Southern Cross Medical Library

Medical library

At Southern Cross, we're helping Kiwis live their healthiest lives. If you've got a question about a medical condition, our popular medical library can help.

Autoimmune conditions
- Coeliac disease and gluten intolerance
  Coeliac disease is a digestive system disorder that causes a reaction to gluten - a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and oats.
- Crohn's disease
  Crohn’s disease is a lifelong condition that causes inflammation in the digestive system – most commonly in the bowel.
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
  Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare disorder of the nervous system that can produce symptoms like muscle weakness or paralysis of limbs, the face and respiratory system.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus
  Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a long-term autoimmune disease, where the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy tissue
Bladder conditions
- Kidney stones
  Kidney stones occur when minerals build up in your urinary system and solidify into a stone, causing pain and other symptoms.
- Lithotripsy for kidney stones
  Lithotripsy is a commonly used alternative to surgery for the treatment of kidney stones. The procedure works by focusing high-energy shock waves to break up kidney stones.
- Nephrotic syndrome symptoms causes and treatment
  Nephrotic syndrome is a kidney disorder characterised by high levels of protein in the urine and swelling of body tissue
Blood and blood vessel conditions
- Abdominal aortic aneurysm
  An aneurysm is an abnormal widening or bulging of an artery. It occurs when a weakened area in the wall of an artery stretches and bulges as blood is pumped through it.
- Deep vein thrombosis
  A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a blood clot that forms in the major veins of the body – usually the legs. It is estimated one in every 1200 New Zealanders will develop a DVT each year.
- Diabetes mellitus in New Zealand
  Over 240,000 New Zealanders have been diagnosed with diabetes (diabetes mellitus) and it’s estimated another 100,000 have diabetes that has not been diagnosed.
- Giant cell arteritis
  Giant cell arteritis is an inflammatory condition affecting arteries of the upper body and head. Symptoms include headaches and blurred or double vision.
- Haemochromatosis
  Haemochromatosis is a lifelong disorder involving the excessive absorption and inappropriate storage of iron.
- High blood cholesterol levels
  Cholesterol is a type of fat that circulates in your blood. Too much of it increases your risk of heart disease and stroke.
- High blood pressure hypertension
  High blood pressure is when the pressure of your blood on your artery walls is abnormally high, potentially causing artery damage and health problems over the long term.
- Iron deficiency anaemia
  Anaemia is when you have a lower than normal number of red blood cells in your blood. The most common cause of anaemia is not having enough iron available to make red blood cells (iron deficiency).
- Raynauds disease
  Raynaud's disease is a condition affecting the circulation of blood in the fingers and toes, usually when exposed to cold
- Sepsis
  Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the body’s overreaction to an infection
- Type 1 diabetes
  Diabetes is when levels of glucose in your blood are too high because your body has insufficient insulin, or resists the effects of insulin
- Type 2 diabetes
  Diabetes is when levels of glucose in your blood are too high because your body has insufficient insulin, or resists the effects of insulin
- Varicose veins
  Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins, most commonly affecting the legs, that can cause discomfort or pain.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency
  Vitamin B12 is necessary for making red blood cells and is important for the health of nerve cells and the formation of genetic material
Brain and nervous system disorders
- ADHD
  Symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) relate to three main behaviours: hyperactivity, inattention, and impulsivity.
- Alzheimer's disease
  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, where a person’s memory, thinking, understanding and judgement declines.
- Bells palsy
  Bell’s palsy, also known as facial palsy, is the sudden onset of paralysis of one of the facial nerves.
- Cerebral palsy
  Cerebral palsy is a term used to describe a group of physical disability disorders caused by damage to particular areas of the brain that control a person’s movement and posture.
- Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
  Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder of the nervous system usually associated with an injury to an arm or leg, or sometimes triggered by another health event.
- Concussion
  Concussion is the temporary loss of brain function caused by a brain injury.
- Dementia symptoms causes and treatment
  Dementia is a term for a group of symptoms that indicate a loss of brain function. Treatment depends on the type of dementia but most types are incurable.
- Depression
  It is normal to experience periods of feeling down in response to life events or the stresses of everyday living. However, when a low mood persists for several weeks or more, it may be the result of depression.
