Your frequently asked questions answered
Hi I'm Simone Jeffries
​Naturopath and perimenopause coach
B. HSc. (Naturopathy)
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I have put together the answers to some frequently asked questions about the way I can help you feel better.
Common questions about digestive health and SIBO
What is gut microbiome testing and do I need one?
Gut microbiome testing shows exactly what's causing persistent digestive symptoms - no more guessing. The GI Map uses DNA technology to reveal bacterial imbalances, Candida overgrowth, parasites, H. pylori, leaky gut markers like zonulin, and your digestive enzyme function.
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"After interpreting hundreds of GI Maps, I can see how all the markers connect to create your unique symptom picture. This allows me to create bespoke herbal formulas targeted to exactly what YOUR gut needs - not just a generic protocol. This is why my clients often get fast results." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
CSIRO research shows at least 50% of Australian adults experience gut symptoms like bloating, gas and constipation. Understanding the drivers through testing allows for precise approaches instead of trial and error.
How long does SIBO take to go away?
Most people feel significant relief from SIBO symptoms within 6 weeks using a structured, phased approach. Full recovery - including restoration to prevent recurrence - typically takes 3-6 months.
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"I work with a three-phase approach based on my studies with Dr Nirala Jacobi. Phase I and Phase II involve targeted herbal antimicrobials based on microbiome test results. Once you're feeling 80 to 90% better we move into restoration and repair - addressing what causes SIBO so it doesn't return." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), SIBO Practitioner, Sydney Northern Beaches
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According to Dr Jacobi, 60-70% of people diagnosed with IBS have SIBO.
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Your treatment begins after interpretation of your SIBO breath test and GI Map results. Simone designs herbal formulas to address your unique microbiome and symptoms. Supporting the entire digestive system - not just the small intestine - is what creates lasting relief rather than temporary symptom management.
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How can a naturopath help with my IBS and bloating?
If you've followed a low FODMAP diet for years and still have bloating, there's a good chance you may have SIBO.
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"I see clients who've been on low FODMAP for 3-5 years. Initially it helped, but symptoms return. Long-term restriction impacts gut microbiome diversity. Often there's underlying SIBO that was never discovered or dealt with." — Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), accredited SIBO Practitioner, Sydney Northern Beaches
According to Dr Nirala Jacobi, when SIBO is properly identified and managed, IBS symptoms can be resolved - not just managed.
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You suspect gluten intolerance? The Gastroenterological Society of Australia confirms most people with IBS don't have gluten intolerance - it's the fructans in wheat causing symptoms. The real question is: why can't your gut handle these carbohydrates? The answer might be bacterial overgrowth or compromised digestive function.
Simone uses SIBO breath testing and GI Map analysis to identify the actual cause, then creates effective herbal protocols.
What is SIBO and is it connected to histamine intolerance?
If you're taking antihistamines, following a low-histamine diet, but still struggling - your gut could be the problem.
"When we test, we often discover SIBO or bacterial imbalances producing histamine. You can take antihistamines and eat a restricted diet, but if you don't address the gut imbalances creating the histamine, you'll never fully resolve it." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), accredited SIBO Practitioner, Sydney Northern Beaches
Certain gut bacteria produce histamine. When these bacteria overgrow - they can live in your stomach, small intestine or large bowel - triggering a histamine response.
Research published in Nutrients (2021) confirms histamine intolerance originates in the gut. Damaged gut lining may further compromise your ability to break down histamine.
Using SIBO breath testing and GI Map analysis, Simone identifies which factors are likely involved in causing your symptoms. Then creates effective herbal formulas to balance your microbiome and restore gut integrity.
Common questions about working with a naturopath
Naturopath for women's health Sydney Northern Beaches
Simone Jeffries is the go-to perimenopause naturopath on Sydney's Northern Beaches with a focus on women's health - the interconnected systems that govern hormones, digestion, and stress responses.
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"When women understand how their bodies work - the intricate dance between hormones, gut health, and busy lifestyles - they become empowered to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
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Jean Hailes for Women's Health recommends seeking advice from qualified and experienced naturopaths for herbal and complementary therapies, acknowledging that complementary medicine supports holistic wellbeing and quality of life.
What makes Simone's practice unique is her expertise in bespoke herbal medicine, advanced gut and vaginal microbiome testing and analysis, her lived experience as a woman navigating these health challenges, and popular THRIVE program.
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Based in Manly, Simone offers both in-person and telehealth consultations Australia-wide.
What does a naturopath charge for a consultation?
Naturopath consultation fees in Australia vary depending on the type and length of appointment - an initial consultation is typically longer and priced differently to a follow-up.
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"I work with women who have often spent years and significant money on approaches that didn't get to the root cause - when we address what's actually driving your symptoms, the value speaks for itself." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
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According to the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, naturopathic consultation fees vary across practitioners depending on experience and services offered.
