required. They also touch upon the global concerns related to TB, such as multidrug-resistant strains, and the implications these have on both treatment and containment strategies.

Addressing prevention strategies, particularly the importance of screening for latent TB in individuals who are about to undertake immunosuppressive therapies. The specialists responsible for prescribing these treatments are noted for their diligence in preemptive screenings to prevent the activation of latent TB infections.

Lastly, the conversation covers the management of active TB, reaffirming the use of the conventional four-drug regimen while also mentioning newer drug alternatives for resistant strains. Concluding with Dr Chih responding to listener questions about the risk factors and treatment options specific to various TB scenarios, providing a well-rounded perspective on managing this significant global health issue.

The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/network

If you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to thegoodgp@gmail.com

Mentioned in this episode:

Proudly supported by Medtech Global:

The Good GP Podcast is sponsored by Medtech Global, they help GPs be GPs by working with clinicians in Australia and New Zealand to develop Patient Management Systems and healthcare technology. Visit the link for more information:

Medtech Global