Natural support for ENDOmetriosis
You don't have to live with period pain
If you're experiencing severe period pain, it's time to investigate further. The average delay to diagnosis of endometriosis is 6.5 years, and during this time, the condition can worsen and impact your quality of life and fertility.
Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of your uterus grows in places outside the uterus, typically throughout the pelvis - on structures such as ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other pelvic organs. Some women have endometrial tissue spread further such as to their bowel.
This misplaced tissue behaves similarly to your uterine lining, thickening, breaking down, and bleeding with each menstrual cycle. However, unlike the lining inside your uterus, this blood has no way to exit your body, leading to inflammation, scarring, and the formation of adhesions.
Do you experience any of these common symptoms of Endometriosis?
Severe period pain that may worsen over time
Chronic pelvic pain, even outside of menstruation
Pain during or after sexual intercourse
Painful bowel movements or urination, especially during your period
Heavy bleeding with clots or irregular bleeding
Difficulty conceiving or infertility
Fatigue, bloating, and gastrointestinal disturbances
Lower back pain during menstruation
Remember: you don't have to be experiencing all of these symptoms to be suffering from endo.
Research tells us endometriosis is a condition characterised by immune dysfunction
Research points to several key factors that contribute to immune dysfunction in endometriosis:
Bacterial contamination: Studies show that up to 90% of women with endometriosis have altered gut microbiome compared to women without endometriosis. The presence of bacterial toxin LPS (lipopolysaccharide) in the pelvis can be an initiating factor in immune dysfunction.
Leaky gut: When your digestive system becomes more permeable than it should be, bacteria, toxins, and undigested food particles can travel from your gut into your bloodstream and potentially to your pelvis, triggering immune activation and widespread inflammation.
Dysbiosis: Imbalances in your gut bacteria, vaginal microbiome, or both can drive immune dysfunction and inflammation throughout your body.
Nickel allergy: Research has found that nickel allergy is a risk factor for endometriosis, further supporting the immune dysfunction connection.
Food intolerances: Immune-disrupting proteins like gluten and A1 casein from cow's dairy can generate significant inflammation, especially if you're sensitive to them.
Environmental toxins: Exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as pesticides and dioxins can contribute to the disease.
points to several key factors that contribute to immune dysfunction in endometriosis:
The gut-endometriosis connection
What sets my approach to endometriosis apart is my deep expertise in digestive health and the gut-brain-pelvic axis.
This isn't just about period pain, it's about understanding the complex connections between your gut, immune system, hormones, and reproductive health.
Why your gut matters for endometriosis
Up to 90% of women with endometriosis experience digestive symptoms such as bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, or IBS-like symptoms.
Many women assume these are separate problems, but they're often interconnected.
This is why I always recommend comprehensive gut testing for my endometriosis clients. We need to know what's happening in your entire digestive system. We won't just focus on your pelvic symptoms.
I recommend GI map microbiome testing to identify underlying digestive problems such as leaky gut, immune reactions, digestive markers, and identification of overgrown bacteria or candida species.
The overlap between SIBO and endometriosis
In my clinical practice, I regularly see women whose endometriosis symptoms overlap with SIBO (Small Intestine Bacterial Overgrowth). Research shows that at least 60% of IBS sufferers actually have SIBO, and many women with endometriosis have digestive issues that mimic IBS.
SIBO occurs when bacteria that normally live in your large intestine migrate into your small intestine, causing bloating, pain, constipation, malabsorption, and immune activation. Left untreated, SIBO can contribute to leaky gut, food intolerances, and histamine intolerance – all of which can worsen endometriosis.
As an accredited SIBO naturopath trained by Dr Nirala Jacobi (The SIBO Doctor), I have specialised expertise in treating this condition that often coexists with endometriosis.
Vaginal microbiome testing
Your vaginal microbiome plays a crucial role in endometriosis. Research shows that women with endometriosis often have:
- Reduced protective Lactobacillus bacteria
- Increased gram-negative bacteria
- Vaginal dysbiosis that can contribute to bacterial contamination in the pelvis
I recommend comprehensive vaginal microbiome testing to identify exactly which bacteria are present and which are missing, so we can restore healthy balance with targeted probiotics and treatment.
The role of hormones in endometriosis
While endometriosis is primarily an immune condition, hormones still play an important role. The higher your oestrogen levels, the more endometrial tissue will thicken during your menstrual cycle, increasing pain and bleeding.
Signs you may have high estrogen:
- Heavy menstrual bleeding with large clots
- Bloating before your period
- Breast tenderness before your period
- Migraines related to your cycle
- Endometriosis symptoms that worsen around ovulation or before your period
Perimenopause (when progesterone naturally drops, and estrogen becomes relatively higher) can be time when endometriosis symptoms can worsen.