- Essential tremor
  Essential tremor is a disorder of the nervous system that involves involuntary shaking of parts of the body, usually without any other symptoms.
- Headache
  There are many different kinds of headache, with their own symptoms, causes and treatments. Most are temporary and can be relieved with self-care, but some can indicate something more serious.
- Migraine
  A migraine is an intense headache that is usually felt as a throbbing or pulsing pain on one side of the head and may last up to 72 hours. Nausea, vomiting, or sensitivity to light and sound may occur with the headache.
- Motor neurone disease
  Motor neurone disease is an incurable condition that causes the progressive degeneration of the nerve cells that control muscles.
- Multiple sclerosis
  Multiple sclerosis (often referred to as 'MS') is a disease of the central nervous system that affects movement, sensation and body functions.
- Neurofibromatosis
  Neurofibromatosis is a genetic condition that affects the skin, soft tissue, bone, and nervous system
- Parkinsons disease symptoms causes and treatment
  Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the brain that gets worse over time
- Stroke
  A stroke is a disruption of blood flow to a part of the brain, which causes brains cells to be damaged or die because of a lack of oxygen
Cancers
- Basal cell carcinoma skin cancer
  Basal cell carcinoma is the most common yet least dangerous type of skin cancer.
- Bowel (colorectal) cancer
  Bowel cancer affects the digestive system between the stomach and the anus.
- Breast cancer
  Breast cancer is New Zealand’s third most common cancer. About 3300 women and 25 men are diagnosed each year.
- Cervical cancer
  Cervical cancer usually develops over many years, often with no symptoms. It can be prevented, however, through screening and early detection.
- Leukaemia
  Leukaemia is the name given to a group of cancers that originate in the bone marrow and cause abnormal blood cell production.
- Lung cancer
  Lung cancer is a malignant lung disease primarily caused by cigarette smoking. It often has no obvious symptoms until the disease is quite advanced and has a low rate of survival.
- Melanoma skin cancer
  A melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. The first symptom is a change in an existing mole or freckle, or the appearance of a new mole or freckle. Melanoma can be successfully treated if detected early.
- Prostate cancer symptoms causes and treatment
  Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer, and the third most common cause of cancer deaths, among New Zealand men
Children's health
- Acne - symptoms and treatment
  A common disease of the skin, caused by hair follicles becoming blocked.
- Blepharitis - symptoms and treatment
  Blepharitis (pronounced blef-uh-RYE-tis) is inflammation of the eyelids, mainly affecting the area where the eyelashes grow. Symptoms can include red, itchy, and swollen eyelids. It is a common disorder that can occur at any age
- Pigeon toes symptoms causes and treatment
  Most people's feet point straight ahead or outward
- Slapped cheek disease
  Slapped cheek disease, also known as fifth disease, is a common and usually mild childhood viral infection
- Vesicoureteral reflux
  Vesicoureteral reflux (urinary reflux) is a childhood condition in which urine flows the wrong way from the bladder into the kidneys.
Digestive system conditions
- Appendicitis
  Appendicitis is inflammation of the appendix, causing increasingly severe abdominal pain and other symptoms.
- Colic symptoms
  Colic is when a baby cries and fusses more than usual without an obvious cause, and may be difficult to console.
- Constipation
  Constipation is a condition in which people find it hard to empty their bowels, or have infrequent bowel movements.
- Diarrhoea
  Diarrhoea is when you have frequent loose watery bowel motions. In most cases, the symptoms resolve on their own within a couple of days without the need for medical treatment.
- Gallstones
  Gallstones are crystal-like deposits that form in the gallbladder - a small organ under the liver that stores bile (a fluid used by the digestive system).
- Gastroenteritis
  Gastroenteritis is the irritation of the digestive track caused by direct viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection or the ingestion of preformed toxins contained within food.
- Haemorrhoids (piles)
  Haemorrhoids (also known as piles) are swollen and inflamed veins in the rectum or anus. Typical symptoms are pain, itching and bleeding around the anal area.
