Byron Talks: Women’s Health Specialist Dr Monica Mu
A Holistic Approach to Women's Health
As a specialist in women's health, Dr Monica Mu offers a wealth of knowledge and experience that has shaped her unique approach to patient care. With a background in general practice, including work in rural and remote communities, Monica has a deep understanding of the challenges women face when it comes to reproductive and sexual health. Her approach goes beyond medical treatments, embracing lifestyle and holistic support to enhance overall wellbeing.
In this conversation, Monica shares her insights on everything from menopause and contraceptive implants to the role of lifestyle in women’s health. Her candid responses highlight her dedication to creating a safe and supportive space for women to discuss their health, empowering them to make informed decisions for their futures.
You have an impressive background, particularly in women’s health. What inspired you to specialise in this field, and how has your experience in rural settings shaped your approach to patient care?
I naturally gravitated toward women’s health partly because I’m a woman myself and found that many of my patients in general practice were presenting with women’s health concerns. This interest deepened during a rotation at Family Planning NT as part of my GP training. It was there that I developed a solid foundation in sexual health, contraception (including IUD insertions), medical terminations and broader aspects of family planning. It’s an area I truly enjoy and I feel I can relate to my patients on a personal level, which helps build trust and understanding.
Working in rural settings has shown me how limited access to specialist care (particularly gynaecology) can be for many women. This has motivated me to provide high-quality comprehensive care within general practice knowing that for many of these patients, I might be their only accessible option. It’s a responsibility I take seriously and one that continues to shape my approach to patient-centred care.
Women’s health is often overlooked in traditional healthcare. What are some of the most common challenges you see in your practice, and how do you approach them?
One of the most common and challenging issues I encounter is pelvic pain, particularly related to endometriosis. It’s an area that remains poorly understood and often under managed in general practice. Many women I see have already consulted multiple healthcare providers and feel unheard or inadequately treated by the time they reach me.
Pelvic pain is complex and typically requires a multidisciplinary approach. I begin by listening carefully to the patient’s story, exploring their menstrual history, the nature and frequency of their pain, its location and what treatments they’ve tried in the past. I then provide education around the potential causes of pelvic pain, including the role of central sensitisation and set realistic expectations for managing it. Management involves a discussion of both hormonal and non-hormonal pharmacotherapy options, but I also emphasise the importance of non-pharmacological support particularly pelvic physiotherapy and psychological strategies when appropriate. I guide patients on when a referral to a gynaecologist is truly necessary as many believe it’s the immediate next step when in fact, comprehensive primary care can often provide significant relief.
I was fortunate to refine these skills while working at Northside Health NT, which was part of a funded pelvic pain clinic. That experience gave me a deeper understanding of how to deliver holistic patient-centred care for women dealing with chronic pelvic pain.
Contraceptive implants and IUDs are highly effective but can be a source of confusion or concern for many women. Could you share your perspective on the benefits and considerations when it comes to these options?
Hormonal implants and IUDs are forms of long-acting reversible contraception (LARCs), which are not only highly effective in preventing pregnancy but also beneficial in managing heavy menstrual bleeding, period pain and chronic pelvic conditions like endometriosis. IUDs are particularly useful for treating pelvic pain because they act directly within the uterus.
Despite these benefits, many women feel anxious about the insertion procedure or worry about potential hormonal side effects. While the insertion can involve some discomfort or pain, it is usually short-lived and manageable. I always make sure patients feel in control – if at any point they find the procedure too painful or decide not to proceed, that decision is fully respected. I always reassure patients that like with any medication, side effects can occur, but they vary greatly from person to person and often settle over time. What’s important to understand is that these devices are completely reversible – if the side effects are intolerable, they can be easily removed at any time and any effects usually resolve quickly.
In your experience, how can we encourage women to prioritise their health and seek preventive care, especially when it comes to issues like reproductive health and menopause?
I find one of the most effective ways to encourage women to prioritise their health is by taking an opportunistic approach during routine consults even if they’ve come in for something unrelated. I’ll often ask gentle, open-ended questions about their menstrual cycles, sexual health or any symptoms they may be experiencing related to menopause. These conversations often uncover concerns that patients hadn’t thought to raise themselves.
Another key area I check is whether they’re up to date with their cervical screening tests. Many women are unsure or may have delayed it, so a simple prompt can be a helpful reminder and open the door to a broader conversation about preventive care. If needed, I’ll suggest relevant investigations such as a sexually transmitted infection (STI) screen or offer a follow-up appointment dedicated to discussing these issues in more depth. This creates a safe space and helps normalise these topics, making it easier for women to feel comfortable prioritising their reproductive health.
Menopause is still a topic that is not talked about enough. How do you help women navigate the physical and emotional changes that come with menopause?
