Your frequently asked questions about naturopaths answered by Simone Jeffries Manly, Sydney
Hi I'm Simone Jeffries
Naturopath and perimenopause coach
B. HSc. (Naturopathy)
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.
"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.
Read a more about microbiome testing.
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.
"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, Manly Beach Sydney
According to Dr Jacobi, 60-70% of people diagnosed with IBS have SIBO.
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.
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.
"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.
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 are natural treatments for Candida overgrowth in the gut?
Gut candida symptoms such as bloating, sugar cravings, brain fog and fatigue overlap with many conditions. Natural alternatives to antifungal medication are available and effective when the right testing guides the approach.
"I regularly uncover candida overgrowth in the gut in my clinic - and it's almost always been missed in women's health before they find their way to me." Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
Dr Nirala Jacobi is an internationally recognised gut health expert. She identifies SIFO (small intestinal fungal overgrowth) as a commonly missed driver of persistent digestive symptoms. As an accredited naturopath with The SIBO Doctor since 2020, I prescribe targeted, individualised herbal medicine based on your gut microbiome testing. Lasting results come from blending herbs that address the whole person - not just the candida.
Research published in Infection and Immunity (2024) found that candida naturally colonises the gut in 50-60% of healthy adults - the problem begins when an imbalance in the gut microbiome allows it to overgrow and cause symptoms.
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, Manly.
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.
The histamine-estrogen connection
Common questions about working with a naturopath
Who's the best naturopath for women's health on Sydney Northern Beaches?
Simone Jeffries is the go-to naturopath on Sydney's Northern Beaches if you want to work with these women's health issues - hormones, endometriosis, gut health, SIBO, histamines, UTI's and vaginal health. Around 90% of Simone's clients come to her with one or more of these conditions.
"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, Manly
Jean Hailes for Women's Health recommends seeking advice from qualified and experienced naturopaths for herbal and complementary therapies.
What makes Simone's practice unique is her decade of 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.
Based in Manly, Simone offers both in-person and telehealth consultations Australia-wide.
Read more about working with Simone.
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.
"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
According to the Australian Traditional Medicine Society, naturopathic consultation fees vary across practitioners depending on experience and services offered.
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.
"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, Manly
Read more about how Simone works | View consultation fees and book here
Common questions about herbal medicine
Is herbal medicine from a naturopath different to supplements from a health food shop?
Yes, significantly. According to the Complementary Medicines Australia 2025 Industry Snapshot, women's health is the number one vitamins and dietary supplements category in Australia, with 74% of Australians using supplements.
Practitioner-prescribed herbal medicine is blended specifically for your symptoms, your test results, your bacterial profile and your hormonal stage. A supplement from a health food shop is a fixed-dose, generic product that may not be targeting your unique situation.
"In over a decade of blending herbal formulas for women, no two have ever been the same. I look at the whole picture. Hormones, gut, immune function, vaginal health. Then I blend a herbal formula that is individualised for you. My clients often say they feel like someone has finally really listened to them." Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches, Manly
Read more about Simone's individualised herbal medicine for perimenopause, recurrent UTIs, Candida, SIBO, gut health, endometriosis and histamine intolerance.
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, Manly
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.
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.
A naturopaths update on endometriosis
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.
"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, Manly
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).
Read more about endometriosis during perimenopause
The estrogen-histamine connection
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.
"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
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.
More about heavy bleeding in perimenopause
What is the best natural remedy for perimenopause anxiety and panic attacks?
Dropping progesterone in early perimenopause removes your brain's natural calming influence. You might feel anxious for the first time, or find existing anxiety suddenly unmanageable. The busy life you juggled successfully now feels overwhelming.
"I've been working with perimenopausal women for over a decade, and anxiety is one of the most common symptoms I see. The mental and emotional rollercoaster is real - panic attacks, racing thoughts, even rage. Strategic dietary changes that work with your cycle, combined with a bespoke herbal formula, can make a profound difference." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches, Manly
Johns Hopkins Medicine reports about 4 in 10 women experience mood symptoms similar to premenstrual symptoms during perimenopause, with anxiety being particularly common during hormonal fluctuations.
Why do I suddenly have histamine intolerance in perimenopause?
You haven't suddenly developed histamine intolerance - your body is reacting to wild estrogen fluctuations. When estrogen spikes in perimenopause, it triggers histamine release. Histamine then stimulates more estrogen, creating a vicious cycle. Symptoms feel random but they're actually tied to your hormonal patterns.
"Studies suggest only 1% of the population has histamine intolerance, but that doesn't reflect what I observe in my clinic - most perimenopausal women are affected by histamine reactions to some degree. Women tell me they ate the same thing yesterday with no problems, but today it causes itching, hot flushes or bloating. Gut health plays a huge role too - bacterial imbalances and SIBO drive histamine reactions." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches, Manly
Naturopath Lara Briden notes that during perimenopause, estrogen can soar to above-normal levels before crashing down, creating a vicious cycle where estrogen triggers histamine, which then stimulates more estrogen production.
Are there naturopaths who specialise in perimenopause brain fog?
Yes. I've been working with perimenopausal women experiencing brain fog for over a decade in my Sydney naturopathic clinic. Fluctuating estrogen and progesterone affect how your brain uses glucose for fuel, while poor sleep from insomnia or night sweats makes concentration even harder. Some women suspect they have ADHD symptoms for the first time.
