Dr Mary-Jane Stanley is an experienced Brisbane based general practitioner with a passion for supporting women on their journey to optimal health.
Her career has included extensive time at family planning and women’s health centres, giving her a unique perspective and technical excellence in caring for women in all stages of life.
Dr Mary-Jane is an educator and mentor in women’s health. She is a certified Implanon trainer and has provided lectures and clinical training for family planning organisations.
She has special interest in helping women navigate:
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Menopause is the last or final menstrual period. The average age of menopause is 51 years of age but may occur earlier. The women’s body stops producing oestrogen at menopause and this hormonal change can cause symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, memory changes, sleep problems, dry skin and hair, mood changes and anxiety.
Many women experience these symptoms for 5-10 years.
There are safe and effective treatments for these menopausal symptoms.
Menopause is an important time to review of your health including heart health and bone health.
Resources
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Perimenopause usually starts in women in their mid 40s and lasts for average of 4-6 years. Many women may have menopausal symptoms in this time despite still having their period. Menstrual periods may become irregular or heavier.
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PCOS is a hormonal condition that affects about one in 10 women. Symptoms may include irregular periods, excessive facial and body hair, pimples, weight gain. It may also increase the risk of developing a range of health conditions including diabetes.
Resources
https://mchri.org.au/guidelines-resources/community/pcos-resources/
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Pelvic Pain affects 1 in 5 women at some time in their life. Often pelvic pain is not discussed or dismissed as normal period pain. Pelvic pain may start in teenage years when periods begin. Period pain is the most common type of pelvic pain but the pain may start in any pelvic organs including uterus, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder or bowel. It can also start in joints or muscle. Endometriosis may be the cause.
Discussing your pelvic pain may be a good first step in managing your pelvic pain
Assesing and managing your pain may include the help of group of health professionals which may include general practitioner, physiotherapist, gynaecologist and psychologist.
Health professionals interested in pelvic pain in Queensland may be a member of Queensland Persistent Pelvic Pain Network and Pelvic Pain Foundation Australia.
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Heavy periods /Heavy menstrual bleeding can impact on women’s physical social and emotional quality of life. -Causing problems such as iron deficiency,tiredness ,missed work days or social events .It affects about one in 4 women most commonly between 30-50 .It is valuable to have an assessment and explore treatment options with your general practitioner.
Resources
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Premenstrual syndrome IS REAL.
Many women are affected but symptoms can vary.
Physical symptoms and psychological symptoms in the 1-2 weeks prior to the menstrual period and resolve or improve with the period.
Physical symptoms may including breast tenderness, bloating, weight gain, clumsiness and headaches
Psychological symptoms may include anxiety, low mood or depression, anger mood swings, sleep problems.
Can be diagnosed by keeping a diary with a menstrual app tracking the symptoms.
Consider discussing your symptoms.
Resources
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Accredited for shared antenatal care at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s and Mater Hospitals.
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Dr Mary-Jane Stanley can provide individualised contraception advice including for clients with complex health problems.
Different contraception methods may suit you at different times in your life.
Methods of contraception that are available include: implants, intrauterine devices (IUDs), injection, pills, vaginal rings, barrier methods, sterilisation, emergency contraception and natural family planning.
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Is a simple procedure that can be performed in a routine visit. However Dr Stanley does not perform IUD insertion and would refer if reinsertion is required.
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Implanon is a highly effective form of contraception lasting for 3 years. It is a progesterone only implant placed under the skin in your upper arm with a simple procedure.
Dr Mary-Jane Stanley can discuss if this is a suitable option for you and at a subsequent visit perform insertion. Please advise the reception staff when booking appointment for removal with or without reinsertion.
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Cervical Screening Test (previously called Pap smear) is recommended every 5 years.
The Pap test used to look for changes in the cells of the cervix, the entrance to the uterus (womb) from the vagina.
Now the cervical screening test looks for evidence of the human papillomavirus (HPV), which can lead to cell changes in the cervix.
There is an option of self collected vaginal swab or sample collected by the general practitioner from the cervix using the speculum.
Cervical Screening now starts at 25 and finishes at 75 years of age.
If you have symptoms such as unexpected bleeding between periods or bleeding after intercourse you should arrange a cervical screening test even if not due for your regular screening.
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It is simple to discuss and arrange routine STI testing and treatment.
The sexual health information that you discuss in your check-up is confidential so it’s a good opportunity to ask any questions about your sexual health that might have been worrying you.
Dr Mary Jane is committed to comprehensive and dignified care, supporting women’s wellbeing offering the latest information and best practice at each stage of a woman’s life.
Dr Mary-Jane holds the Fellowship of Royal Australian General Practitioner and Family Planning Association Certificate and is a member of the Australasian Menopause Society, Pelvic Pain Foundation, and Queensland’s Pelvic Pain Network.
Advocacy and governance
GP Representative
Queensland Persistent Pain Network