The Good GP

• Attacking adrenal health pseudoscience: Sorting disinformation from fact

  In this episode of the Good GP, host Dr Maria Li welcomes back Dr Katherine Wyld, endocrinologist, for the third and final part of the series on hormone pseudoscience. Focusing on adrenal hormone-related misinformation, commonly encountered both in general practice and on social media.Dr Wyld tackles the adrenal hormone-related prevalent misinformations, including:The widespread misinformation about adrenal hormones, especially related to cortisol, circulating on social media and online platforms. Cortisol testing requires careful consideration of context and timing, as cortisol levels fluctuate significantly throughout the day.Dr Wyld clarifies that single-point cortisol measurements are rarely clinically meaningful, and that salivary and urine cortisol tests should only be used in specific, evidence-based situations.Dutch testing (dried urine testing for hormones) is not supported by endocrine societies due to lack of evidence, questionable logic, and high cost.“Adrenal fatigue” is not a real or recognized medical condition; there is no scientific evidence or data to support this concept.High cortisol is commonly blamed for stress, anxiety, weight gain, and fatigue, but it is rarely the cause unless clear evidence of Cushing’s syndrome is present. Features of Cushing’s syndrome to look for include diabetes, hypertension, significant unexplained weight gain, skin changes, and proximal myopathy.Sharing strategies for GPs when faced with unfamiliar symptoms or patient requests based on pseudoscientific information. Dr Wyld encourages clinicians to be honest about knowledge gaps, consult reputable sources, and maintain open communication with patients.Links & Resources: Endocrine Society of Australia - https://www.endocrinesociety.org.au/US Endocrine Society - https://www.endocrine.org/Adrenal Fatigue patient handout - https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/adrenal-fatigueThe Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Clarifying menopause pseudoscience: Sorting disinformation from fact

  In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Maria Li continues her conversation with Dr Katherine Wyld, a Queensland-based endocrinologist, exploring the topic of menopause pseudoscience and its impact on patient care. This second part in the hormones series explores the growing prevalence of misinformation around menopause and hormone therapy, and practical guidance for general practitioners.Dr Wyld discusses several areas of menopause care commonly affected by false or misleading information, including:The use of hormone monitoring during treatment. Dr Wyld clarifies that routine measurement of estrogen and progesterone levels is not recommended for guiding menopause treatment. Dosing should be based on symptoms.Testosterone therapy in menopause. Evidence supports its use only for hypoactive sexual desire disorder; benefits for other menopause symptoms are not proven. Common side effects include acne, excess hair growth, and skin oiliness.Bioidentical hormone therapy. The term is unregulated and used as a marketing tool. Standard, regulated formulations are safer and more effective.Use of high-dose estrogen. Prescribing above recommended limits increases risk and is not backed by safety data. Referral to a specialist is advised for complex cases.Strategies for GPs when encountering unfamiliar therapies or requests for non-evidence-based treatments.When unsure, consult guidelines or colleagues and use trusted resources for evidence-based answers.They aim to support GPs in navigating menopause-related consultations, equipping them to communicate clearly, critically evaluate new trends, and provide safe, evidence-based care to their patients.Links & Resources: Australian Menopause Society - https://www.menopause.org.au/British Menopause Society - https://thebms.org.uk/International Menopause Society - https://www.imsociety.org/Bioidentical Hormone Therapy information sheet - https://menopause.org.au/health-info/fact-sheets/bioidentical-hormone-therapy?highlight=WyJiaW9pZGVudGljYWwiXQ==Menopause complementary therapy information sheet - https://menopause.org.au/hp/information-sheets/complementary-medicines-and-therapies-for-hot-flushesProf Susan Davis Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/professorsusandavis/?hl=enThe Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Understanding Prostate Cancer: Early Detection and Risk Factors Explained

