Dr Dean Conrad

26/05/2026

Let’s Talk About Menstrual Bleeding
As a gynaecologist and obstetrician, I see many women who silently struggle with heavy or irregular periods, believing it's just “part of being a woman.” But here’s the truth: not all bleeding is normal, and you don’t have to just live with it.

Signs you should speak to your doctor include:
– Bleeding that soaks through a pad or tampon every hour
– Periods lasting longer than 7 days
– Needing to use double protection
– Passing large clots
– Fatigue or symptoms of anaemia
– Bleeding between periods or after s*x

These symptoms could be linked to conditions like fibroids, endometriosis, polyps, hormonal imbalances, or other medical issues that can be diagnosed and treated.

Your period is your body’s monthly report card—if something feels off, it’s worth checking in.

Let’s break the stigma and normalise conversations about menstrual health. You deserve care, answers, and support.

20/05/2026

YES — many women with PMOS, also known as PCOS, absolutely can and do fall pregnant.

While PMOS can affect ovulation and make conception more challenging for some women, it does not mean infertility.

In fact:
• Many women conceive naturally
• Others benefit from lifestyle changes or ovulation tracking
• Some may require fertility support or medical treatment

PMOS affects every woman differently, which is why personalised care is so important.

The term PMOS, or PolyMetabolic O***y Syndrome, is being used by some specialists because the condition involves far more than just “cysts” on the ovaries. It reflects the important metabolic and hormonal factors that can influence fertility and overall health.

The key is early assessment, understanding your cycle, and addressing factors such as:
• Irregular ovulation
• Insulin resistance
• Weight and metabolic health
• Hormonal balance

If you’ve been struggling to conceive, know that there are many effective treatment options available, and you are not alone.

If you have concerns about your fertility, irregular periods, or hormonal symptoms, speak with your gynaecologist or fertility specialist.

18/05/2026

May is Pelvic Pain Awareness Month

A time to raise awareness, improve understanding, and advocate for better care for the many people living with chronic pelvic pain, a condition that is often misunderstood, under-diagnosed, and too often dismissed.

Pelvic pain affects around 1 in 5 women at some stage in their lives. For many, it has a significant impact on daily activities, relationships, mental health, and overall quality of life.

Chronic pelvic pain is more common than asthma or back pain, yet many patients still face long delays in diagnosis and treatment.

Pelvic pain is often complex and multifactorial. Common contributing factors include endometriosis, pelvic floor dysfunction, musculoskeletal causes, and bowel or bladder-related conditions.

Importantly, pain itself can become a condition in its own right, and needs to be recognised and managed as such, not just as a symptom of another diagnosis.

As a gynaecologist, I see the impact of this every day. Many patients have spent years searching for answers before they are finally heard.

This month is about:
• Breaking the stigma around pelvic pain
• Encouraging people to seek help early
• Promoting evidence-based care
• Advocating for better education, research, and access to treatment

Pelvic pain is real, and no one should feel they have to just live with it.

16/05/2026

14/05/2026

For many years, we’ve used the term Polycystic O***y Syndrome (PCOS) to describe one of the most common hormonal conditions affecting women.

However, experts are increasingly recognising that the name can be misleading. Not everyone with PCOS actually has “cysts” on their ovaries, and the condition involves far more than just the ovaries themselves.

This is why some specialists have started using the term PMOS, or PolyMetabolic O***y Syndrome.

Why the shift?
The term PMOS aims to better reflect the broader metabolic and hormonal impacts of the condition, including:

• Insulin resistance
• Weight changes and difficulty losing weight
• Irregular periods
• Fertility challenges
• Acne and excess hair growth
• Increased long-term risks of diabetes and cardiovascular disease

The evolving terminology highlights that this is not simply a “gynaecological issue”. It is a whole-body metabolic and endocrine condition that deserves comprehensive care.

Importantly, it also helps validate the experiences of women who may not have “polycystic ovaries” on ultrasound but still experience significant symptoms.

Early diagnosis, education, and personalised treatment remain the key to improving symptoms and long-term health outcomes.

If you’re struggling with irregular cycles, hormonal symptoms, or fertility concerns, don’t ignore the signs. Support and treatment options are available.

12/05/2026

Today is International Nurses Day, recognising the incredible contribution nurses make every day. This year’s theme is “Our Nurses. Our Future. Empowered nurses save lives.”

