Iluka Medical Centre

13/04/2026

By your 50s, there's roughly a 1-in-2 chance you're experiencing some degree of hair loss. And yet — most people don't know that effective, evidence-based treatment exists. 🩺

Hair loss affects men and women very differently, and the cause matters a lot when choosing the right approach. Stress, nutrition, hormones, and genetics all play a role.

Here's what you need to know:
✅ Hair follicles miniaturise — they don't die. That means treatment can often help, especially when started early
✅ Minoxidil is the evidence-based first-line treatment for both men and women
✅ Stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium) is usually temporary and resolves within 6–9 months
✅ Sudden, patchy, or rapidly progressing hair loss warrants a GP visit — it may have a different, treatable cause

The mental health impact of hair loss is real. Studies show that moderate to severe hair loss is associated with increased anxiety and reduced quality of life. These feelings are valid, and your GP can help with both sides of the equation.

📖 Read the full article: https://www.ilukamedical.com.au/

10/04/2026

☕ Is your morning coffee actually good for you? The science might surprise you.

Here at Iluka Medical Centre, we get asked about coffee constantly. The latest peer-reviewed research has genuinely good news — with a few important caveats worth knowing.

Here's what the evidence shows:

1️⃣ MORNING COFFEE IS HEART-PROTECTIVE
A 2025 European Heart Journal study found morning-only drinkers had a 31% lower cardiovascular mortality risk than non-drinkers. All-day drinkers? No benefit. Timing is everything.

2️⃣ 3–5 CUPS IS THE SWEET SPOT
Moderate daily consumption is linked to a 17% lower risk of early death and an 18% lower overall cancer risk. Both too little and too much reduce these benefits — it's a U-shaped curve.

3️⃣ YOUR LIVER LOVES COFFEE
Regular drinkers have less than half the liver cancer risk of non-drinkers (RR 0.46). The World Cancer Research Fund rates this as one of the most consistent findings in nutrition science.

5️⃣ FILTER YOUR COFFEE IF YOU DRINK A LOT
French press and plunger coffee retains compounds that raise LDL cholesterol. Paper-filtered coffee removes them. If you drink 4+ cups daily, filtered is the smarter choice.

📋 PREGNANCY NOTE: Australian guidelines recommend a maximum of 200 mg of caffeine/day during pregnancy (~1–2 espressos). Talk to your GP.

Read the full evidence-based article on our website 👇
https://www.ilukamedical.com.au/your-daily-coffee-what-science-actually-says/

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🩺 General health education only. Not a substitute for personalised medical advice. Always consult your GP.

31/03/2026

💡 Menopause Myths — Busted.

There's a lot of misinformation out there about menopause, and it can stop women from getting the support they deserve.

Dr Saweela Sarwar at Iluka Medical Centre addresses six of the most common menopause myths:

❌ Myth: Menopause happens suddenly.
✅ Perimenopause is a gradual transition that can begin in the mid-to-late 40s and last for years.

❌ Myth: All women experience severe symptoms.
✅ Symptom experience varies widely — from significant to none at all.

❌ Myth: Hormone therapy (MHT) is too dangerous.
✅ Current Australian guidelines (RACGP & Menopause Australia) indicate MHT is appropriate and generally safe for eligible women. It remains the most effective treatment for hot flushes and night sweats.

❌ Myth: Menopause inevitably causes weight gain.
✅ Lifestyle, activity levels, and diet are the primary drivers — not menopause alone.

If you're experiencing symptoms — or simply want to understand this stage better — a GP consultation is the right first step.

📞 (08) 6119 4700
🔗 Full article: https://www.ilukamedical.com.au/menopause-myths-vs-reality/

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This post is for general health information only and does not constitute medical advice. Please consult your GP regarding your individual circumstances. MHT suitability is determined on an individual clinical basis.

24/12/2025

20/11/2025

Skin Cancer Doesn’t Take Summer Off.
Book your skin check before the holidays.

Australia has the highest skin cancer rates in the world. Early detection can save your life.
Full head-to-toe skin checks now available with Dr Fahima Tahir.

📅 Bookings open all summer
▶ Watch this short clip to learn why skin checks matter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4jgUcxMezM

12/11/2025

Dedicated women’s health GPs now available at Iluka Medical Centre — supporting your wellbeing, every step of the way.

24/05/2025

Free flu vaccines for all until 30 June 2025. Book an appointment with our nurses today!

19/10/2024

MIXED BILLING CLINIC MONDAY TO FRIDAY
PRIVATE BILLING SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS
CLOSED PUBLIC HOLIDAYS