Dr Nancy Peters

Gynaecology

Comprehensive Gynaecological Care for Every Stage of Life

Gynaecological concerns can affect women at any age and may have a significant impact on comfort, confidence, fertility, work, relationships and quality of life.

Whether you are experiencing abnormal bleeding, heavy periods, pelvic pain, hormonal symptoms, menopause, ovarian cysts or endometriosis, Dr Nancy Peters provides compassionate and evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs.

Dr Peters understands that many women may feel anxious discussing health concerns. She takes a gentle and respectful approach, ensuring patients feel heard, informed and comfortable throughout their consultation.

With advanced training in minimally invasive (keyhole) gynaecological surgery through the Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) Accredited Training Program, Dr Peters is experienced in both medical and surgical management of a wide range of gynaecological conditions. She aims to provide clear explanations, thorough investigation and practical treatment options so women can feel more in control of their health.

Common Gynaecological Conditions

Abnormal uterine bleeding refers to bleeding that is heavier, more prolonged, more frequent or more irregular than expected. It is one of the most common reasons women see a gynaecologist.

Abnormal bleeding may include:

  • Heavy periods
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Bleeding after sex
  • Bleeding after menopause
  • Irregular cycles
  • Periods lasting longer than usual

There are many possible causes, including hormonal changes, fibroids, polyps, adenomyosis, endometriosis, thyroid conditions and, less commonly, pre-cancerous changes or cancer.

Investigations may include blood tests, ultrasound, cervical screening (pap smear), biopsy or hysteroscopy (day procedure under anaesthetic where a camera is inserted into the uterus). Treatment depends on the cause and may involve medication, hormonal therapy, IUD (intrauterine device)  insertion or surgery.

An abnormal cervical screening (pap smear) result is common and does not usually mean cancer. Most abnormalities are caused by Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a very common virus that most people are exposed to at some stage in their lives.

In many cases, the immune system clears HPV naturally. However, some women may develop abnormal cell changes in the cervix that require monitoring or treatment.

Common reasons for an abnormal cervical screening result include:

  • HPV infection
  • Low-grade cervical cell changes
  • High-grade cervical cell changes
  • Persistent HPV
  • Abnormal glandular cells

Depending on your result, further assessment may include:

  • Repeat cervical screening
  • Colposcopy
  • Cervical biopsy
  • LLETZ procedure
  • Cone biopsy

Dr Peters provides careful assessment and clear guidance for women with abnormal cervical screening results and offers in-room colposcopy services in Miranda where required.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus. 

It is estimated to affect around 1 in 9 Australian women by the age of 44 and can significantly affect quality of life, fertility and emotional wellbeing.

Symptoms may include:

  • Severe period pain
  • Pelvic pain outside of periods
  • Pain during sex
  • Pain with bowel motions
  • Pain when passing urine 
  • Bloating
  • Fatigue
  • Difficulty falling pregnant

Dr Peters provides comprehensive care for women with suspected or confirmed endometriosis. This includes a non-hormonal approach and working closely with a multidisciplinary team of specialised dietitians, physiotherapists, psychologists and integrative medicine practitioners to provide holistic patient centred care. Where appropriate she has expertise in medical management (including hormonal management) and advanced training in minimally invasive (keyhole) excisional surgery.  

Adenomyosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus is found in the muscular wall of the uterus. This can cause the uterus to become enlarged and tender.

Symptoms often include:

  • Heavy, painful or irregular periods
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Pain during intercourse
  • Ongoing pelvic pain

Adenomyosis can sometimes occur alongside endometriosis or fibroids. Management includes a non-hormonal approach, medication (including hormonal treatment and Mirena insertion) or surgery. 

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths of the muscle of the uterus. They are very common and affect up to 70% of women by menopause, although many women do not experience symptoms.

When fibroids do cause symptoms, these may include:

  • Heavy bleeding
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Frequently passing urine 
  • Constipation
  • Fertility issues
  • Miscarriage
  • Bloating

Treatment depends on the size, location and number of fibroids, as well as your symptoms and fertility plans. Options may include medication, hysteroscopic surgery (camera and operating within the uterus), laparoscopic myomectomy (keyhole surgery to remove fibroids) or hysterectomy (keyhole surgery to remove the uterus while keeping ovaries).

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovaries. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve naturally without treatment.

