by Dr Amanda Sabel – 21st July 2026

Topical HRT

Hi, I’m Dr. Amanda Sabel lead GP and clinic owner at Health by Nurture; and if you’re here reading this, chances are you’re navigating the challenges of menopause or perimenopause. First of all, you’re not alone, this is a journey millions of women go through, and there is help. One of the most effective treatments we have is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).

HRT can be life-changing, but there’s a lot of misinformation out there. So, let’s dive into what HRT really is, what it can do, and why it’s not just about managing hot flashes.

Why HRT?

Menopause isn’t just about hot flashes and night sweats (although those are tough enough!). Many women experience a whole range of symptoms they weren’t expecting:

• Brain fog: Losing your train of thought or struggling with word recall.
• Word blindness: Suddenly forgetting the simplest words.
• Sudden aging: Feeling like you’ve aged overnight, especially in your skin and joints.
• Dry, itchy skin: No moisturizer seems to work.
• New onset of rosacea: Red, inflamed skin out of nowhere.
• Tinnitus: That annoying ringing in your ears.
• Fatigue, mood swings, and low libido: The emotional toll of menopause can feel overwhelming.

HRT works by replacing the hormones your body naturally loses during this time, primarily estrogen, progesterone, and sometimes testosterone. These hormones do so much more than manage symptoms; they play a crucial role in protecting your bones, heart, and brain health as you age.

Why Progesterone Alone Isn’t Enough

Some women think progesterone on its own might be enough, but unfortunately, it’s not. While progesterone is essential for balancing estrogen and protecting the lining of the uterus, it doesn’t address the key symptoms like hot flashes, brain fog, or fatigue.

And those over-the-counter progesterone creams? They’re not the answer either. Most don’t deliver a consistent or therapeutic dose, so they’re unlikely to make any meaningful difference.

Let’s Talk About Troches

You might have heard about troches, small lozenges you dissolve under your tongue. They sound convenient, but they’re not recommended for a few important reasons:
Inconsistent dosing: Troches can cause fluctuating hormone levels, which means symptoms can persist or worsen.
Lack of regulation: Unlike approved HRT options, compounded troches aren’t rigorously tested, so their safety and effectiveness aren’t guaranteed.

The Australian Menopause Society has a great resource explaining why troches aren’t the best choice, you can find it here.

What About Testosterone?

Testosterone isn’t just for men, it can be an important part of HRT for women, too. While it’s not for everyone, small doses of testosterone can help with:

• Low libido
• Energy levels
• Muscle strength
• Cognitive function

But like any hormone, testosterone needs to be carefully prescribed and monitored to ensure the right balance. For more information, check out Balance Menopause, a trusted resource on HRT.

Finding Your Balance

HRT isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Your symptoms, medical history, and personal preferences all play a role in finding the right plan for you. At Health by Nurture, we work with you to create a tailored approach to HRT that focuses on your overall health and wellbeing.

Let’s Start the Conversation

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, you’re not alone. Menopause is tough, but there are real, evidence-based options to help you feel like yourself again. If you’d like to chat about HRT or any other concerns, book a consultation with me. Together, we can work out a plan that supports your body and your goals.

For more information, you can also visit these excellent resources:

• Australian Menopause Society
• Balance Menopause

Let’s get you feeling good again. 💛

#HRT #MenopauseSupport #HormonalHealth #HealthByNurture #MenopauseJourney #FeelYourBest

By Dr Rodrigo Ferrari Zeni – 14th July 2026

As a GP, I often see men who have been putting off making an appointment for weeks, months or sometimes even years.

They may come in for a physical concern, a check-up or because someone else encouraged them to book. But during the consultation, it often becomes clear that there is something else going on too. Stress. Anxiety. Low mood. Relationship difficulties. Work pressure. Sleep problems. Burnout. Feeling overwhelmed.

Sometimes, the biggest challenge is simply admitting that things are not going well. There is still a common idea that men should be able to handle everything on their own. That talking about emotions is a sign of weakness. That you should just push through, keep busy and get on with it. But mental health is health.

Just as you would see a doctor about ongoing chest pain, high blood pressure or an injury, it is also important to seek support when you are struggling emotionally or mentally. You do not need to wait until things reach a crisis point.

Sometimes the signs that you may need support are not always obvious. You might notice that you are:

• Feeling constantly stressed, irritable or on edge
• Losing interest in things you usually enjoy
• Having difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Drinking more alcohol than usual
• Withdrawing from friends, family or your partner
• Finding it difficult to concentrate
• Feeling exhausted or unmotivated
• Experiencing ongoing worry or racing thoughts
• Feeling angry more often than usual
• Feeling like you are not coping, even if everything appears fine on the outside

For many men, talking about mental health can feel uncomfortable at first. That is completely understandable. You do not need to have the right words or know exactly what is wrong before making an appointment.

You can simply start by saying, “I haven’t been feeling like myself lately,” or “I’m not coping as well as I usually do.” That is enough to start the conversation.

As a GP, my role is not to judge you or tell you how you should feel. My role is to listen, understand what is happening and work with you to find the right support That may involve discussing your physical health, sleep, stress levels, relationships, work, lifestyle or anything else that may be affecting how you are feeling. Sometimes, small changes can make a meaningful difference. Other times, additional support such as counselling or psychological care may be helpful.

The most important thing is not to ignore the signs that something is wrong. You do not have to wait until you are at breaking point. You do not have to deal with everything alone. And asking for help does not make you weak. It is a sign that you are taking your health seriously. If you have noticed changes in your mood, behaviour or general wellbeing, consider making an appointment with your GP. Sometimes, the hardest step is simply starting the conversation.

By Dr Hajaa Kanagasundaram – 7th July 2026

Choosing contraception is a very personal decision, and there is no single option that is right for everyone. In my consultations, I often speak with patients about their individual contraceptive needs, lifestyle, preferences and future plans.

For many people, an intrauterine device, commonly known as an IUD, can be a safe, highly effective and long-lasting contraceptive option without the need to remember to take a daily pill.

IUDs are small devices placed inside the uterus by a trained healthcare professional. They are a form of long-acting reversible contraception, meaning they provide ongoing contraception but can be removed whenever you choose, with fertility generally returning quickly after removal.

Hormonal IUD

A hormonal IUD slowly releases a small amount of the hormone levonorgestrel. It works primarily by thickening the mucus in the cervix, making it difficult for sperm to pass through, and by changing the lining of the uterus.

Hormonal IUDs can be an excellent option for people who experience heavy or painful periods, as they often make periods lighter and less painful. Some people may eventually stop having periods altogether.

Copper IUD

A copper IUD does not contain hormones. Instead, the copper creates an environment that makes it difficult for sperm to fertilise an egg.

Copper IUDs can provide long-term contraception for many years. However, they can sometimes cause periods to become heavier, longer or more painful, particularly during the first few months after insertion.

How effective are IUDs?

IUDs are one of the most effective forms of reversible contraception, with fewer than 1 in 100 people becoming pregnant while using an IUD.

One of the main benefits is that once the IUD has been inserted, there is no daily action required. You do not need to remember to take a pill or replace a patch or ring.

What is the insertion process like?

IUD insertion is performed during a consultation with a trained doctor or healthcare professional. The device is inserted through the cervix and positioned inside the uterus.

I understand that the idea of an IUD insertion can feel daunting for some people. Some people experience cramping or discomfort during and after the procedure, and I will talk you through the process beforehand and discuss options to help make you as comfortable as possible.

It is normal to experience some cramping and spotting after insertion, and these symptoms usually settle with time.

Is an IUD suitable for everyone?

An IUD may be a suitable option for many people, including those who have never been pregnant. However, it is not the right choice for everyone.

During your consultation, we can discuss your medical history, menstrual cycle, contraceptive needs and preferences before deciding whether an IUD is suitable for you.

IUDs do not protect against sexually transmitted infections, so condoms may still be recommended depending on your circumstances.