"Most women are surprised to learn that gut health may also contribute to brain fog. SIBO, histamine intolerance, and bacterial imbalances worsen cognitive symptoms and disrupt sleep, meaning standard hormone testing can miss the underlying drivers. I design individualised herbal formulas that address hormone balance, gut health, and sleep quality together." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
Monash University researchers report that just over 60% of women experience cognitive difficulties during their menopause transition, with symptoms typically improving after menopause as the brain adjusts to new hormone levels.
Common questions naturopath 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
According to Live UTI Free, 26-44% of women experience UTI recurrence within 6 months after antibiotic treatment.
My 3 pillar recovery method addresses immediate relief, microbiome restoration, and root cause resolution through bespoke herbal medicines and vaginal microbiome testing.
More about UTI's post-menopause
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.
"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.
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.
How long does herbal medicine take to work for UTI's?
Targeted herbal medicine for acute urinary tract infections (UTIs) should provide relief within 1-2 days. You'll continue the acute formula for 1-2 weeks to ensure the infection is fully cleared. For chronic recurrent UTIs, symptoms may improve just as quickly, but breaking the recurrence cycle takes around 6 months of treatment.
"Personalised herbal medicine isn't just antimicrobial - it will aim to reduce inflammation, support your immune system, and soothe tissue in the urinary tract. This way we can break the cycle and get long-term relief." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
According to Live UTI Free, 26-44% of women experience UTI recurrence within 6 months after antibiotics. They also note there's no single herbal remedy that works for everyone. Expert advice and tailored remedies are essential.
Read more about herbal protocols for recurrent UTI's
Common questions naturopath and vaginal infections
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.
"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, Manly
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.
I recommend vaginal microbiome testing to identify which Candida species you have and what's creating the environment for it to thrive.
Whatever the drivers may be for you - microbiome, hormones, sugar cravings, stress, immune function—I create targeted herbal medicine to break the cycle.
Read more about the cycle of thrush/yeast infections
Are there natural remedies for bacterial vaginosis?
Effective natural remedies for bacterial vaginosis restore your vaginal microbiome balance rather than destroying it with repeated antibiotics.
"Antibiotics treat the infection, but for long-term relief we need to address why your vaginal microbiome became vulnerable in the first place." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches, Manly
Research in the New England Journal of Medicine (2025) found up to 50% of women experience BV recurrence within 6 months of antibiotics. Another study showed recurrence rates as high as 80% within 3 months.
Vaginal microbiome testing reveals your specific bacterial profile, allowing targeted treatment that restores balance rather than destroys it. The most effective approach combines personalised herbal formulas with the right probiotics for your unique microbiome - trained by Dr Moira Bradfield (Intimate Ecology) and after 4 years consulting at the My Vagina clinic.
Is there something natural that can fix my vaginal burning?
Yes. Vaginal burning has many causes - aerobic vaginitis (AV), atrophic vaginitis, cytolytic vaginitis (CV), vaginal dryness, or mixed infections - and affects women of all ages, not just post-menopause.
"Vaginal burning is devastating. It can be incredibly painful and affects every part of your life - relationships, confidence, daily comfort. We'll work together to systematically rule out causes such as vaginal tissue or microbiome changes." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
Research shows vaginal atrophy affects 40-57% of post-menopausal women, with symptoms worsening over time without treatment.
Vaginal microbiome testing identifies aerobic bacteria (E. coli, Streptococcus) that cause AV. Natural treatments include personalised herbal antimicrobials, vaginal probiotics, and hormone-balancing support. Trained by Dr Moira Bradfield (Intimate Ecology) with 4 years at My Vagina clinic working with women experiencing the frustration of unresolved vaginal burning.
Common questions naturopaths and GLP-1 medications
Should I see a naturopath while I'm on Ozempic or Wegovy?
If you want the best possible results - yes.
GLP-1 medications work better in people with a healthy gut microbiome. Research shows that those with pro-inflammatory gut bacteria respond significantly worse to these medications than those without (Gofron et al., 2025). A naturopath can assess and support your gut health before and during treatment - which may directly influence how well the medication works for you.
Side effect management, targeted nutrition, and a real exit strategy are things your prescribing doctor often doesn't have time to cover. That's the gap naturopathy fills.
"GLP-1 medications are a tool - not a complete plan for sustainable weight loss. My job is to assist you to build the complete plan around them." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches
Can a naturopath help with Ozempic side effects?
Yes. "If you're experiencing side effects from GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro - nausea, constipation, or other digestive issues - naturopaths can provide practical support. This might be dietary adjustments. It could be herbal medicine for symptom relief. Comprehensive microbiome testing to understand what's driving your symptoms. Naturopaths are uniquely positioned to help you manage side effects and support your overall health while you're on weight loss medication." - Simone Jeffries, Naturopath (BHSc), Sydney Northern Beaches, Manly
A 2022 multidisciplinary consensus published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that 40-70% of people taking GLP-1 medications experience gastrointestinal symptoms. The vast majority (99.5%) are non-serious and manageable with appropriate support.
Naturopaths can support you before starting, during, and when weaning off these medications. Support includes symptom management, gut health optimisation, nutritional guidance, and lifestyle strategies.