Dr Tamara Hunter's blog | About Fertility & Gynaecology Topics

Cervical screening test: the rules have changed

Tamara Hunter24/04/2020Blog

For many years when we did pap smears, we were looking for abnormal cell changes.
The main cause of cell abnormalities in the cervix is due to the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV). There are about 100 different types of HPV. In December 2017 the rules changed. We now test for the presence or absence of HPV. And if the virus is present we look if it has caused any cell changes. By being able to detect HPV earlier then it leads to cell change, it means that the testing regime has been extended out to 5 yearly. So if you have no HPV present during your cervical screening test, your GP will tell you “See you in 5 years time”.

Menopause, how do I know?

Tamara Hunter23/04/2020Blog

How do I know I’m in the menopause? The formal definition of menopause is 12 months of no periods and menopausal level gonadotropin on a blood test on two separate occasions. Many women only look at the first point (12 months without a period) and then start experiencing symptoms.

IBS – what is it? And what is it not

Tamara Hunter22/04/2020Blog

Join Dr Tamara and dietitian Nick Nation as they discuss IBS – what it is (and isn’t), what you can do to reduce the symptoms and how a good dietitian can help you fix it for good.

Food choices in pregnancy

Tamara Hunter16/04/2020Blog

Join Dr Tamara Hunter who will explain the broad principles of healthy eating during pregnancy.

Men’s fertility: what sperm can show us

Tamara Hunter15/04/2020Blog

Sperm is a great barometer for a guy’s health. Join Dr Tamara Hunter to learn more about what sperm can tell us about your overall and reproductive health, and what you can do about it.

Why has my period stopped?

Tamara Hunter14/04/2020Blog

There are many reasons why your periods may have stopped. In this video I explain most of them. It’s important to go to your gp, ask the question (why has my period stopped?) and consider getting a referral to see a gynaecologist or a reproductive endocrinologist like myself.