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Gynaecology

Gynaecology Care with Dr Samantha Hargreaves

Gynaecological health is fundamental to a woman’s wellbeing at every stage of life. Symptoms such as pelvic pain, irregular bleeding or hormonal changes can affect daily functioning, relationships and emotional health – yet many women delay seeking help, believing their symptoms are “normal” or something they must simply endure.

With more than 25+ years of experience as a specialist gynaecologist, Dr Samantha Hargreaves provides thorough, empathetic and evidence-based care for women across Melbourne who want clear answers, personalised treatment plans and a senior specialist who genuinely listens.

Her practice covers the full spectrum of general and complex gynaecology, supported by her extensive surgical background and senior clinical roles at the Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne.

Whether you are struggling with painful periods, symptoms of menopause, endometriosis or concerns about fertility, Dr Hargreaves offers a calm, thoughtful approach grounded in decades of experience.

Common Gynaecological Conditions Treated

Dr Hargreaves provides evidence-based, tailored care for a full range of gynaecological conditions. Below are the main areas of her practice, with explanations to help patients better understand their symptoms.

Overview

  • Menstrual disorders include heavy periods, irregular cycles, absent periods (amenorrhoea) and bleeding between periods. Abnormal uterine bleeding is one of the most common reasons women seek gynaecological care.


Australian Statistics

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding affects around 25% of women.
  • AUB is a leading cause of iron-deficiency anaemia in Australian women.


Causes

  • Hormonal imbalance (including anovulatory cycles)
  • Fibroids or polyps
  • Thyroid disorders
  • Endometrial hyperplasia
  • Perimenopause
  • Coagulopathies
  • Contraceptive-related causes


Risks

  • Anaemia
  • Reduced quality of life
  • Fertility concerns
  • Missed underlying structural pathology
  • Impact on work, sport and daily functioning


Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include:

  • Medical therapy (progesterone, combined hormonal contraception, tranexamic acid)
  • Iron supplementation
  • Management of perimenopause-related bleeding
  • Mirena® IUD
  • Polyp removal
  • Fibroid surgery (laparoscopic, hysteroscopic or open if required)
  • Endometrial ablation
  • Hysterectomy for select cases

Dr Hargreaves ensures each woman receives a tailored plan aligned with her symptoms, goals and stage of life.

Overview

  • Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause, often beginning in a woman’s 40s. Symptoms may include irregular periods, hot flushes, sleep problems, mood changes, vaginal dryness and reduced libido.


Australian Statistics

  • The average age of menopause in Australia is 51.
  • Around 80% of women experience symptoms, with approximately 20% experiencing severe or disruptive symptoms.


Causes

  • Natural decline in ovarian hormone production
  • Surgical menopause (oophorectomy)
  • Chemotherapy-induced ovarian suppression


Risks

  • Bone density loss (osteopenia, osteoporosis)
  • Cardiovascular changes
  • Reduced sleep and mood stability
  • Vaginal dryness and painful intercourse
  • Increased risk of urogenital symptoms


Treatment Options

  • Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT/HRT)
  • Non-hormonal medication for hot flushes
  • Vaginal oestrogen
  • Lifestyle modifications
  • Bone health monitoring
  • Psychological support

As a member of the Australian Menopause Society, Dr Hargreaves is well-versed in modern, individualised approaches to managing menopausal symptoms safely and effectively.

Overview

  • Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, causing inflammation, scarring and pain. It is a chronic condition often under-diagnosed for years.


Australian Statistics

  • Affects around 1 in 9 Australian women by age 44.
  • Associated with a diagnostic delay of 6–8 years on average.


Causes

  • Retrograde menstruation
  • Immune dysfunction
  • Genetic predisposition
  • Hormonal and inflammatory factors


Risks

  • Chronic pelvic pain
  • Painful periods and intercourse
  • Fertility challenges
  • Bowel or bladder symptoms
  • Adhesions


Treatment Options

  • Hormonal therapy (ie: progesterone therapies, GnRH analogues)
  • Pain management strategies
  • Advanced laparoscopic surgery to excise endometriosis
  • Fertility-focused management
  • Long-term symptom planning

As a Senior Gynaecologist at the Endometriosis & Pelvic Pain Clinic at the Royal Women’s Hospital, Dr Hargreaves brings extensive expertise to both diagnosis and surgical management.

