FAQ | Women’s Hormones, Children’s Gut & Nervous System | Botanic Artisan Sydney

1.What happens in an initial naturopathy consultation at Botanic Artisan Sydney?

The first session builds a complete picture of your health, including history, triggers, digestion, sleep, nervous system, hormones, and any existing tests. Patterns often emerge quickly, helping identify root drivers rather than isolated symptoms. From there, we create a realistic and personalised treatment plan at Botanic Artisan.

“"Many people feel relief when their symptoms begin to make sense as part of a bigger picture. In my clinical practice in Sydney, I've seen how comprehensive initial assessments can significantly improve treatment outcomes for complex cases." — Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Botanic Artisan Sydney

Comprehensive assessments improve outcomes in complex cases by identifying lifestyle factors early (Freeman et al., 2021).​
Tip: Bring recent bloods and supplement/medication list.

2. How much does a first naturopathy consultation cost in Sydney?

Costs vary depending on complexity and consultation length. Some people require deeper investigation, while others improve with foundational care alone. All costs are discussed clearly upfront at Botanic Artisan so you can make comfortable, informed decisions.

“Transparency around investment allows people to focus on healing rather than uncertainty. In my Sydney practice, I've found that comprehensive initial consultations often reduce total treatment costs by identifying the right approach from the start." - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Botanic Artisan Sydney

The Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS) reports that naturopathic consultations in major Australian cities average $250-$380 for initial appointments,

Tip: Strong initial consultation cut unnecessary spending.

3. How long does naturopathic treatment take to work, and how many sessions will I need?

Some people notice early improvements in sleep, digestion, or energy within a few weeks, while deeper and more stable changes usually develop over several months depending on chronicity and individual response. Follow-up consultations at Botanic Artisan allow treatment to be refined as your body responds.

“Sustainable progress is always more meaningful than short-term change.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Nutrition/lifestyle interventions show measurable mood and gut improvements within 2-4 weeks (Sørensen et al., 2025).​
Tip: Track 2-3 key symptoms weekly.

4. Do I have to stop medications to start naturopathic treatment?

No. Natural care at Botanic Artisan can usually be integrated safely alongside prescribed medications. Any decisions regarding medications remain between you and your prescribing doctor. Treatment is coordinated carefully to prioritise safety and stability.

“Safety always comes first, especially for children and sensitive individuals.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Integrative models emphasise safe coordination of natural and conventional care (Oregon Health Authority, 2022).​
Tip: List all medications and doses.

5. Should I see a naturopath or GP first for perimenopause symptoms like anxiety or sleep issues?

Both can be valuable. A GP can assess medical safety and rule out underlying conditions, while naturopathic care focuses on nutrition, lifestyle, nervous system regulation, and hormonal balance. Many people benefit from a combined approach.

“Medical safety combined with strong daily foundations often creates the most stable long-term outcomes.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Perimenopause anxiety affects up to 50% of women early; integrated assessment recommended (Freeman et al., 2021).​

6. Do I need functional testing, or can naturopathy help without it?

Many people improve with foundational support alone, while others benefit from targeted testing to clarify deeper drivers. Testing is recommended when it meaningfully guides treatment and personalisation.

“Testing is a tool used when it adds clarity, not a starting point for everyone.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Lifestyle foundations improve perimenopause symptoms before specialised testing in most cases (Healthline, 2023).​
Tip: Start with basic blood tests.

7. What natural approaches help perimenopause anxiety, brain fog, and sleep before cycles change?

Support may include nutrition, herbal adaptogens, sleep rhythm stabilisation, and nervous system regulation. Addressing these early often reduces anxiety, cognitive fog, and fatigue.

“Early, gentle support can significantly smooth the perimenopause transition.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Perimenopause anxiety affects 50% early; lifestyle reduces severity (Freeman et al., 2021).​

8. What are early perimenopause signs even if periods stay regular?

Early signs may include sleep disruption, anxiety, mood shifts, fatigue, brain fog, cycle changes, and metabolic shifts. These often begin years before menstrual irregularity.

