Gut Health

Your gut should not dictate your day.

Ongoing bloating, pain, constipation, diarrhoea or food-related symptoms can affect how you eat, work, exercise and plan your life. Medical assessment begins by understanding the pattern and checking what may be contributing.

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Gut health is not a diagnosis

Digestive symptoms can have many possible causes. They may relate to diet, medication, infection, food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome, coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, pelvic health or another medical condition.

Periods, hormonal changes, stress and chronic health conditions may also affect digestive symptoms. The purpose of an appointment is to investigate appropriately, not assume that every concern is caused by the microbiome.

Your gut health appointment

Start with what happens before, during and after symptoms appear.

You may wish to discuss:

01
ongoing or recurring bloating
02
abdominal pain, cramping or discomfort
03
constipation, diarrhoea or alternating between both
04
excess wind or changes in bowel habits
05
nausea, reflux or feeling full quickly
06
symptoms linked to particular foods
07
symptoms that change during the menstrual cycle
08
fatigue or other symptoms occurring alongside digestive concerns
09
previous diagnoses such as IBS, SIBO or food intolerance
10
symptoms that have continued despite dietary changes or treatment

Your doctor may ask about the timing and location of symptoms, bowel habits, diet, medication, travel, periods, stress, family history and any changes in weight or appetite.

Depending on your circumstances, the next step may include pathology, stool testing, imaging, a treatment trial or referral to a gastroenterologist, dietitian or another health professional.

If available, bring previous test results and specialist reports, a list of medicines and supplements, and brief notes about symptoms, bowel changes and possible triggers. You do not need to begin a restrictive diet before your appointment.

Understanding what may be contributing to your symptoms

Investigation before restriction

Removing multiple foods without a clear reason can make eating more difficult and may not address the cause of symptoms. Some tests also need to be completed while particular foods remain in the diet.

Your doctor can help determine what should be investigated first and whether dietary changes would be useful. Where appropriate, nutrition advice should support adequate nourishment as well as symptom management.

Care based on the cause and the effect on your life

Management depends on what the assessment finds. It may include treatment of an identified condition, medication review, dietary support, bowel management, monitoring or specialist referral.

When symptoms overlap with pelvic pain, hormonal changes or a complex chronic condition, your GP can consider these connections while keeping the digestive concern medically grounded.

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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