Understanding obesity Obesity is a chronic health condition. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics 2022–24 National Health Measures Survey, more than two-thirds of Australian adults were living with overweight or obesity (approximately 13.2 million adults), including one in three living with obesity. Obesity and excess weight can increase the risk of serious health problems, … Read more
The menopause transition typically occurs in midlife for women. This is a time of significant physical, hormonal and psychological changes. The ovaries stop functioning; ovulation ceases (menstrual bleeding stops) and there is a major decline in circulating oestrogen levels. The average age of the final menstrual period (menopause) is 51 but menopausal symptoms commonly start … Read more
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone (androgen), produced mainly in the testes under the direction of the brain. It plays an essential role in maintaining energy levels, muscle mass, bone density, mood, libido, and sexual function. Testosterone production is within the testes and the signal for production comes from the brain and pituitary gland. … Read more
Driving is a serious responsibility, and people with diabetes may be susceptible to issues affecting their ability to safely operate motor vehicle. They are required to ensure that they are in good health, compliant with treatment, complication screening and diabetes follow-up to drive safely. Issues which can affect the ability of people with diabetes to … Read more
Panhypopituitarism (Underactive Pituitary Gland) The pituitary gland is located below the brain in the middle of the head. It is not part of the brain but is an endocrine organ (gland). It is the “master gland” and produces multiple hormones which control other glands such as the thyroid, adrenal glands, ovaries in women and testicles … Read more
The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands produce three types of hormones: Glucocorticoid (steroid) hormones. Cortisol is the main of these hormones. Cortisol is a vital “stress hormone” which helps with the stress response of the body (maintaining Blood Pressure and circulation in times of physical stress), storing fat, … Read more
The term “adrenal incidentaloma” refers to a lesion, usually over 1cm in size, located within the adrenal gland, discovered incidentally on routine CT scan/MRI/ ultrasound done for another purpose. The incidence of these tumours is probably around 4%, and increases with age. The adrenal glands are located on top of the kidneys. The adrenal glands … Read more
Thyroiditis The term “thyroiditis” refers to inflammation of the thyroid gland. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located centrally in the neck, just above the collarbones and below the larynx (voicebox). The main function of the thyroid is to regulate the body’s metabolism through production of thyroid hormones, T4 and T3. The production … Read more
Thyroid Nodules The term thyroid nodule refers to an abnormal overgrowth of cells in the thyroid gland, which causes a lump in the thyroid. The majority of thyroid nodules are benign (>90%). By age 60, about half the population has at least one thyroid nodule. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located centrally … Read more
Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid) The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located centrally in the neck, just above the collarbones and below the larynx (voicebox). The main function of the thyroid is to regulate the body’s metabolism through production of thyroid hormones, T4 and T3. The production of T4 and T3 is controlled by TSH … Read more