Individualised Herbal Medicine:
the key to successful treatment
I've spent over a decade studying how herbal medicines work WITH your body's natural ecosystem, not against it. Plants have been healing women's health for thousands of years. Now we understand the science behind why they work so beautifully.
One of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of my work is the creation of completely individualised herbal medicines. This is where the real transformation happens. Unlike the one-size-fits-all approach of conventional medicine and over the counter natural remedies, I work with herbs to create unique formulas based on your individual health requirements and underlying conditions.
After receiving your test results, I create an individualised herbal formula specifically for your unique situation. This is not a generic "endometriosis supplement" – it's a targeted prescription based on exactly what your body needs.
Working with Simone Jeffries
Simone is a naturopath with a major focus on women's hormonal health, digestive wellness, and intimate health conditions.
Based on Sydney's Northern Beaches, she combines her technical background and analytical skills with over ten years of dedicated women's health practice.
Simone holds a Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy), has studied holistic vaginal treatments with Dr Moira Bradfield, and SIBO mastery training with Dr Nirala Jacobi.
Women outside of Australia can work with Simone through the online My Vagina clinic.
As a member of ANTA and certified wellness coach, she provides evidence-based, compassionate care for women seeking support with menstrual irregularities, perimenopause, gut health, recurrent UTIs, and vaginal conditions.
Work with Simone to feel empowered, supported and inspired.
Phoebe M, 26, Melbourne
I lived with debilitating daily pelvic pain secondary to endometriosis.
Within 4 months of seeing Simone my life had completely changed.
My gut health has improved drastically and I can now include a much wider range of foods.
My pelvic pain and period pain have improved drastically as well. I now have periods with practically no pain and no longer need anti-inflammatories.
I recommend Simone to every woman I come across who is struggling with similar issues. The gut and vaginal microbiome tests were so worth it. I am forever grateful for her help. Thank you Simone.
Why women chose to work with me
Unique Expertise in the Gut-Endo Connection
My extensive background in digestive health, SIBO, and vaginal health means I can investigate aspects of endometriosis that other practitioners overlook. I understand that your gut health, immune function, vaginal health and reproductive health are intimately connected.
Evidence-Based, Comprehensive Approach
I combine my technical background and analytical skills with over ten years of dedicated women's health practice.
Individualised Herbal Medicine
Every herbal formula I create is unique to you, based on your specific test results and symptoms. This targeted approach is why my clients often see results quickly.
The consultation process
Step 1: Initial consultation
Start with an intake questionnaire and a comprehensive one-on-one consultation with Simone Jeffries.
During this appointment, Simone will take a detailed health history to understand your specific health challenges and goals.
Step 2: Customised plan
Simone will provide a personalised health plan for you based on your first consultation. You will then be able to order customised herbal remedies and supplements. The detailed health plan will also include food and lifestyle tips.
Step 3: Ongoing support
Simone provides regular follow up consultations to monitor your progress and make changes to your prescription and protocol as needed. Follow up ensures your health plan remains current, for you to achieve the best possible results.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a laparoscopy to confirm endometriosis before working with you?
No. While laparoscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis, many women with suspected endometriosis benefit from investigating underlying immune dysfunction, gut health, and hormonal balance regardless of whether they have a formal diagnosis. The treatments I use for endometriosis also benefit many other inflammatory and hormonal conditions.
How long will treatment take?
This varies depending on the severity of your condition and what we discover through testing. Most women see improvements within 8 weeks and significant changes within 3-6 months. Endometriosis is a chronic condition that requires ongoing management, but my goal is to help you reach a point where symptoms are minimal and you feel confident managing your health.
Will I need to be on a restrictive diet forever?
No. While we may temporarily remove certain foods (like dairy or gluten) during the healing phase, the goal is to restore your gut health so you can eventually reintroduce a wider variety of foods. The dietary changes I recommend are designed to reduce inflammation and support healing, not to restrict you long-term.
Can you help me if I'm also trying to conceive?
Yes. The same treatments that address immune dysfunction and inflammation for pain relief also create a more favourable environment for conception. I work alongside your doctor or fertility specialist.
Do you work with clients who have had laparoscopic surgery?
Absolutely. Natural treatment works beautifully as an adjunctive therapy after surgery to prevent recurrence, reduce inflammation, and support ongoing healing. Surgery can remove existing lesions, but addressing the underlying immune dysfunction is crucial for preventing them from growing back.
I live outside Sydney. Can I still work with you?
Yes! I offer telehealth consultations Australia-wide. Functional testing can be completed at home with test kits mailed directly to you, and herbal medicine and supplements can be shipped anywhere in Australia.
Articles you might like:
