Why does endometriosis take so long to diagnose, and why are painful periods so often dismissed as normal? In this episode of the Health Hunter podcast, co-founder Brianna Vidal sits down with Dr Anjana Aru, a GP and functional medicine practitioner who founded Melbourne Holistic Doctors. With more than 15 years in functional medicine, Dr Aru shares how her own recovery from chronic fatigue shaped her approach to whole-person care, and how her clinic brings doctors, a naturopath, a nutritionist and a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner together under one roof.
We talk about how endometriosis is investigated, including why asking for a dedicated endometriosis ultrasound matters, where MRI and laparoscopy fit, and why pain does not always match disease load. Dr Aru explains the foundations she looks at alongside conventional care, from gut health and the microbiome to diet, hormones and immune function, and why every patient should discuss options such as the hormonal IUD with a gynaecologist. She also covers mould and biotoxin illness, perimenopause care beyond HRT, online consultations for patients outside Melbourne, and why finding a practitioner you feel heard by is part of the process. It is a useful listen for anyone living with complex women’s health symptoms.
Watch the full episode on YouTube here.
Read more about Dr Anjana Aru on her Health Hunter profile.
This is general information only and does not replace advice from your own health professional.
