Gut Dysbiosis

A microbiome report is not the same as a diagnosis.

Dysbiosis is a broad term used to describe changes in a microbial community. If you have digestive symptoms or have been told that your gut bacteria are out of balance, medical assessment can help separate useful information from assumptions.

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What does dysbiosis mean?

The gut microbiome includes the microorganisms that live throughout the digestive system. Their composition varies between people and can change with diet, medication, infection, illness, age and other factors.

Dysbiosis describes a change or imbalance in this microbial community. It is not one clearly defined disease, and there is no single result that explains every symptom or determines one standard treatment.

Your dysbiosis appointment

Start with the symptoms and your medical history.

You may wish to discuss:

01
bloating, abdominal discomfort or excess wind
02
constipation, diarrhoea or changing bowel habits
03
symptoms that began after infection or antibiotics
04
food-related symptoms or increasing dietary restriction
05
a previous diagnosis of IBS or SIBO
06
a commercial microbiome or stool test
07
supplements, probiotics or treatments that have not helped
08
fatigue or other symptoms occurring alongside digestive concerns

Your doctor may ask about the timing and pattern of symptoms, diet, medication, travel, infections, periods, other health conditions and any changes in weight or appetite.

Depending on your circumstances, the next step may include standard pathology, targeted stool testing, investigation of other digestive conditions, treatment or referral to a gastroenterologist or dietitian.

If available, bring previous test results and specialist reports, a list of medicines and supplements, and details of restrictive diets or treatments you have tried.

Understanding microbiome testing

Commercial microbiome tests can describe microorganisms found in a stool sample, but results may vary between providers and there is not yet a universally accepted definition of a healthy microbiome for an individual.

A stool sample also does not represent every microbial community throughout the digestive tract. Results should therefore be interpreted cautiously and should not automatically lead to antibiotics, extensive supplements or a restrictive diet.

Treatment should address a clinical problem

Care depends on your symptoms and any condition identified through appropriate assessment. It may include treating an infection or digestive disorder, reviewing medication, supporting bowel function, improving dietary adequacy or arranging specialist care.

Probiotics, prebiotics and dietary changes may be useful in some circumstances, but the evidence and appropriate choice vary by condition. Treatment should have a clear purpose, a review point and a way to judge whether it is helping.

Appointment length

Choose the appointment type that matches where you are in your care. Exact fees follow the medical consultation fee schedule unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.

New patients
45-minute consultation
Returning patients (follow-up)
Up to 20 minutes. If the consultation runs longer, an additional fee may be charged.

Medical consultation fees are listed below. Confirm appointment and fee details with reception when booking.

Medical consultation fees

Mahila Women's Clinic is a private billing practice. The following medical consultation fees apply unless a service page states a different confirmed fee.

A Medicare rebate may apply to an eligible medical consultation. The item billed depends on the service provided, the actual consultation time, the clinician and Medicare requirements.

Procedures, pathology, imaging, products, equipment and other services may involve additional costs. Relevant additional fees should be shown on the individual service page or discussed before the service is provided.

Medical consultation fees by appointment length
Consultation length	Clinic fee
Less than 20 minutes	$150
Up to 30 minutes	$280
Up to 45 minutes	$380
60 minutes or longer	$450

Talk with a doctor about your concerns.

Book an appointment at Mahila Women's Clinic in Camberwell.

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