Dr Talat Uppal is a gynaecologist and Director of Women’s Health Road in Sydney.
In the Q&A below, Dr Uppal says she’d like more women to know that heavy menstrual bleeding is not something that they should have to simply endure. It’s a condition that affects one in four women of reproductive age and can be treated effectively with various options.
What do you want more women to know about their health?
I want more women to know that they should be proactive about their health and wellbeing. Understanding and recognising the signs and symptoms of common health issues, including menstrual disorders, and seeking timely medical advice is crucial. Women should feel empowered to advocate for themselves in healthcare settings and not dismiss their symptoms as “normal” if something feels wrong. Education and awareness are key to achieving better health outcomes.
Why are you so passionate about women’s menstrual health?
I’m passionate about women’s menstrual health because it’s a fundamental aspect of overall well-being that is often overlooked or stigmatised. Menstrual health issues can significantly impact a woman’s quality of life, productivity, and emotional well-being.
By focusing on this area, I hope together we can break down the stigma, improve access to care, and ensure that women receive the correct support and timely treatment they need.
This passion is driven by a commitment to gender equality and the belief that all women deserve to live healthy, empowered lives.
What is one thing you wish more women knew about heavy menstrual bleeding?
I wish more women knew that heavy menstrual bleeding is not something they have to simply endure. It is a common condition that affects 25 per cent of reproductive-aged women and can be treated effectively with various options, including medical, surgical, and radiological interventions.
Many women suffer in silence, thinking their heavy periods are normal, when some of them may have underlying pathology, such as uterine polyps, fibroids, adenomyosis, hormonal imbalances, or other medical conditions. The resulting iron deficiency and/ anaemia can cause significant fatigue. Seeking timely medical advice and accessing one of the many treatment options can lead to significant improvements in their quality of life.
Womensagenda