Frequently Asked Questions

Getting ahead of perimenopause

  • Yes, the earlier you prepare, the smoother your transition will be. Think of it as an investment in your future wellbeing.

  • Not at all. We can work collaboratively with your existing health professionals, integrating evidence-based complementary medicines where needed.

  • No referral required. Simply book online to get started.

Perils of perimenopause

  • Hormone testing isn’t always reliable or needed as hormones fluctuate daily during this phase. Other baseline testing (iron, thyroid, vitamin D, cholesterol etc.) may be useful to help guide personalised care.

  • Early signs include heavier or more erratic periods, PMS changes, mood swings, poor sleep and weight changes. Later signs include skipped cycles, hot flushes, brain fog and night sweats, amongst others.

  • Yes. Our role is to bridge complementary and pharmaceutical care. Whether you’re using hormone replacement, antidepressants, thyroid medication or other treatments, we work together to give you the best possible health outcome.

  • Not at all. The earlier you address symptoms, the easier the transition usually is. Many women benefit most from support in early perimenopause when subtle shifts are just beginning.

  • Absolutely. Nutrition, stress balance, movement and sleep quality all influence how smoothly you move through perimenopause. These strategies can reduce symptom severity, support long-term health and improve quality of life.

Thrive during post-menopause

  • You’re considered post-menopausal once if it has been 12 months since your last menstrual period. While most symptoms ease after this point, others such as hot flushes, sleep changes or vaginal dryness may continue for several years.

  • Yes. Even if immediate symptoms improve, the drop in oestrogen increases your risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Post-menopause is the ideal time to protect long-term health and strengthen your body for the decades ahead.

  • Bone density, heart health and cognitive function are key priorities. Supporting energy, sleep, mood and sexual health are also important to maintain overall quality of life.

  • Yes. It’s never too late to strengthen your health foundation. Even years after menopause, evidence-based strategies can improve bone strength, energy, mood and overall wellbeing. As you age, your chances of polypharmacy increase which can lead to unwanted side effects and nutritional deficiencies.

  • Yes. My approach bridges complementary and pharmaceutical medicine. If you’re on medications such as hormone replacement, thyroid medication or cholesterol-lowering drugs etc, we’ll ensure all strategies are effective and supportive of your prescribed care.

Surgically or medically induced menopause

  • Natural menopause usually occurs gradually over a period of several years. Surgically or medically induced menopause happens suddenly due to surgery (such as hysterectomy or oophorectomy), chemotherapy, radiation or certain other medications. Because the body doesn’t have time to adjust, symptoms are often more intense.

  • Yes. Surgically or medically induced menopause can occur in women as young as their 20s or 30s. Our approach is tailored to your age, health history and personal circumstances whether you’re focused on fertility preservation, cancer recovery or long-term health resilience.

  • Safety is always the priority. Some herbs and supplements are not suitable for women with certain cancers. We carefully assess your history and work with your oncologist or other health professionals if needed to ensure our strategies are evidence-based, appropriate and suitable alongside your treatment.

  • Sudden loss of oestrogen increases risks of osteoporosis and bone fractures, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Our consultations include strategies to protect bone density, heart health and brain function while also addressing short-term symptoms such as hot flushes, anxiety and low mood.

  • Yes. Many women with induced menopause are under ongoing medical care (oncologists, gynaecologists and endocrinologists). Our role is to provide complementary support that integrates appropriately with your medical treatment, ensuring you have a complete, holistic care pathway.

  • If hormone replacement is not suitable for you e.g. after breast cancer, there are still effective complementary and lifestyle-based strategies to manage symptoms and protect long-term health.

Primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) & premature menopause

  • POI occurs when the ovaries stop functioning normally before the age 40 in women causing irregular or absent periods, menopausal symptoms and challenges with fertility. Unlike natural menopause, ovarian function may fluctuate and some women may still ovulate occasionally.

  • Some women with POI still ovulate occasionally, so natural conception is possible, though less likely. Fertility options such as IVF or egg donation may also be explored.

  • Because oestrogen levels drop earlier than expected, women with POI have a higher risk of osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease and cognitive decline. Proactive care is essential to protect bone density, heart health and brain function in these women.

  • Many women with POI benefit from hormone therapy or other medical treatments. Complementary medicine can work alongside these supporting energy, mood, sleep and nutritional status. We carefully tailor recommendations to your situation and collaborate with your health professionals if needed.

  • Receiving a diagnosis of POI can be emotionally challenging, especially if fertility is impacted. Consultations provide compassionate space to process these changes along with strategies to build resilience, improve mood and support overall wellbeing.

Bridging the gap between pharmaceutical & complementary medicines

  • A naturopathic consultation doesn’t replace the care you receive from your GP, rather it should complement their care, giving you the best possible health outcome. We review your health from a holistic point of view and take the time to better understand your health concerns and any medications you may be taking to identify possible side effects and nutritional deficiencies.

  • Safety is at the core of a naturopathic consultation. Every recommendation considers potential interactions between your prescribed medicines and any supplements or herbs. You’ll receive a clear, tailored plan that works with your medications, not against them, so you can confidently support your wellbeing.

  • Absolutely not. Only your prescribing doctor can change or discontinue a medication. Bridging the gap between pharmaceutical and complementary medicine helps you understand why you’re taking certain medications, identify if alternatives or adjustments may be appropriate and guide you to discuss any changes safely with your GP or health professional.

  • Many people take supplements without knowing if the type, form or dose is right for them, or if they’re even needed. This consultation assesses the quality and relevance of your supplements, ensuring you’re taking only what benefits your health and avoiding unnecessary expense or overlap. It takes away the guesswork.

  • By understanding your current medications or supplements you’ll gain clarity, confidence and control over your health. The outcome is a personalised, sustainable plan designed to improve wellbeing, reduce side effects and lower the risk of polypharmacy as you age.

Functional Testing & Pathology Referrals/Reviews

  • GP blood tests are excellent for detecting disease, but functional testing looks deeper by assessing how your body is functioning before disease develops. These tests can reveal nutrient imbalances, hormone shifts, digestive issues or toxic exposures that standard testing may overlook. The goal is prevention, personalisation and early intervention.

  • While functional testing is privately billed, it’s an investment in understanding the ‘why’ behind your health issues. These tests can save time and money long-term by identifying the root cause of symptoms, preventing unnecessary treatments and creating a targeted plan to restore balance, not just manage symptoms.

  • Functional and pathology testing isn’t just for those who are unwell. It’s also for people who want to stay well. Early detection of imbalances such as nutrient deficiencies, toxin exposure or hormonal fluctuations can help you make small adjustments now that prevent bigger health problems later.

  • Absolutely. All test results are explained in clear, easy-to-understand language. You’ll walk away with a full understanding of what your results mean and how they relate to your symptoms, plus a tailored treatment plan to help you restore balance and feel your best.

  • Guessing often leads to wasted money and frustration. Functional testing provides precise, evidence-based insights so your nutrition, supplements and lifestyle strategies are tailored specifically to your body’s needs. No more guesswork, just clarity and confidence in your health plan.