Dudley Gynaecology

17/09/2026

Are your periods impacting your daily life?

Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (HMB) is more than just a heavy flow, it's excessive blood loss that interferes with your physical, social or emotional quality of life.

Key signs of HMB to watch out for:
• Bleeding longer than 7 days
• Changing pads/tampons every 1 - 2 hours
• Passing large blood clots or experiencing "flooding"
• Feeling constantly exhausted or short of breath

Don't dismiss heavy periods as "normal for you." Effective treatments are available to help you take back control.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email [email protected].

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

10/09/2026

New clinical guidelines have been announced: primary care providers will soon be able to diagnose endometriosis based on symptoms, medical history, and clinical examination, rather than relying solely on laparoscopic surgery.

The changes:

• Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora is adapting the Australian Living Evidence Guideline on Endometriosis for local use.

• Primary care providers can diagnose patients based on medical history, symptoms, and examination to shorten wait times.

• Primary care teams will receive target training to recognise endometriosis symptoms faster.

• As a "living guideline," recommendations will regularly update as new medical evidence emerges.

To lower diagnostic wait times, primary care providers can initiate assessment and prescribe early symptom-management treatment without delay.

Assessment may include:

• Medical and family history

• Symptom profiling

• Clinical examination

• Targeted imaging

• Response to conservative management

Endometriosis causes significant pain and distress, often compounded by long delays for surgical diagnosis.

These updated guidelines allow earlier diagnosis and treatment directly within primary care – speeding up management and reducing the necessity for invasive procedures.

Laparoscopy remains a core diagnostic and surgical tool when clinically indicated, but it no longer serves as the sole gatekeeper for initiating care.

If you or someone you know is navigating pelvic pain, speak with a primary care provider about your options.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email [email protected].

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

01/09/2026

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month in New Zealand. This is a crucial time to raise awareness about the five main types of gynaecological cancers:
• Ovarian cancer
• Uterine cancer (also known as endometrial or womb cancer)
• Cervical cancer
• Vulvar cancer
• Vaginal cancer

The four most common symptoms to watch for are:
• Abdominal bloating and swelling
• Feeling full quickly when eating
• Pelvic discomfort
• A frequent need to urinate

Other potential symptoms include a change in bowel habits, persistent fatigue, or back pain.

It's important to talk to a doctor or a Sexual Wellbeing Aotearoa clinic if you experience any of these symptoms for two weeks or more. This is especially true if the symptoms are new for you, persistent, severe or keep coming back.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email [email protected].

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

27/08/2026

Today is Daffodil Day! 🌼

It’s a powerful day of hope and a vital fundraiser for the Cancer Society, supporting cancer research, prevention, and compassionate care for New Zealanders and their whānau.

At Dudley Gynaecology, we proudly stand with the Cancer Society New Zealand in support of all individuals and families affected by cancer, including gynaecological cancers.

Wear yellow, donate online or at local collection points today, and take a moment to prioritise your own health by staying up to date with your routine check-ups.

www.daffodilday.org.nz

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

19/08/2026

We often use “menopause” as a blanket term for this entire phase of life, but there is a distinct difference between the journey and the destination.

Here is the full breakdown at a glance:

Perimenopause (The Transition)
• Timing: Usually occurs in your 40s (can be 30s) and lasts 4 - 8 years on average.
• Hormones: Fluctuating wildly (think of it as an estrogen roller coaster).
• Periods: Irregular cycles with heavier or lighter flow.
• Symptoms: Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, brain fog and sleep issues.
• Fertility: Yes, pregnancy is still possible because ovulation occurs.

Menopause (The Destination)
• Timing: A specific point in time reached after 12 consecutive months without a period. The average age is 51.
• Hormones: Settled at consistently low levels.
• Periods: Have stopped completely forever.
• Symptoms: Can continue, but often stabilise. Focus shifts to vaginal dryness and bone health.
• Fertility: No, natural pregnancy is no longer possible.

