Opening a pathology report full of unfamiliar abbreviations and numbers marked "H" or "L" can be unsettling. Understanding the process your GP actually goes through to interpret it takes a lot of the mystery — and the worry — out of it. 

Cervical screening tends to be the part of a women's health check people know about, but it's only one piece of a much broader conversation. Knowing what else is usually covered makes it easier to get the most out of the appointment. 

Every October, Australia marks Mental Health Month. It's a reminder that mental health deserves the same attention as physical health — and that asking for support is a sign of strength, not a last resort. And it starts with a chat with your GP.

Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside it, causing pain and sometimes fertility difficulties. Common symptoms are severe period pain, pelvic pain, pain during or after sex, heavy bleeding, bowel or bladder symptoms and fatigue. It affects roughly one in seven Australian women by their mid-40s. 

Many bowel changes that occur after 50 are real, common, and manageable — but they should never simply be accepted as inevitable. Knowing the difference between what's expected and what warrants investigation could make a significant difference to your health.