When supporting women through menopause, I always start by listening. Often women come in feeling quite distressed and vulnerable, having dealt with symptoms for some time without much support. Many feel unsure about what’s happening to their bodies or have been told that what they’re experiencing is just something they have to put up with. I give them the space to share what symptoms they’ve been experiencing whether physical, emotional, or both.
From there, we often go through a menopause symptom checklist together to ensure we don’t miss anything that may be impacting their quality of life. I take the time to explain what’s happening physiologically (primarily the decline in oestrogen) and how that can affect various systems in the body. In some cases, I’ll order a hormone panel to help confirm the diagnosis but for many women, their symptoms are classic, and a clinical diagnosis is appropriate.
We then talk through management options. I explain both hormonal and non-hormonal treatments. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) can be very effective for many women, but I also offer non-hormonal options such as specific medications to help with mood changes, hot flushes or sleep disturbances. Most importantly, I reassure them that they don’t need to suffer in silence – menopause is a normal stage of life and there are effective ways to manage it. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space where women feel heard and supported makes all the difference.
Given your diverse experience working in both urban and remote areas, what are the biggest differences you’ve observed in women’s health needs across these settings?
In remote settings, there is poorer health literacy around sexual and reproductive health, which contributes to higher rates of STIs and unplanned pregnancies. It’s not uncommon for parents to bring in girls as young as 13 to have contraceptive implants inserted as a preventive measure. While this approach can be practical and effective, it also raises important ethical considerations especially around informed consent and the young person’s ability to make decisions about their own healthcare.
Cultural awareness and sensitivity are essential when working in Aboriginal communities. In many cases, women’s health referred to as "women’s business" is considered deeply private. These topics are often not openly discussed and many Aboriginal women will only feel comfortable speaking with a female practitioner. It requires a lot of gentle, non-judgemental questioning and patience to build the trust needed for patients to feel safe disclosing concerns.
Many women in remote communities tend to put up with symptoms whether related to menstruation, pelvic pain or other issues until things become unbearable, simply because they’re not accustomed to seeking help early or don’t feel safe to do so. Interestingly in my experience, Aboriginal women rarely report debilitating symptoms of menopause, which may reflect cultural, genetic or lifestyle factors that we still don’t fully understand.
In addition to medical treatment, what lifestyle or holistic approaches do you recommend to support overall women’s health and wellbeing?
I like to take a holistic approach when supporting women’s health because medical treatment is just one part of the picture – lifestyle factors play a significant role in both prevention and management of many conditions. I often discuss the importance of regular physical activity, not just for physical health but also for its positive effects on mood, sleep and hormonal balance. A balanced whole food diet is another key area that supports energy levels, gut health and hormonal regulation.
I also emphasise the importance of sleep hygiene especially in women experiencing stress, perimenopause or fatigue. Emotional wellbeing is equally important as many women carry a significant emotional and mental load. I make conversations about mental health a normal part of care, and simply acknowledging what someone is going through can have a powerful impact. When appropriate, I recommend psychological support as well as practices like mindfulness, stress reduction techniques and self-care. In cases like chronic pelvic pain or menopause, I may also recommend adjunct therapies such as pelvic physiotherapy, acupuncture, pilates or yoga.
What advice do you have for young women who are just starting to think about their long-term health, particularly in relation to family planning, sexual health and overall wellness?
My advice to young women is to start thinking about their health proactively rather than reactively. Taking the time to understand your menstrual cycle, contraception options, and sexual health is an important part of taking ownership over your wellbeing. When it comes to family planning, I encourage women to be aware of how age, medical history and lifestyle factors can influence fertility. It’s also a good time to learn about options for contraception and find what works best for them. I encourage regular STI screening and create a safe space for open discussions about safe sex practices, including the vital role of condom use. Condoms are the only contraceptive method that protects against STIs, and I always encourage their use especially in new or casual relationships.
Overall wellness also includes prioritising mental health, establishing healthy routines around sleep, exercise, nutrition and stress management. No concern is ever too small and developing a relationship with a trusted GP can make it easier to check in and get the right support at different stages of life.
Dr. Monica Mu
MBBS
Dr Monica Mu was born and raised in Darwin and completed her medical studies at Flinders University. She is a proud fellow of the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP) and has worked as a GP in the Northern Territory where she has served diverse communities, both urban and remote. Her passion lies in making a meaningful difference in the lives of her patients. With a keen focus on women’s health, she offers a range of specialised services including family planning, insertion of contraceptive implants and intrauterine devices (IUDs), and menopausal hormonal therapy. Monica is also a staunch advocate for preventive medicine, empowering her patients to take control of their health and wellbeing. Away from work Monica enjoys relaxing and spending time with her friends and family. She knows the importance of work-life balance and enjoys exploring new places, making travel an enriching part of her life.
Learn more at Mercato Medical.