Dudley Gynaecology

07/03/2026

Today is International Women’s Day, a global celebration of achievement and a reminder of the importance of women’s health.

We're proud to support women through every stage of life with personalised, specialist care. Investing in your health is the greatest gift you can give yourself.

Happy International Women's Day from the team at Dudley Gynaecology.

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

01/03/2026

March is Endometriosis Awareness Month. This month, we are raising awareness for the 1 in 10 women in New Zealand living with this condition.

Endometriosis (kōpū whakatupu pūtautau) is often called an "invisible disease". It isn't because it can’t be seen, but because it is so frequently missed or misunderstood. Many patients spend years being misdiagnosed before finally getting the right answers.

Common Misdiagnoses Include:
• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Endo can mimic GI issues, but the root cause is often pelvic inflammation rather than digestion.
• Appendicitis: Lesions near the appendix can cause similar localized pain, sometimes leading to unnecessary surgery while the underlying disease remains.
• Ovarian Cysts: When cysts aren't present on a scan, patients are often told “everything looks fine,” even though debilitating pain persists.

At Dudley Gynaecology, we believe the right diagnosis is the first essential step toward relief. Whether you are experiencing chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, or fertility struggles, your symptoms deserve to be taken seriously.

If you’ve been told “it’s just IBS” or “nothing’s wrong,” but you still feel pain, it’s time to look deeper. Let’s break the silence and empower ourselves with the right information.

For more information, visit the Endometriosis New Zealand website here: www.nzendo.org.nz

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email admin@dudleygynaecology.co.nz.

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

18/02/2026

Pelvic pain and women’s health issues can impact every stage of life, from reproductive years through menopause. At Dudley Gynaecology, we believe that understanding the statistics and symptoms is the first step toward effective care.

Common Conditions & Impact:
• Adenomyosis: Can affect 20-35% of people with a uterus, often causing chronic abdominal-pelvic pain and infertility.
• Fibroids: Affects 70% of Caucasian women and up to 80% of women of African American ancestry.
• Endometriosis: A widespread issue affecting 1 in 9 individuals.
• Postpartum: Between 6% - 11% of women experience chronic abdominal-pelvic pain following childbirth.
• Menopause: 57% of post-menopausal women experience symptoms like painful in*******se or urinary issues.

You don’t have to navigate these challenges alone. If you are experiencing these symptoms and would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email admin@dudleygynaecology.co.nz.

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

10/02/2026

If you’ve been feeling like your body has a mind of its own lately, you aren’t imagining it. Menopause is a whole-body transition that affects everything from your internal thermostat to your mental clarity.

Swipe through to see how some of the common symptoms can feel:
• Joint & Muscle Aches - Many women describe feeling "stiff" or as if their joints have aged overnight.
• Brain Fog - Difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness or a feeling of being "fuzzy."
• Mood Swings - Increased irritability, anxiety, or low mood. Some women describe a loss of confidence or feeling "not like themselves."
• Sleep Disturbances - Insomnia or waking up at 3:00 AM and being unable to fall back to sleep (often exacerbated by night sweats).
• Electric Shock Sensations - Sharp, tingly feelings under the skin or in the head.
• Heart Palpitations - A racing or fluttering heart sensation that can occur alongside hot flashes.

The important thing to remember? Menopause looks different for everyone. While these are common experiences, they are by no means the only symptoms. With over 30 possible symptoms—ranging from mood shifts to skin changes—your journey is unique to you. Whether your symptoms are mild, moderate, or life-altering, they are real and they deserve attention.

At Dudley Gynaecology, we believe no one should have to "just tough it out." Support and evidence-based care can make a world of difference in navigating this transition.

You don't have to navigate this alone. If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email admin@dudleygynaecology.co.nz.

www.dudleygynaecology.co.nz

02/02/2026

This February is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month in New Zealand.

Ovarian Cancer is the name commonly used for cancer that develops in the o***y, fallopian tube or peritoneum (lining of the abdomen). In New Zealand, one woman is diagnosed every day, and approximately 1 in 70 will be affected in their lifetime.

Common symptoms include:
• Abdominal/pelvic pain or discomfort
• Increased abdominal size/bloating
• Bowel habit changes
• Eating less and feeling fuller
• Needing to urinate more often or urgently
• Fatigue

You know your body best. If you notice any new or unusual changes that persist for more than two weeks, please book an appointment to get it checked out. Early detection makes a significant difference in treatment outcomes.

For more information, visit the Ovarian Cancer Foundation NZ website here: www.ovariancancerfoundation.org.nz

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

30/01/2026

Menopause linked to loss of grey matter in the brain, poorer mental health and sleep disturbance

Menopause is linked to reductions in grey matter volume in key brain regions as well as increased levels of anxiety and depression and difficulties with sleep, according to new research from the University of Cambridge.

The study, published today in Psychological Medicine, found that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does not appear to mitigate these effects, though it can slow the decline in reaction times.

Data of 125 000 women from the UK Biobank was analysed, highlighting an increase in anxiety and depression in menopausal women. The study raises awareness of possible mental health symptoms exacerbated by menopause and this may help menopausal women be more transparent about cognitive challenges impacting their day to day lives.