However, some cysts can cause:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Bloating
  • Pain during sex
  • Changes to periods
  • Sudden severe pain if a cyst ruptures or twists

Dr Peters can determine whether monitoring, medication or surgery is appropriate.

PMOS (formerly PCOS) is a common lifelong condition due to imbalances in hormones and metabolism. It can affect periods, fertility, weight, skin and metabolic health.

Common symptoms include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Excess hair growth
  • Acne
  • Difficulty losing weight
  • Difficulty falling pregnant

Management of PMOS is individualised and may include lifestyle changes and medication. 

Period / Menstrual Changes

Heavy periods or heavy menstrual bleeding, also known as menorrhagia, can interfere with daily activities, work and quality of life. Women with heavy periods may find they need to change pads / tampons / menstrual cups or period undies very frequently, pass large clots or experience fatigue from iron deficiency (low iron stores) or anaemia.

Heavy periods can be caused by fibroids, adenomyosis, hormonal imbalances, bleeding conditions or other gynaecological conditions.

Treatment options may include:

  • Hormonal or non-hormonal medication
  • Mirena IUD (intra-uterine device)
  • Endometrial ablation (day procedure under anaesthetic to burn the lining of the uterus)
  • Surgery to remove fibroids or polyps
  • In some cases, hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus while keeping the ovaries to avoid surgical menopause) 

Irregular periods are common and can occur for many reasons, including stress, hormonal changes, PMOS (formerly PCOS), thyroid conditions, weight changes, excessive exercise or perimenopause.

Dr Peters can help investigate the cause and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Painful periods, known as dysmenorrhoea, should not be ignored if they are affecting your life.

 

Symptoms may include:

  • Cramping pelvic pain
  • Lower back pain or pain radiating down your legs
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Pain that interferes with work, school or daily life

Painful periods can be caused by endometriosis, adenomyosis, fibroids or other pelvic conditions. Dr Peters aims to identify the underlying cause and develop an effective treatment plan.

Menopause: Care Before, During and After

Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. Hormonal fluctuations during this time can cause a wide range of symptoms, sometimes beginning in a woman’s 40s.

Symptoms may include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flushes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep disturbance
  • Anxiety
  • Brain fog
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Reduced libido

Many women are surprised by how much perimenopause can affect their wellbeing. Dr Peters takes a thorough history,  provides supportive and evidence-based advice to explore non-hormonal and hormonal options and help women manage this transition. 

Menopause is diagnosed when a woman has gone 12 months without a period. The average age of menopause in Australia is around 51.

For some women, menopausal symptoms are mild. For others, they can be severe and disruptive.

Dr Peters provides assessment and management for menopause-related symptoms and can discuss lifestyle strategies, non-hormonal treatments and menopause hormone therapy where appropriate.

Menopause hormone therapy, previously known as hormone replacement therapy, can be an effective treatment for menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, sleep problems and vaginal dryness.

Dr Peters provides personalised advice regarding the benefits and risks of MHT, taking into account your age, symptoms, medical history and preferences.

For many women, MHT can significantly improve quality of life and help them feel more like themselves again.

When to See a Gynaecologist

You may benefit from seeing a gynaecologist if you experience:

  • Heavy or painful periods
  • Bleeding between periods
  • Pelvic pain
  • Ovarian cysts
  • Endometriosis symptoms
  • Menopause symptoms
  • Abnormal bleeding after menopause
  • Pain during sex
  • Concerns about fibroids or PMOS (formerly PCOS)

Early assessment can often help diagnose conditions sooner and provide more treatment options.

Why Choose Dr Nancy Peters for Gynaecological Care?

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Women choose Dr Nancy Peters because she combines a warm, empathetic manner with advanced gynaecological expertise. She takes the time to understand symptoms, explain treatment options clearly and develop an individualised care plan.

With advanced Australasian Gynaecological Endoscopy and Surgery (AGES) training in minimally invasive  (keyhole) surgery, Dr Peters offers modern treatment options for conditions such as endometriosis, fibroids, heavy periods, pelvic pain and ovarian cysts.

Contact our team

Dr Peters provides personalised gynaecological care for women across the Sutherland Shire and surrounding areas.

She combines a gentle and compassionate approach with advanced training in minimally invasive (keyhole) surgery to ensure women receive the highest standard of care.

Appointments are available in Miranda for both public and private patients.

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