  In this episode of This Could Save Your Life podcast, hosts Dr Anna Mullins and Dr Catherine Bourke delve into the topic of prostate cancer, which affects one in five men by the age of 85. Emphasising the importance of understanding this common yet complex disease, particularly focusing on the significance of early screening.Dr Mullins and Dr Bourke begin by explaining the function and anatomy of the prostate gland, highlighting its role in fertility and common changes that occur with age. The nature of prostate cancer, distinguishing between slow-growing forms, which may not require treatment but need surveillance, and more aggressive types that can be life-limiting if not treated early.Gaining insights into the symptoms associated with prostate cancer, such as urinary difficulties, blood in urine or semen, and unexplained weight loss. They also address risk factors, including age, genetics, family history, and the role of obesity in aggressive cancer forms.They also provided an overview of the screening process, which involves the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, now recommended over the previously standard digital rectal examination. They clarify the importance of screening guidelines based on risk categories, to ensure that everyone is informed about the appropriate age to begin testing based on individual risk profiles.They discuss potential false positives in PSA testing, the next steps if a high PSA level is detected, and the significance of individual consultations for family history outside standard categories. While prevention of prostate cancer remains challenging due to a lack of modifiable risk factors, the importance of screening and early detection is underscored to improve patient outcomes.This Could Save Your Life Podcast is under The Good GP podcast, a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkMentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Breaking through thyroid health pseudoscience: Sorting disinformation from fact

  In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Maria Li welcomes Dr Katherine Wyld, a Queensland-based endocrinologist, for the first installment of a three-part hormones series addressing health misinformation in endocrinology. The episode focuses on thyroid and thyroid hormone-related pseudoscience, which is increasingly prevalent in social media and online health discussions.Dr Wyld shares her experiences from clinical practice, and the most common misinformation trends, including:The use of thyroid extracts, supplements, and compounded thyroid treatments marketed as “natural” alternatives to standard therapy.The popularity of reverse T3 testing as a perceived superior diagnostic, despite a lack of supporting clinical evidence.The rise of restrictive diets (such as gluten-free and lactose-free) claimed to improve thyroid health without population-level evidence.The use of urine iodine level assessment in individual diagnosis, its limitations, and when it may or may not be appropriate.Explaining why thyroxine (T4) remains the gold standard treatment for hypothyroidism, emphasising its safety, efficacy, and consistent dosing. Dr Wyld covers strategies for GPs when responding to patient requests for non-evidence-based tests and treatments. Providing practical advice on how to educate patients, maintain rapport, while reinforcing the value of evidence-based care. As well as when to consider referral to an endocrinologist for complex cases.Links & Resources: American Thyroid Association - https://www.thyroid.org/Thyroid test (including reverse T3) patient information sheet - https://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-function-tests/ESA position statement on thyroid extracts / desiccated thyroid - https://www.endocrinesociety.org.au/downloads/20200903%20ESA_Position_Statement_Natural_Desiccated_Thyroid_Peter_R_Ebeling.pdfThe Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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• Health of the Nation: General Practice Insights and Challenges in Australia

  In this episode of The Good GP, host Dr Tim Koh welcomes Dr Michael Wright, President of the RACGP, for a discussion centred on the recently released Health of the Nation report. Now in its ninth year, the report serves as a key barometer for the state of general practice in Australia, covering trends in service provision, access, key challenges, and broader implications for practitioners.Key Points: Australian GPs delivered over 170 million services last year and saw nearly 23 million Australians, with more than 2 million visits each week.Survey data show 99% of patients reported being able to access a GP when needed, although some were unable to see their preferred GP, at their preferred time, or faced out-of-pocket costs.The top reason for GP consultations is psychological conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety).GPs are treating older populations and more chronic illnesses, resulting in longer and more complex consultations. Now lasting close to 20 minutes.Despite increased workload and complexity, per-person expenditure on general practice has remained flat for a decade, while hospital spending has increased.Nearly one-third of GPs have witnessed racism within the health system, and one in five have experienced it personally.The RACGP is committed to recognising, measuring, and addressing racism, guided by findings from its Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander faculty.Continued efforts are needed to ensure long-term sustainability and quality care for Australian communities.The Good GP Podcast is a proud member of the Talking HealthTech Podcast Network - the premier audio destination for cutting-edge insights and thought leadership in healthcare delivery, innovation, digital health, healthcare ICT, and commercialisation. Learn more at www.talkinghealthtech.com/podcast/networkIf you have any questions or would like to contact The Good GP, send an email to [email protected]. Visit www.thegoodgp.com.au for previous episodes and more information.Mentioned in this episode:Build the Career and Lifestyle You’ve Been Looking For, in the Vines.Tired of traffic, long commutes, and feeling stuck in the grind? The Mudgee Region is calling. The Doctors 4 Mudgee Region initiative is working to attract and support GPs and registrars looking to build rewarding, sustainable careers in one of NSW’s most sought after regional destinations, just 3 hours from Sydney. With financial incentives of up to $45,000 for fellowed doctors and lifestyle concierge support for all relocating practitioners, there’s never been a better time to make the move. Learn more at www.doctors4mudgee.com.auDoctors 4 Mudgee Region

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