HRT appears to put the brakes on slower reaction times linked with aging and menopause. Although a reduction in grey matter was noted in menopausal women, irrespective of whether they used HRT or not, the relevance of this finding remains to be seen. Further research is needed in this area.

Although there may be changes in grey matter volume in women with Alzheimer’s disease, this study is making no claims regarding a change in risk of Alzheimer’s disease with HRT, in line with four previously published randomised controlled trials.

The authors focus on the importance of a healthy lifestyle, including good sleep hygiene, to optimise mid-life health.

Further information about this study is available on the University of Cambridge website.

28/01/2026

Preparing for your endometriosis laparoscopy soon?

We know that the lead-up to surgery can feel overwhelming, and knowing what to actually bring with you shouldn't add to the stress.

To help you prepare, here is a practical hospital bag checklist. These aren't just standard recommendations, these items come directly from the helpful suggestions of the wonderful Endometriosis New Zealand community. They are the things that those who have already had this operation found most valuable during their hospital stay.

Swipe through to see the community's top picks for essentials, personal care, comfort items and entertainment.

Make sure to screenshot or save this post so you have it handy when it’s time to pack! You've got this. 🧡

21/01/2026

Is it "just" a period, or is it something more?

Pelvic pain and period pain share similarities, but understanding their differences is key to identifying the root cause. While many experience discomfort during their cycle, knowing when pain signals an underlying issue is vital for your long-term health.

Understanding Period Pain
Period pain (dysmenorrhea) typically follows a predictable pattern:
• Cyclical: It usually appears just before or during menstruation.
• Duration: It generally lasts for only a few days.
• Management: It often improves with rest or medication.
• Cause: The primary cause is uterine contractions.

Identifying Pelvic Pain
Pelvic pain is often more complex and may require specialist evaluation:
• Timing: It can occur at any time in the cycle, not just during your period.
• Triggers: It may worsen with sitting, s*x, or physical activity.
• Duration: It is often chronic, lasting six months or longer.
• Root Causes: It may signal conditions like Endometriosis, Interstitial Cystitis (IC), or Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

If your pain extends beyond your period or interferes with your daily life, you don't have to "just live with it." Our team is here to provide a deeper evaluation and help you find a path toward relief.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email admin@dudleygynaecology.co.nz.

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

15/01/2026

What are the stages of the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle is a natural process. It's a complex cycle controlled by female hormones that cause regular bleeding (periods). The menstrual cycle has four phases: menstruation, the follicular phase, ovulation and the luteal phase.

The menstrual cycle prepares your body for pregnancy. If you are not pregnant, your hormones send a signal to your uterus to shed its lining. This becomes your period. Once you start your period, the cycle starts again.

A menstrual cycle is measured from the first day of your period to the first day of your next period. The average length of a menstrual cycle is 28 to 29 days, but every woman’s cycle is different.

1. Menstruation
Menstruation is commonly known as a period. When you menstruate, your uterus lining sheds and flows out of your va**na. Your period contains blood, mucus and some cells from the lining of your uterus. The average length of a period is three to seven days.

2. The follicular phase
The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts for 13 to 14 days, ending in ovulation. The pituitary gland in the brain releases a hormone to stimulate the production of follicles on the surface of an o***y. Usually, only one follicle will mature into an egg. This can happen from day 10 of your cycle. During this phase, your uterus lining also thickens in preparation for pregnancy.

3. Ovulation
Ovulation is when a mature egg is released from an o***y and moves along a fallopian tube towards your uterus. This usually happens once each month, about two weeks before your next period. Ovulation can last from 16 to 32 hours.

4. The luteal phase
After ovulation, cells in the o***y (the corpus luteum), release progesterone and a small amount of oestrogen. This causes the lining of the uterus to thicken in preparation for pregnancy.

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email admin@dudleygynaecology.co.nz.

www.dudleygynaecology.co.nz

06/01/2026

Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, most commonly in the pelvic region. It affects an estimated 120,000 individuals in New Zealand.

The impact of endometriosis varies greatly, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain and fertility struggles. Diagnosis can often be delayed as symptoms can be mistaken for normal period pain. Common symptoms include:
• Pain before and during periods
• Chronic pelvic pain
• Pain during s*x
• Tiredness and low energy
• Abnormal menstrual bleeding
• Pain in other places such as the lower back

The impact of endometriosis varies greatly, from mild discomfort to debilitating pain and fertility struggles.

Treatment can include medication to manage pain and inflammation and sometimes surgery.

For more information, visit the Endometriosis New Zealand website here: www.nzendo.org.nz

If you would like to arrange an appointment with Dr Narena Dudley, please call 021 024 51019 or email admin@dudleygynaecology.co.nz.

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

31/12/2025

Happy New Year from the team at Dudley Gynaecology! 🎉

We hope your new year is filled with health, happiness and exciting new beginnings. Wishing you a wonderful and safe 2026!

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.

24/12/2025

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas from the team at Dudley Gynaecology! 🎄

May your holiday season be filled with love, laughter and good health. We appreciate your support throughout the year!

Dudley Gynaecology offers individualised patient-centered care for women in all stages of their life.