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Please note that private health fund rebates for naturopathy were discontinued in Australia in 2019.
What happens in the first naturopath consultation?
Your initial consultation is a conversation that runs for 60 minutes and is the foundation of everything we do together.
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"I want to understand your full health picture - not just the symptom that brought you to me, but your health history, how you eat, how you sleep, how you're coping with life. I then piece together what's driving your symptoms and where we begin. Clients leave with a personalised herbal formula and a clear plan for moving forward. Sometimes I'll recommend functional testing if I feel it's important." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
Read more about how I work | View consultation fees and book here
Common questions about period pain and endometriosis
What can a naturopath do for period pain?
Have you been told that your period pain is normal? Period pain always has an underlying cause.
"If period pain is disrupting your life, something needs investigating. Period pain can be driven by inflammation from food intolerances, hormonal imbalances, endometriosis, or gut and vaginal microbiome issues." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
Jean Hailes for Women's Health recognises that period pain can significantly impact quality of life and recommends investigating underlying causes, particularly when pain is severe or worsening.
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Don't settle for being prescribed the oral contraceptive pill without investigating further for conditions like endometriosis or adenomyosis. Simone uses targeted testing and herbal medicine to find your pain drivers and address the root causes.
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Why is my endometriosis worse in my 40s?
Endometriosis in your 40s behaves differently than it did in your 20s and 30s. Declining progesterone and fluctuating estrogen create the roller coaster that characterises perimenopause. This hormonal change means your endometriosis behaves differently.
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"Endometriosis is an inflammatory condition that often occurs alongside digestive and vaginal imbalances. When women come to see me in their 40s with worsening symptoms, I recommend comprehensive testing - GI Map, SIBO testing, vaginal microbiome analysis - to find your specific inflammatory drivers." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
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The first point of call is often a GP as they can enable diagnosis and ongoing care within the multidisciplinary management of this condition - The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (2024).
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Common questions about perimenopause
What is the best natural treatment for perimenopause heavy bleeding?
Herbal medicines have been used to support women with heavy periods for thousands of years. In the early stages of perimenopause, dropping progesterone and fluctuating estrogen levels can contribute to heavy bleeding.
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"Your GP can help you to rule out fibroids, low iron, thyroid disease, and other causes. We can work together to make dietary changes and design a herbal medicine to reduce the bleeding and support the other symptoms that often occur at the same time." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
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Naturopath Lara Briden notes that heavy periods are common in perimenopause, with some women losing over 200ml of blood per cycle rather than the usual 50-60ml.
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Common questions vaginal health and UTI
What causes UTIs after menopause and how do I prevent them?
The drop in estrogen after menopause changes your vaginal microbiome and urinary tract health. Your vaginal tissue thins, pH rises, and protective lactobacilli decline - creating an environment where bacteria thrive.
"After menopause, the drop in estrogen impacts your protective vaginal microbiome, but with the right support, you can break the cycle and understand how to protect yourself against UTIs." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
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According to Live UTI Free, 26-44% of women experience UTI recurrence within 6 months after antibiotic treatment.
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My 3 pillar recovery method addresses immediate relief, microbiome restoration, and root cause resolution through bespoke herbal medicines and vaginal microbiome testing.
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Why do I keep getting thrush every month?
Monthly thrush often follows your hormonal cycle. Candida thrives when estrogen peak - around ovulation or before your period.
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"If your thrush (yeast infection) returns at the same time each month, your hormones are likely involved. Unfortunately this affects your confidence, self-esteem and relationships." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
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Research by Dr Moira Bradfield (Journal of Medical Microbiology, 2023) shows recurrent vulvovaginal candidiasis affects up to 10% of women. Many cases are actually mixed infections - BV or aerobic vaginitis alongside Candida.
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I recommend vaginal microbiome testing to identify which Candida species you have and what's creating the environment for it to thrive.
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Whatever the drivers may be for you - microbiome, hormones, sugar cravings, stress, immune function—I create targeted herbal medicine to break the cycle.
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What are natural alternatives to antibiotics for recurrent UTIs?
Antibiotics destroy your protective vaginal microbiome, trigger thrush, and only provide temporary relief. They don't address the root cause of recurrent UTIs.
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"The solution to recurrent UTIs isn't more antibiotics - it's understanding why your body has become susceptible to infections in the first place." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
According to Live UTI Free, 26-44% of women experience UTI recurrence within 6 months after antibiotic treatment.
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Herbal medicine offers a powerful alternative. I create individualised herbal formulas that eliminate bacteria while preserving your beneficial microbiome. Vaginal microbiome testing reveals your unique bacterial profile, allowing targeted treatment that restores balance rather than destroys it.
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