What are the benefits of an IUD?

Some of the benefits include:

• Highly effective contraception
• Long-lasting protection
• Reversible when you choose
• No need to remember daily contraception
• Hormonal IUDs may reduce heavy bleeding and period pain
• Copper IUDs contain no hormones
• Fertility generally returns quickly after removal

IUD insertion and removal at Health by Nurture

At Health by Nurture, IUD insertion and removal is available with:

• Myself, Dr Hajaa Kanagasundaram
• Dr Amanda Sabel
• Dr Taf Makamure
• Dr Bindu Anantula
• Dr Ruth Campbell

Our new GP Registrars will also be completing their IUD insertion training as part of their ongoing professional development, and more GPs will be added to the list as time goes on,

Your contraception, your choice

There are many different contraceptive options available, and the best choice depends on your individual circumstances, health, preferences and future plans.

If you are considering an IUD or would like to discuss your contraceptive options, I encourage you to speak with your GP. My goal is to provide personalised, confidential and non-judgemental care, helping you understand your options so you can make an informed decision about your reproductive health.

By Dr Ruth Campbell – 30th June 2026

There’s some exciting change happening in Western Australia.

A small cohort of GPs are currently undertaking additional training through the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners to formally assess, diagnose and medically manage ADHD. I’m incredibly excited to say that I’m nearly at the end of this training program myself. Inspired by the rapidly changing knowledge about ADHD and the many real life struggles I have seen my patients face, I am optimistic about the difference we can make.

This initiative feels like a natural and meaningful expansion of work many of us in general practice have already been doing for years, supporting pediatricians and psychiatrists in caring for children and adults with ADHD and other forms of neurodivergence. Yet now we will be able to take more of the workload. The hope is simple: reduce wait times, improve affordability, and make quality care more accessible for families who are often left waiting far too long for support. The current wait time for a developmental appointment can range from 6 months to 3 years!

So often I meet children, teenagers and families who are struggling, not because there is something “wrong” with them, but because they are trying to fit themselves into systems and expectations that were never designed with neurodivergence in mind. My hope is that, over time, society will continue adapting to better support varied learners, thinkers and ways of being. In the meantime, I’m grateful to be able to help families navigate some of those challenges.

I genuinely love working with children, adolescents and their families, and gaining additional skills in this area will help me continue growing into a better doctor. I know many have suffered because of their ADHD symptoms but I love to highlight their ADHD superpowers. People with ADHD are capable of incredible things and often think in incredible ways. They have brought much joy and innovation to all of our lives especially when the constraints of sitting still in a classroom have been removed. When we are able to harness their style of learning, alongside supporting and encouraging their special interests, and then allow them to move their bodies to focus their minds, people with ADHD will quite literally or figuratively shoot for the moon! Or study medicine.

Of course, there will absolutely be times when the diagnosis and management of ADHD are not appropriate for a GP to handle alone. The college has introduced clear exclusion criteria around the types of patients that can be managed independently in general practice, and I actually see this as a strength of the program rather than a limitation. Good medicine is collaborative medicine. I’ll continue working alongside experienced pediatricians and psychiatrists, seeking advice when needed and ensuring I remain within my scope while helping bridge important gaps in care.

Every day I am learning more about ADHD, autism and the evolving understanding of how neurodivergence affects people across different stages of life. And so much of that learning comes directly from listening to my patients. One of the greatest privileges of being a GP is the trust patients place in us when they share their worries, their past, their hopes and dreams, their struggles, their exhaustion, their fears and sometimes the relief that comes with finally feeling understood. What excites me most is the opportunity to help people do more than simply survive the hard days. I want to help people thrive.

When I was younger, a very fresh-faced idealist, I once told a dear cousin that one day I would change the world. The rocky roads of life and years of experience have humbled me a little since then. And I now know I probably can’t change the world. But maybe that was never the point. Maybe we are able to help change someone’s world. Even if just a little. Maybe the real goal is helping people find their own individual spark, and in doing so, brighten their world.