Held each year on May 12, the anniversary of Florence Nightingale’s birth, this day recognises the dedication, compassion, and expertise nurses bring to every patient, every shift, and every moment of care. Florence Nightingale is widely regarded as the founder of modern nursing, and her work in improving hygiene, hospital care, and patient outcomes continues to shape the way we practise today.

This theme reflects something we see every day. When we support nurses properly, value their work, and invest in their wellbeing, the impact flows directly to patient care. Strong nursing teams are the foundation of safe and effective healthcare.

In gynaecology and surgery, nurses are central to everything we do. From preparing patients for theatre, to supporting care during procedures, through to recovery and ward care, their role is critical at every stage of the patient journey.

I am incredibly fortunate to work alongside outstanding nurses across Kareena Private, St George Private, Hurstville Private and The Sutherland Hospital. Their professionalism, skill, and genuine care make a difference every single day.

Happy International Nurses Day.

11/05/2026

Today is International Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (IHMB) Day, a day to raise awareness about heavy periods, which affect 1 in 4 women of reproductive age.

Heavy menstrual bleeding is often dismissed as “just part of being a woman.” It’s not.

While many are celebrating the strength, love, and resilience of mothers, it’s also important to acknowledge a condition that quietly impacts millions and is often under-recognised or not taken seriously.

Heavy periods are not just inconvenient. They can lead to iron deficiency, fatigue, pain, disruption to daily life, missed work or school, and significant impacts on fertility and overall wellbeing.

In many cases, there are underlying and treatable causes, yet too often people are told to simply put up with it.

They affect women at all stages of life, from adolescence through to perimenopause.

As a gynaecologist and surgeon, I see this every day. Too often, patients have been told to “just deal with it” for years before they are finally taken seriously.

That needs to change.

There are effective treatments. There are answers. No one should feel like they have to suffer in silence.

This HMB Day:
Let’s talk openly
Let’s remove the stigma
Let’s make sure women know that help is available

You don’t have to just put up with it.

10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible women who embody the spirit of motherhood in all its forms.

To my wife, Debbie: Watching you now as a mum to both Leo and James has been something really special. From the very beginning, you’ve embraced motherhood with so much love, patience and strength. The way you care for our boys, comfort them, and somehow hold everything together never goes unnoticed. We are so lucky to have you.

To their grandmothers, Yia Yia and Pau Pau: Your love continues to grow with our family. Seeing you with Leo and now with James, the cuddles, the laughter, and the wisdom you bring, means more than we can put into words. Our boys are incredibly lucky to have you both.

Leo and James are surrounded by strong, loving women who shape their world every day. That is something I will never take for granted.

To all the mums, grandmothers, and mother figures, thank you for everything you do. You are appreciated, valued, and loved.

07/05/2026

Ovarian cancer is often called a silent disease, but it shouldn’t be.

On World Ovarian Cancer Day, we join a global movement to raise awareness and improve outcomes for women affected by ovarian cancer.

This year’s theme, , highlights an important reality. Too many women still have their symptoms dismissed, experience delays in diagnosis, or face barriers to accessing appropriate care.

As an obstetrician and gynaecologist, I see how easily the symptoms of ovarian cancer can be mistaken for more common conditions. That’s what makes awareness so important.

Symptoms can include:
• Persistent bloating
• Pelvic or abdominal pain
• Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
• Urinary urgency or frequency

These symptoms are common, but if they are new, persistent, and occurring most days, they should not be ignored.

There is currently no effective screening test for ovarian cancer in women without symptoms, which is why early recognition and seeking medical advice can make a real difference.

No woman should feel that her concerns are dismissed or that she has to navigate this alone.

06/05/2026

On World Maternal Mental Health Day, observed on the first Wednesday of May, we shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by mothers and families around the world.

Worldwide, up to 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder.

This includes postnatal depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder and, more rarely, postpartum psychosis. Too often, these conditions go unrecognised and untreated, with significant consequences for both mother and baby.

Many women downplay or hide how they are feeling, with up to 7 in 10 not speaking up.

What is less well known is that around 1 in 10 fathers also experience depression during this time. Supporting maternal mental health means supporting the whole family.

Pregnancy and early parenthood bring significant life changes, and it is not uncommon to feel overwhelmed. These struggles are real, common, and importantly, treatable.

If you are not feeling like yourself, you are not alone. Reaching out for support is a strong and important first step. Speak to your GP, your obstetrician, or a trusted health professional.

Looking after mothers means looking after families.