If you’re experiencing these symptoms and would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email [email protected].

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

10/08/2026

It’s Women’s Health Week – Te Wiki Hauora Wāhine!
Running from 10th – 16th August, this important week reminds us to return to the core of this year's powerful theme: Me aro koe ki te hā o Hineahuone – Pay heed to the powerful essence of women.

At Dudley Gynaecology, we know that many wāhine place themselves last while juggling family, work, and community. But prioritising your own wellbeing is a sign of true strength.

Whether it's discussing heavy periods, addressing hormonal changes or navigating complex gynaecological health, we're committed to creating a safe space where you feel heard, respected and empowered. Let's work together on a personalised care plan that fits your life.

Visit www.womenshealthweek.nz to find community resources or reach out to us to book an appointment.

www.dudleygynaecology.co.nz/contact

05/08/2026

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac which develops on one of the ovaries. Some types of cyst are entirely normal: small cysts called follicular and luteal cysts develop during a normal menstrual cycle, and disappear by the time of the next cycle. Other types of ovarian cysts can develop and remain for longer, sometimes causing symptoms.

Most ovarian cysts are small, non-cancerous (benign), and cause no symptoms. However, some ovarian cyst symptoms may include one or more of the following:
• Pain or discomfort in the lower tummy (abdomen).
• Periods sometimes become irregular, or may become heavier or lighter than usual.

Ovarian cyst pain varies between different women. It may be sharp or dull; it may come and go or be present all the time; it may or may not be affected by your menstrual cycle (you may also develop irregular periods or spotting between periods). If an ovarian cyst bursts or gets twisted, it can cause sudden, very severe pain.

Ovarian cyst pain usually occurs on one side, but it can be in your lower tummy, deep down in the pelvis or both. The main symptom can be a dull ache or discomfort related to feeling bloated. Pain may only occur when you have s*x.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email [email protected].

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

28/07/2026

A Hysterectomy is an operation where the uterus (womb) is removed.

There are different types of hysterectomy, and during the operation other organs, such as the ovaries or Fallopian tubes – might also be removed.

A total ‘hysterectomy’ means that the uterus and the cervix (neck if the uterus) are removed – this is the most common type of hysterectomy. A ‘subtotal‘ hysterectomy means that the uterus is removed, but the cervix is not – this is a less common operation.

At the time of hysterectomy, one or both of the ovaries might be removed. It is also common for one or both of the Fallopian tubes to be removed. It is important that you are clear about the type of hysterectomy that might be performed, and whether the ovaries or Fallopian tubes are to be removed as well.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email [email protected].

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

26/07/2026

ASC Gynaecology offers individualised centered care for women in all stages of their life.

26/07/2026

Can I use double-dose Cerazette® for endometrial protection?

A colleague recently asked whether double-dose Cerazette® can be used for endometrial protection in a woman who is unable to tolerate progesterone.

The short answer is yes—in selected women.

This remains off-label, but both the 2026 British Menopause Society and the Australasian Menopause Society now recognise double-dose desogestrel as an option for endometrial protection alongside systemic oestrogen in appropriate clinical situations.

Perhaps the more important question, however, isn't "Which progestogen should I use?" but rather, "Why is this woman struggling with progesterone?"

Is it the progestogen itself? Is it fluctuating hormones during perimenopause? Is it the cyclical starting and stopping of progesterone? Has she reacted to one progestogen or several? Would suppressing ovulation actually improve her symptoms?

Understanding the underlying mechanism helps us individualise treatment rather than assuming one approach fits everyone. Progestogens are not interchangeable. They differ in their pharmacology, receptor activity and clinical effects, meaning the most appropriate option depends on the symptoms we are trying to treat, alongside a woman's medical history, goals and stage of life.

In this article, I'll summarise what the latest British Menopause Society and Australasian Menopause Society guidance says, review the evidence behind these recommendations, discuss the limitations, and provide links to the original resources so you can explore the evidence yourself.