- Heartburn (acid reflux)
  Heartburn, also referred to as acid reflux, is a painful burning sensation in the chest. It is a symptom of a digestive system problem.
- Hernia
  A hernia occurs when contents of the abdomen (such as part of the intestines) push through a weakened area of the muscle and connective tissue.
- Indigestion
  Indigestion refers to symptoms of discomfort in the upper abdomen during and after a meal, including pain or burning and uncomfortable fullness.
- Irritable bowel syndrome
  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the small and large intestine (bowel). Symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, and alternating constipation and diarrhoea.
- Lactose intolerance
  Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest lactose, which is a sugar found in milk and dairy products.
- Ulcerative colitis
  Ulcerative colitis is a form of inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and ulcers in the colon and rectum
Ear nose and throat conditions
- Bad breath halitosis
  Bad breath (also known as halitosis) can usually be improved with better daily oral hygiene and lifestyle changes.
- Ear infection (middle ear)
  Middle ear infection is a bacterial or viral infection that may cause earache, temporary hearing loss, and fluid discharge.
- Earache
  Earache is a term used to describe various kinds of pain felt in one or both ears. Other symptoms may be muffled hearing or a feeling of pressure or blockage.
- Glue ear
  Glue ear is when sticky fluid builds up behind the ear drum. The main symptom is difficulty hearing and most commonly occurs in infants.
- Hay fever (allergic rhinitis)
  Hay fever is the common name for runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes caused by seasonal allergens such as plant pollens.
- Laryngitis
  Laryngitis is the inflammation of the larynx (voice box) which is located in your throat. Symptoms include hoarseness and loss of voice.
- Oral thrush symptoms causes and treatment
  Oral thrush is a yeast infection of the inside of the mouth. Its main symptom is the appearance of creamy white spots on the tongue or insides of the cheeks
- Outer ear infection symptoms causes and treatment
  Outer ear infection, known as otitis externa, is the infection of skin in the outer ear canal
- Sinusitis
  Sinusitis is the infection or inflammation of the nasal sinuses causing congestion, pressure build-up, pain and other symptoms
- Snoring
  Snoring is the sound made by air passing through narrowed airways, which causes parts of the throat or nose to vibrate
- Strep throat
  Strep throat is an infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Streptococcal bacteria
- Tonsillitis
  Tonsillitis is the inflammation of the tonsils caused by bacterial or viral infection
Eye conditions
- Blepharitis
  Blepharitis (pronounced blef-uh-RYE-tis) is inflammation of the eyelids, mainly affecting the area where the eyelashes grow. Symptoms can include red, itchy, and swollen eyelids.
- Cataracts
  Cataracts are when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. This restricts the amount of light that reaches the retina and affects vision.
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  Conjunctivitis, also called pink eye, is inflammation of the thin clear tissue (conjunctiva) that lies over the white part of the eye (sclera) and lines the underside of the eyelid.
- Glaucoma
  Glaucoma is an eye disease in which gradual damage to the optic nerve leads to vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimise or prevent loss of vision.
- Laser eye surgery (PRK and LASIK)
  Two laser eye surgery techniques - photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) and laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis (LASIK) - are commonly used in New Zealand for correcting problems with the eye’s ability to focus.
- Macular degeneration
  Macular degeneration is a long-term disease that results in vision loss in the centre of a person’s field of vision.
- Pterygium
  A pterygium is a growth of tissue in the corner of the eye, which is often triangular in shape
Heart conditions
- Angina
  Angina is chest discomfort or pain caused by reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Coronary angioplasty and stenting procedure and recovery
- Coronary heart disease
  Coronary heart disease occurs when the coronary arteries which deliver oxygen to the heart muscle become narrowed or blocked because of the build-up of fat/cholesterol within the artery wall.
- Heart attack
  A heart attack is caused by blocked blood flow to part of the heart, resulting in damage to heart muscle.
- Heart disease diet
  Simple changes to your diet can combat weight gain, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol, thereby helping to prevent cardiovascular disease (heart attack and stroke).
- Heart disease exercise
  Regular exercise plays an important role in reducing the risk of serious health events like heart attacks and strokes. This page will help you get started with some simple ideas.
