FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
All your questions answered about naturopathy and seeing a naturopath
General FAQ
What is naturopathy?
Naturopathy is a holistic approach to health that focuses on treating the root cause of symptoms, not just masking them. It combines evidence-based natural medicine, nutrition, lifestyle guidance and herbal remedies to support the body’s ability to heal.
What can a naturopath help with?
As a Melbourne women’s health naturopath, I support women through every life stage — from adolescence to perimenopause and menopause. This includes concerns like hormonal imbalances (PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, menopause), irregular or painful periods, skin issues (acne, eczema, rosacea), digestive complaints (bloating, IBS, food sensitivities), fatigue, burnout, low mood, anxiety, sleep disturbances and thyroid or metabolic concerns.
To understand more about specific conditions and our specialities check out https://caitlinbrittennaturopathy.com/functional-naturopathy-services/
What happens in the initial consultation?
In your initial 70-minute consult, we explore your full health story, review symptoms, lifestyle and diet, and begin forming a tailored plan with herbs, supplements and lifestyle strategies. You’ll walk away feeling heard, supported and empowered with a clear direction forward.
Can I book if I’m already seeing a doctor or specialist?
Absolutely. Naturopathic care can work beautifully alongside other medical or allied health treatments. I’m happy to collaborate with other health professionals to ensure your care is well-rounded and safe.
Do you offer functional testing?
Yes, I have access to a wide range of functional tests including hormone panels, gut microbiome testing, food intolerances, nutrient analysis and more. I’ll only recommend testing if it will provide helpful insights for your case.
How many sessions will I need?
This really depends on your goals and the complexity of your symptoms. Most clients begin with an initial consult, followed by 1–2 return visits to refine and adjust their plan.
What should I bring to an appointment?
When you book an appointment, an intake form will be sent directly to you. Please make sure you have filled this out before your appointment. I will spend 1-2 hours preparing for your consultation, researching and planning – therefore it’s important to have the intake form and any blood or functional tests sent through prior to this.
SHE rebalanced program FAQ
What is SHE Rebalanced?
SHE Rebalanced is a 3-month, naturopath-led program designed to help women repair the long-term effects of restrictive eating on hormones, gut health, and the nervous system. It is a guided return to nourishment — not a diet — supporting women to rebuild trust with food, regulate their cycle, improve digestion, and quiet food noise through personalised care.
Who is this high touch program designed for?
SHE Rebalanced is for women who appear “healthy” on the outside but feel stuck on the inside. Women who have struggled with food control, gut issues, hormone imbalance, irregular cycles, fatigue, anxiety, or cravings — often for years — and want a deeper, sustainable solution that addresses the root cause.
Is this a diet/ nutrition program?
No. SHE Rebalanced is intentionally not a diet, meal plan, or weight-loss program. There are no calorie targets, food rules, or restrictions. Instead, the focus is on restoring nourishment, repairing disrupted systems, and teaching your body it is safe to eat again.
How is SHE Rebalanced different to other gut and hormone programs?
Most hormone or gut programs focus only on supplements, food lists, or elimination protocols. SHE Rebalanced addresses the missing piece: the long-term impact of restriction, food fear, and nervous system dysregulation — even when eating looks “normal.” This is deep repair, not symptom management.
Can long term restriction affect my hormones and gut?
Yes. Long-term food restriction is a significant stressor on the body and can directly disrupt both hormones and gut function. When the body perceives ongoing under-fuelling, it prioritises survival over repair. This can suppress ovulation, disrupt menstrual cycles, alter thyroid and cortisol signalling, slow digestion, reduce stomach acid and enzymes, and impair nutrient absorption. Over time, this creates the exact hormone imbalance and gut symptoms many women experience — even if their eating looks “healthy” on the surface.
I've tried gut and hormone protocols before but nothing seems to work
Most gut and hormone protocols fail when the body is still in a state of perceived scarcity or stress. Supplements and food strategies cannot work effectively if the nervous system is dysregulated and nourishment is inconsistent. Without safety, the body cannot repair. SHE Rebalanced addresses the root cause — long-term restriction and nervous system stress — so that gut and hormone support can finally be effective.
What results can I expect from this program
Results vary, but many women experience a noticeable reduction in food noise, improved digestion, more stable energy, and greater confidence around eating within the first few weeks. Over time, clients often see improved cycle regularity, reduced hormonal symptoms, calmer cravings, and a stronger sense of trust in their body. The goal of SHE Rebalanced is not a quick fix, but sustainable repair — helping your hormones, gut, and nervous system function together again.
I have made great improvements with my relationship with food, will this program still help me
Yes — this is exactly who SHE Rebalanced is for. Many women eat socially, exercise, and appear well, yet still live under hidden food rules, fear hunger, or experience gut and hormone symptoms that don’t make sense. Your body knows the difference.