Overview

  • Fibroids are benign muscular growths of the uterus. Many cause no symptoms, but others lead to heavy bleeding, pain or fertility issues.


Australian Statistics

  • Up to 70% of women will develop fibroids by age 50.
  • More common in women aged 35–50.


Causes

  • Oestrogen-dependent growth
  • Genetic factors
  • Increased prevalence with age until menopause


Risks

  • Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  • Anaemia
  • Pelvic pressure
  • Painful periods
  • Pregnancy-related complications (less common)


Treatment Options

  • Hormonal treatment to reduce bleeding
  • Mirena® IUD
  • Uterine artery embolisation (when appropriate)
  • Laparoscopic or open myomectomy
  • Hysterectomy for women who have completed their family

Dr Hargreaves’ surgical expertise provides women with multiple treatment pathways, including laparoscopic options.

Overview

  • PCOS is a hormonal condition involving irregular ovulation, higher androgen levels and metabolic changes.


Australian Statistics

  • Affects ~13% of women of reproductive age.


Causes

  • Insulin resistance
  • Androgen excess
  • Genetic factors


Risks

  • Irregular periods or infertility
  • Acne and hair changes
  • Weight fluctuations
  • Increased risk of type 2 diabetes
  • Endometrial hyperplasia if untreated


Treatment Options

  • Cycle regulation with hormonal therapy
  • Lifestyle modification and metabolic management
  • Ovulation induction for fertility
  • Endometrial surveillance

Overview

  • Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on the ovary. Many are functional and harmless, but some cause pain or require surgical management.


Causes

  • Normal ovulation
  • Endometriosis (endometriomas)
  • Dermoid cysts
  • Pathological cysts


Risks

  • Pain or rupture
  • Ovarian torsion (twisting)
  • Fertility impacts for certain cyst types


Treatment Options

  • Monitoring with repeat ultrasound
  • Hormonal therapy to prevent new cysts
  • Laparoscopic cystectomy

Overview

  • Cervical abnormalities occur when HPV infection causes precancerous changes in cervical cells. Most will clear naturally, but some require treatment.


Australian Statistics

  • Australia has one of the lowest cervical cancer rates globally, largely due to HPV vaccination and cervical screening.
  • Around 80% of sexually active adults will contract HPV at some point.


Causes

  • Persistent HPV infection
  • Smoking
  • Immune suppression


Risks

  • Progression to high-grade CIN
  • Rarely, cervical cancer if untreated


Treatment Options

  • Colposcopy
  • Observation for low-grade changes
  • LLETZ/LEEP for high-grade CIN
  • HPV vaccination for protection

As a member of the Australian Society of Colposcopists and Cervical Pathologists, Dr Hargreaves provides comprehensive assessment and in-rooms management of cervical abnormalities.

Why Choose a Senior Specialist for Gynaecological Care?

Experience Brings Clarity

With two decades of consultant-level practice across public and private hospitals, Dr Hargreaves brings an ability to quickly identify patterns, spot subtle warning signs, and provide clarity around symptoms that may have previously felt confusing or overwhelming.

A Comprehensive, Holistic Approach

Many gynaecological conditions overlap – for example, endometriosis, fibroids, PCOS and hormonal disorders can all affect menstrual health, fertility and pelvic pain. An experienced specialist can look at the whole picture, not just one symptom.

Advanced Surgical Expertise When Needed

Because Dr Hargreaves is an experienced laparoscopic surgeon, she can offer both medical and surgical treatment pathways. Women are often relieved to know that if surgery becomes necessary, their care remains with the same trusted clinician.

Warm, Patient-Centred Care

Women consistently describe her as calm, warm and a good listener – someone who genuinely takes the time to understand their symptoms and concerns without judgement.

Trusted by Melbourne GPs

Expert Gynaecology and Minimally Invasive Surgery for Women Across Melbourne

Receive clear answers and specialist care from a senior gynaecologist and laparoscopic surgeon. Contact our East Melbourne clinic for appointments or referrals. Urgent concerns are prioritised.
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