Infectious conditions
- Cellulitis
  Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and underlying flesh. Symptoms include redness and swelling, often accompanied by a general feeling of being unwell.
- Chickenpox
  Chickenpox is a highly infectious disease that in past years has infected around 90% of New Zealand children.
- Cold sores
  Cold sores are small blisters that typically develop on and around the lips.
- Croup
  Croup is an infection that occurs primarily in children, obstructing breathing and causing the characteristic 'barking cough' symptom.
- Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
  Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common and usually mild viral illness. Most people are unaware that they have CMV because it rarely causes symptoms in healthy people.
- Dengue fever
  Dengue fever is a viral infection carried by mosquitoes. It is increasingly widespread around the world and is common in various travel destinations popular with New Zealanders, including South East Asia and the Pacific Islands.
- Flu
  Influenza (the flu) is a viral infection of the respiratory tract that spreads easily and quickly from person to person. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches and pains, and tiredness.
- Glandular fever
  Glandular fever is a illness that mainly affects teenagers and young adults and which persists for several weeks. The main symptoms are fever, sore throat, tiredness, and swollen glands.
- Hand foot and mouth disease
  Hand foot and mouth disease is a mild, infectious viral illness that most frequently occurs in young children.
- Hepatitis B
  Hepatitis B is a viral infection that causes inflammation of the liver (hepatitis).
- Hepatitis C
  Hepatitis C is a form of viral hepatitis which causes inflammation of the liver and can damage the liver cells.
- Measles
  Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that occurs in children and adults. Symptoms include fever, cough, rash, runny nose, and inflamed eyes, while further health complications are quite common.
- Meningococcal meningitis
  Meningitis is a serious disease that causes inflammation and swelling of the meninges – the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
- Mumps symptoms causes and treatment
  Mumps is a viral infection of the salivary glands that can cause one or both sides of the face to swell up
- Norovirus symptoms causes and treatment
  Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes an upset stomach (gastroenteritis)
- Rotavirus
  Rotavirus is a highly contagious virus that causes diarrhoea and vomiting
- Warts
  Warts are generally harmless skin growths that occur in most people
Lung and airway conditions
- Asthma
  Asthma is a long-term condition that affects the airways in the lungs, making it hard for you to breathe. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath.
- Bronchiectasis
  Bronchiectasis is a long term lung condition where damaged airways cause mucus build-up and repeated, serious lung infections.
- Bronchitis
  Bronchitis is the inflammation of the airways of the lungs. It is caused by infection, cigarette smoking, and inhalation of environmental pollutants.
- Pneumonia symptoms causes and treatment
  Pneumonia is a bacterial or viral infection of the lungs. Symptoms can include fever, chills, shortness of breath, coughing that produces phlegm, and chest pain
- Pulmonary embolism
  Pulmonary embolism occurs when an artery in the lungs becomes blocked, in most cases by blood clots that travel to the lungs from elsewhere in the body
- Quit smoking
  Smoking is a major risk factor for heart attacks and stroke, is the leading cause of lung cancer, and is related to many other health issues
- Whooping cough
  Whooping cough is a highly infectious disease of the airways that most commonly occurs in children
Men's health
- Circumcision
  Circumcision is a surgical procedure to remove the foreskin of the penis. Up until the early 1970s the procedure was routinely carried out for new-born boys, usually within a few days after birth.
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
  It is normal for a man’s prostate gland to enlarge from age 40 years and sometimes this can cause a range of symptoms related to urination.
- Hydrocoele - hydrocele
  A hydrocoele (pronounced hi-dro-seel) is the build-up of fluid around the testicles, causing swelling in the scrotum.
- Prostate brachytherapy symptoms causes and treatment
  Prostate brachytherapy is a treatment for prostate cancer in which radioactive seeds are placed into the prostate gland to kill cancer cell
- Undescended testes
  When a baby boy is developing inside his mother’s womb his testicles normally move from their original position in the abdomen into the scrotum during the eighth month of pregnancy.
- Varicocele
  A varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of veins inside a man’s scrotum caused by the backflow of blood.
- Vasectomy
  Vasectomy is a common surgical procedure used to make a man sterile.