“Many women assume these changes are simply midlife stress, yet they are often hormonally driven and addressable.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Vasomotor and mood symptoms precede cycle changes in early perimenopause (Mikkelsen et al., 2022).

9. Why sudden anxiety and palpitations in my 40s during perimenopause?

Hormonal fluctuation, sleep disruption, stress load, and nervous system sensitivity often interact during midlife. New or severe symptoms should always be assessed medically.

“In practice, these symptoms often reflect physiological shifts rather than purely emotional causes.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Palpitations strongly correlate with menopause anxiety (Mikkelsen et al., 2022).​

10. Could my child's sudden tics, OCD, or anxiety after infection be PANS/PANDAS?

Sudden behavioural or neurological changes following infection may reflect immune-related nervous system dysregulation and require careful assessment.

“When a child changes rapidly, timing and immune, gut, and nervous system load guide the clinical picture.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

PANS involves abrupt OCD/tics post-infection; requires prompt evaluation (Jackson et al., 2025).

11. Can gut health affect children’s behaviour, mood, and focus?

Yes. Gut imbalance can influence behaviour through inflammation, nutrient absorption, sleep quality, and gut-brain communication.

“In clinical practice, improvements in gut health often support emotional and behavioural regulation.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Childhood gut microbiome links to internalizing behaviours (Sørensen et al., 2025).​

12. Can naturopathy help children with anxiety, sleep, or emotional dysregulation?

Yes. Treatment focuses on calming the nervous system, stabilising sleep, supporting gut health, and reducing underlying stressors gradually.

“Consistent, gentle support helps many children become calmer and more resilient.” — Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Sleep/nutrition support emotional regulation alongside standard care (Jackson et al., 2025).

13. What are common signs of gut imbalance in children?

Signs may include bloating, constipation or diarrhoea, abdominal pain, food sensitivities, skin flare-ups, poor immunity, sleep disturbance, and behavioural changes.

“Gut imbalance often appears through symptoms that seem unrelated to digestion.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Gut dysbiosis links to child behaviour and skin issues (Bull-Larsen & Mohajeri, 2022).

14. Can naturopathy help children with recurrent infections or low immunity?

Yes. Treatment focuses on strengthening immune resilience through nutrition, gut health, sleep, and stress regulation. Many children become more resilient over time.

“When foundational health is supported, children often recover more easily and experience fewer infections.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Gut/immune support reduces infection recurrence (Oregon Health Authority, 2022).

15. Do children need strict diets or major lifestyle changes to improve?

Not usually. Small, sustainable changes are more effective than strict or overwhelming approaches. Treatment is adapted to your family’s reality.

“Realistic, gentle changes work best for both children and parents.” - Ayelet Center, Adv. Dip. Clin. Nat., Sydney

Gradual family adjustments sustain gut-brain health gains (Sørensen et al., 2025)

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References

  1. Freeman EW, et al. (2021). Negative affect symptoms, anxiety sensitivity, and vasomotor symptoms during perimenopause. Menopause, 28(5), 523–531.

  2. Sørensen LB, et al. (2025). Childhood gut microbiome is linked to internalising behaviours. Nature Communications, 16, Article 64988.

  3. Oregon Health Authority. (2022). Health Evidence Review Commission (HERC) Coverage Guidance: PANDAS/PANS.

  4. Healthline Editorial Team. (2023). Perimenopause anxiety: Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

  5. Mikkelsen K, et al. (2022). Correlates of palpitations during menopause: A scoping review. Climacteric, 25(5), 456–464.

  6. Jackson S, et al. (2025). Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Pediatrics, 155(3), e2024070334.

  7. International OCD Foundation. (2025). Treatment for Pediatric Acute Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS/PANDAS).

  8. Bull-Larsen S, Mohajeri MH. (2022). The gut microbiome and child mental health. Translational Psychiatry, 12, Article 486.