Hormones, health, and hard truths: Dr Devini shares what every uterus-owner should know.
Name: Devini Ameratunga
Pronouns: She/her
Day job: Fertility Specialist
Location: Brisbane
Describe your work in one sentence.
I help create families and empower people to take control of their reproductive health.
What led you here, and what drives you?
It has taken me eight years at university, two degrees, a master’s degree, six years of specialising, three years of sub-specialising, and a surgical fellowship to get where I am. It has required endless study, research, shift work, exams, continuous learning, and sacrifice.
I love the challenge of my work - the diversity, the responsibility, and the privilege of helping and working with others. The highs in my line of work are very high and help to overcome the (less frequent) lows.
What does being a CREI-certified specialist enable you to offer?
It allows me to be a leader in the field. I am the Medical Director of the largest doctor-owned fertility company in Queensland, the Clinical Lead of the Fertility Preservation Unit in QLD, and the clinical lead on assisted reproductive legislation in the state. I get to make a difference not just at an individual level to my patients but on a much larger scale by affecting policy and institutional change. That has always been my goal - to affect change broadly.
What are the most common concerns people come to you with?
Infertility - which has a wide range of causes and associations, including endometriosis, PCOS, abnormal cycles, male factor, fibroids, and adenomyosis. And those who want to preserve their fertility with egg or embryo freezing. However, given my dual specialisation, I also see a lot of hormone issues in teenagers and peri/menopausal patients.
What signs suggest someone should see a fertility specialist or gyno?
Anytime you are worried. You know your body best. If something doesn’t seem right, or if you are planning a pregnancy, or if you have symptoms that seem unusual (heavy, painful, or irregular periods) or hormonal disturbances (mood changes, acne, excessive hair growth), talk to an expert.
Make an appointment for a preconception health check-up and seek help if there are signs you are sub-fertile (trying to conceive for 12 months if under the age of 35, or six months if over the age of 35 with regular cycles). A final reason to see a fertility specialist is if you want to be proactive and preserve your fertility for the future (the best time being the late 20s or early 30s).
When does surgery come into play in fertility or hormone health?
Not all fertility challenges need surgery, but sometimes, it’s a game-changer:
- Fixing the Uterus: Removing fibroids, scar tissue, or a uterine septum to help embryos stick.
- Unblocking Tubes: Especially removing hydrosalpinx (swollen tubes that can cause inflammation and reduce implantation) before IVF.
- Endometriosis Excision: When pain or large cysts mess with eggs or pelvic anatomy.
- Oncofertility: Ovarian tissue freezing before chemo or fertility-sparing cancer surgery.
Surgery isn’t first line for everyone, and I always tailor the plan to the cause.
What’s one thing you wish people knew about hormones and cycles?
Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about reproduction – it’s a monthly report card on your overall health. How your hormones rise and fall affects mood, energy, metabolism, bone health, heart health, and even brain function. A regular, healthy cycle is a sign that your body’s systems are working in sync – and irregularities can be one of the earliest red flags for stress, thyroid issues, PCOS, or other hormonal imbalances.
What do you say to those who have been told painful or long periods are “normal”?
Get a second opinion. You don’t need to do the research yourself. Get someone with the expertise to review you and your investigations – even just for peace of mind.
Where does our system fall short in supporting hormonal health?
Education. This is slowly changing for the better, but there is a lot of misinformation out there, amongst some healthcare professionals and patients. We are now increasing education about basic factors around reproductive health for young people as well as healthcare professionals.
Anyone can get on social media and call themselves an “expert,” and it is sad that patients have lost trust in our system. But you need to remember that thousands of women and men are treated correctly every single day - empowered to make their own decisions and prevent repercussions down the track. This just isn’t newsworthy. So listen to trusted professionals and educate yourself.
What’s a fertility myth you’d love to bust?
Many – but we would be here all day!
- IVF = a guarantee
- IVF = early menopause
- Everyone needs IVF or everyone who sees a fertility specialist will be pushed into IVF.
- That it is not uncommon to conceive naturally or with fertility treatment over the age of 43 years.
What’s one thing you wish every uterus-owner knew?
Age is still the number one and most important factor that will determine your ability to conceive.
Why do you think periods are still taboo?
Baffles me. It’s nature. Probably because it is related to females and stigma in the past that it is “unclean” or “impure”. But I feel this is changing for the better.
What’s your number one health message?
Get a check-up with a trusted health professional. The earlier the age, the better.
MY CYCLE
- My period in 3 words: Non-existent. On-purpose. Period.
- Period self-care toolkit: As a sufferer of endometriosis and adenomyosis, they used to be very painful and heavy. Regular anti-inflammatory medications, analgesia, gentle exercise and hormones (anti-estrogen) used to be the trick.
- Favourite herb for hormone balance: I believe in a wholesome, natural diet with variety, complemented by exercise.
- Most underrated period self-care ritual or hack: Permission to rest or slow down, skip periods, or not have them at all. Understand your hormones, mood, and symptoms according to your cycle, and work with your body to maximise comfort.
- Contraception of choice: Mirena (8 years duration, cheap, incidentally helpful for pain and heavy periods).
- Period comfort food: Chocolate. I know, I know.
- Best movement on your cycle: Yoga, walks, or whatever you find comfortable (not the same for everyone).
- Scarlet pick: It’s not an issue for me these days, but period pants are amazing for the confidence they give women.
Dr Devini Ameratunga is a Brisbane-based board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist (CREI) and Gynaecologist, dedicated to providing high-quality care in all areas of fertility and assisted reproduction, gynaecology and minimally invasive surgery. Medical Director of Life Fertility Clinic, Devini is also an Associate Professor at the University of Queensland, Senior Medical Officer (Gynae/Fertility) at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, and the Clinical Lead of QLD Health's Public Fertility Preservation Clinic. Visit drdevameratunga.com