Miscellaneous medical conditions
- Bee and wasp sting allergies and anaphylaxis
  For most people, an insect sting (most commonly in New Zealand from wasps, honey-bees, or bumble-bees) will result in moderate, short-term symptoms and straight-forward treatment.
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
  Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a complex condition characterised by fatigue and exhaustion.
- Dehydration
  Dehydration is when a person's body doesn't have enough water and other fluids to function normally.
- Stress
  Stress describes a person’s physical or emotional response to the demands or pressures of daily life
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
  Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to meet its needs
Muscle joint and bone conditions
- Achilles tendon rupture (tear)
  An Achilles tendon rupture injury is when the tendon fibres tear, causing pain and loss of function. A rupture can be either partial or complete.
- Achilles tendonitis (tendinopathy)
  Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles in the lower leg to the heel bone, becomes inflamed causing pain and swelling symptoms.
- Ankylosing spondylitis (arthritis)
  Ankylosing spondylitis is a form of arthritis that affects the spine and sacroiliac joints, characterised by long-term pain and stiffness in the back. Causes, diagnosis, treatment.
- Bunions
  A bunion is a bony lump that forms at the base of the big toe. It occurs when the bones of the big toe get pulled towards the smaller toes, forcing the joint at the base of the big toe to stick out.
- Bursitis
  Bursitis is the painful inflammation of a bursa – a fluid-filled sack that cushions joint movement.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
  Carpal tunnel syndrome is a disorder of the hand and wrist. It occurs when a nerve that runs through the wrist is squeezed or compressed, causing symptoms such as numbness, tingling, pain, and weakness of the hand.
- Costochondritis
  Costochondritis is a condition that causes pain in the front of the chest. It is the result of inflammation at the point where the upper ribs attach to the breastbone (sternum).
- Fibromyalgia
  Fibromyalgia is a reasonably common, long-term condition that affects the bones and muscles. Symptoms include general muscle and joint pain, stiffness, and fatigue.
- Gout
  Gout is a common form of arthritis that can affect toe, foot, ankle, knee, hand and elbow joints. Symptoms include pain, swelling and shiny redness over the affected joints.
- Herniated (slipped) disc
  A herniated disc is a common condition of the spine that causes back pain and other symptoms. It occurs when gel-like substance bulges from a spinal disc, putting pressure on nearby nerves.
- Hip replacement surgery
  A total hip replacement is an operation to remove a damaged hip joint and replace it with artificial parts. The aim of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore function to the joint.
- Knee replacement surgery
  A total knee replacement, or total knee arthroplasty, is an operation to remove damaged parts of the knee joint and replace them with artificial parts.
- Neck arthritis symptoms causes and treatment
  Neck arthritis (cervical spondylosis) is a long-term condition caused by “wear and tear” to the bones and soft tissue at the top of the spinal column as we get older
- Occupational overuse syndrome
  Occupational overuse syndrome is a type of overuse injury, caused by repetitive movement, constant muscle contraction or straining, forceful movements, or awkward postures in a work environment
- Osteoarthritis symptoms causes and treatment
  Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition that causes the gradual breakdown of soft tissue in certain joints, such as knees, hips and fingers
- Osteoporosis symptoms causes and treatment
  Osteoporosis is a condition where the density and quality of your bones is reduced, making them weak, brittle and more likely to fracture (break)
- Palmar fibromatosis
  Palmar fibromatosis (Dupuytren’s contracture) is a condition in which connective tissue in the palm of the hand becomes tight and shortened, pulling the fingers inwards toward the palm
- Plantar fasciitis symptoms causes and treatment
  Plantar fasciitis is a common cause of heel pain and stiffness
- Polymyalgia rheumatica
  Polymyalgia rheumatica is a disorder in which certain muscle groups become inflamed causing pain and stiffness
- Polymyositis symptoms causes and treatment
  Polymyositis is an inflammatory disease that causes muscle weakness primarily affecting the shoulders, upper arms, pelvis and thighs
- Rheumatoid arthritis
  Rheumatoid arthritis is a long-term disease that causes fatigue, pain, swelling and joint deformity
- Sciatica symptoms causes and treatment
  Sciatica is pain caused by problems with the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back, down the back of each leg to the feet
- Tennis elbow
  Tennis elbow is a condition caused by overuse of the muscles and tendons in the forearm
- Whiplash
  Whiplash is a term sometimes used to describe to injuries to muscles tendons, ligaments and other soft tissue in the neck caused by jerking movement of the head
Skin conditions
- Acne
  Acne is a common disease of the skin, caused by hair follicles becoming blocked with oil and dead skin cells. It is characterised by pimples (zits), blackheads or whiteheads, and sometimes scarring.
