Purple Pen Podcast

In this episode, we're joined by Dr Mariya Farah Kitson, Consultant Rheumatologist at the Osteoporosis Refracture Prevention Clinic at Royal North Shore Hospital, for a deep dive into the diagnosis and management of osteoporosis. We explore why osteoporosis remains significantly underdiagnosed, current recommendations for bone mineral density (BMD) screening, and the ongoing osteoporosis care gap that leaves many patients untreated after fragility fractures. Dr Kitson also explains the role of secondary fracture prevention services and why menopause represents a particularly high-risk period for accelerated bone loss and fracture risk in women.
The conversation also unpacks the evolving treatment landscape for osteoporosis, including discussions around denosumab, its PBS and other indications, and important considerations regarding duration of therapy and rebound vertebral fracture risk following discontinuation. Dr Kitson compares the mechanisms of action of denosumab and bisphosphonates, outlines current recommendations for safely stopping denosumab, and discusses where newer therapies such as romosozumab fit into contemporary osteoporosis care. We also touch on the emerging role of biomarkers in fracture risk assessment and treatment monitoring, offering listeners an up-to-date and clinically relevant overview of osteoporosis management.
 
Further Links 
ASBMR - The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research - https://www.asbmr.org/Default.aspx 
International Osteoporosis Foundation https://www.osteoporosis.foundation/

In this episode, dermatologist Dr Francis Lai joins us to unpack everything you need to know about scabies — what it is, how it spreads and why some communities are more at risk. We break down diagnosis, treatment options, common myths and what to expect during recovery. Practical, evidence‑based advice for clinicians, parents and anyone dealing with this incredibly itchy but entirely treatable condition.

Kristin speaks with two pharmacists working in menopause care:
Bo Kim, clinical pharmacist and founder of EmpowHer Menopause in Perth

Jarrah Anderson, Clinical Lead at MedCast and member of the Quality Use of Medicines Alliance

In this episode
Types of menopausal hormone treatment (MHT)
When different MHT options are used in perimenopause and menopause.

Safety conversations
Current thinking on precautions and contraindications, and how to explain risks and benefits clearly.

Access and cost in Australia
PBS considerations, affordability and opportunities for pharmacist support.

Bio‑identical and body‑identical hormones
Why it matters for patient communication.

Testosterone in menopause care
What the evidence says about when it can be used and practical issues with prescribing and access.

Non‑hormonal therapies Options for symptom management, including the emerging medicine fezolinetant.

Links:
Medcast
Qhub - quality use of medicines resources - https://medcast.com.au/qhub 
 
Australian Menopause Society
Complementary medicines and therapies: options for menopausal symptoms - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=3234710f-e5db-4aa1-bff8-ae98449fffad 
 
Guide to MHT/HRT Doses - https://hub.menopause.org.au/Play?pId=6ecead60-db26-4dfc-a662-794d7b39ef59
 
Jean Hailes 
Perimenopause and menopause symptom checklist
https://jeanhailes.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Perimenopause-and-menopause-symptom-checklist_TGD.pdf

This International Women's Day (IWD) we a focused on women's health. In this episode, Kristin speaks with Professor Susan Davis, AO, MBBS, FRACP, PhD, FAHMS, Head Monash University Women's Health Research Program, Endocrinologist, leading menopause researcher. Prof Davis is Director of the Women's Health Research Program in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University Melbourne. She is a consultant Endocrinologist at Cabrini Medical Centre and Head of the Women's Specialist Clinic, the Alfred Hospital Melbourne. She is also President of the International Menopause Society and Past-President of the Australasian Menopause Society.
They discuss the definitions of menopause, the menopause transition and perimenopause, along with factors that influence the timing of menopause and the wide range of symptoms women may experience.
Professor Davis explains the role of blood hormone testing in menopause care. The conversation also covers contraception in perimenopausal women. They also review the evidence for menopausal hormone therapy, including indications for treatment, the benefits and risks of different therapies, and duration of use.
Links:
https://www.menopause.org.au/

In this episode, Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) pharmacists Clarissa Rentsch and Sheridan Rodda break down the essentials of Inflammatory Bowel Disease, from diagnosis and treatment options to the expanding role of monoclonal therapies. We explore Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, therapeutic drug monitoring and how pharmacists can optimise care for people living with IBD. A clear, practical conversation for clinicians and anyone wanting to better understand this complex condition.
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