- Athlete's foot
  Athlete’s foot is a common skin infection of the feet. The main symptoms are peeling skin and itching, especially between the toes.
- Blisters
  A blister is a pocket of fluid in the upper layers of the skin, commonly caused by repeated rubbing or burning.
- Dermatitis
  Dermatitis is a broad term that refers to a group of inflammatory skin diseases that cause itching, redness, and rash. Treatment involves self-care and application of prescription creams or ointments to control the symptoms.
- Eczema
  Eczema is a common condition that causes the skin to become dry, itchy, and red. Symptoms can vary from a mild rash that disappears quite quickly to a more severe condition that is present for a long time.
- Keratosis pilaris
  Keratosis pilaris is a common and harmless skin condition that involves the appearance of numerous small, rough bumps on the skin.
- Psoriasis
  Psoriasis is a common inflammatory disease of the skin which affects 2-3% of New Zealanders
- Rosacea
  Rosacea is a long-term skin condition characterised by a red facial rash
- Roseola
  Roseola is a common viral illness affecting babies and young children, usually between six months and three years of age
- Scabies
  Scabies is a contagious skin disease caused by a barely-visible parasite called the scabies mite
- Shingles
  Shingles is a viral infection, the first symptom of which is usually a tingling, sharp, burning pain under the skin
Sleeping disorders
- Insomnia
  Insomnia is a sleeping disorder characterised by poor quality or quantity of sleep. Reduced ability to perform daytime activities is the defining symptom of insomnia.
- Narcolepsy symptoms causes and treatment
  Narcolepsy is a neurological disorder that causes people to be excessively drowsy during the day or to fall asleep unexpectedly
- Obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms causes and treatment
  Sleep apnoea is a common and potentially serious condition in which a person stops breathing during sleep
Women's health
- Dilation and curettage
  Dilation and curettage (D&C), also referred to as Evacuation of the Uterus, is a minor surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat conditions that affect the inside of the uterus.
- Endometrial ablation
  Endometrial ablation - the removal of the endometrium - can be an effective to abnormalities in the endometrium that give rise to excessively heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding.
- Endometriosis
  Endometriosis is a common and often painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) is found outside the uterus.
- Gestational diabetes
  Gestational diabetes is a variation of the disease that occurs during pregnancy.
- Hysterectomy
  Hysterectomy is the surgical removal of a woman’s uterus (womb). It may also involve removal of other parts of the female reproductive system including the cervix, ovaries and fallopian tubes.
- Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT)
  Menopausal hormone therapy (also known as hormone replacement therapy or HRT) is the terminology used for prescription medications containing female hormones.
- Menopause
  The term menopause is commonly used to describe the years when a woman's ovaries gradually begin to produce fewer eggs and less of the female hormones oestrogen and progesterone.
- Miscarriage
  Miscarriage is the unplanned loss of a foetus during the first 20 weeks of pregnancy. Symptoms of miscarriage include vaginal bleeding and abdominal pain and cramps.
- Molar pregnancy
  A molar pregnancy occurs when the tissue surrounding a fertilised egg develops abnormally.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome symptoms causes and treatment
  Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a condition related to elevated levels of certain hormones, causing the development of cysts in the ovaries
- Tubal ligation
  Tubal ligation is a form of permanent contraception in women, in which the fallopian tubes are blocked or cut
- Urinary tract infection
  The most common symptom of urinary tract infection is a painful, burning sensation when passing urine
- Vaginal thrush
  Vaginal thrush is a yeast infection of the vagina. Itchiness and a thick white discharge from the vagina are typical symptoms.