Why I Specialise in Women's Health
I'm Gemma Knaap, senior naturopath and founder of the Southernwood Clinic. I became a naturopath because I saw how often women were dismissed, minimised, or left without real answers in conventional healthcare settings. Too many women were told their symptoms were “normal” or something they simply had to put up with, even when they were exhausted, in pain, frustrated, or scared about what the future might look like.
I felt strongly that women deserved better. They deserved care that took their concerns seriously from the very beginning, explored the underlying causes of their symptoms, and worked with them to find meaningful solutions.
Over nearly a decade in practice, I’ve met countless women at their lowest: overwhelmed by period problems, hormone chaos, gut issues, chronic infections, or perimenopause symptoms that seemed to appear overnight. It is incredibly rewarding to see what becomes possible once they feel heard, understood, and supported with a plan that actually works for them.
Women are resilient, capable and deeply intuitive, and I love helping them feel like themselves again so they can do more of what they love, without being held back by poor health.
Personalised & Achievable
The most effective treatment plan is the one you can actually do. Every woman has different preferences, commitments and capacities, so personalised care is always my top priority. My goal is to create a plan that genuinely fits your life — not the other way around.
Education Creates Lasting Chage
When women understand how their body works and why their symptoms are occurring, they become more confident, informed and empowered. I want you to feel equipped to make decisions about your health and troubleshoot issues long after our work together is done.
Supplements are Supportive Tools
Nutritional therapy and herbal medicine can be incredibly effective when targeted, but I use them sparingly and always in alignment with your preferences. Diet and lifestyle should do the heavy lifting. Supplements are tools, they're not forever.
I Listen, and I Believe You
Your symptoms are real. Your experience matters. My consultations create space for you to tell your whole story so we can understand what’s really happening and map out a path forward.
No Restriction Unless Truly Necessary
I’m a realist and perfection isn’t the goal. I don’t expect clients to follow rigid diets or give up everything they enjoy. Restrictive eating is rarely sustainable and often unnecessary. I only recommend restrictions when there is a clear medical need, and even then, if we can we reintroduce foods as soon as appropriate.
Collaboration is Essential
I often work alongside GPs, gynaecologists, fertility specialists and other healthcare providers to ensure your care is safe, integrated and cohesive. If you’re taking medication, that’s absolutely fine, naturopathy can support and enhance your current treatment.
Clinical Focus & Areas of Expertise
Hormonal & Reproductive Health
-
Irregular or heavy periods
-
PMS, PMDD and mood changes
-
Perimenopause & Menopause transitions
-
PCOS
-
Endometriosis and chronic pelvic pain
-
Ovulation and cycle irregularities
-
Post-pill symptoms
.png)
Vaginal & Urinary Health
-
Chronic or recurrent thrush
-
Bacterial vaginosis (BV)
-
Vaginal microbiome imbalances
-
Recurrent UTIs
-
Genital discomfort or inflammation
Fertility & Preconception Support
-
Cycle tracking and optimisation
-
Preparing the body for pregnancy
-
Unexplained infertility
-
Recurrent Loss
-
Support alongside IVF or specialist care
.png)
Digestive Health
-
Bloating & distension
-
Constipation & diarrhoea
-
IBS
-
Gut inflammation
-
Microbiome optimisation
Qualifications & Professional Background
.png)
-
Bachelor of Health Science (Naturopathy)
-
Certified Natural Fertility Educator
-
Certified Microbiome Analyst
-
Additional specialist training in vaginal and genitourinary health, with a focus on complex and recurrent presentations
-
Full practising member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS)
-
Nearly 10 years in practice, with extensive ongoing professional development in women’s hormones, reproductive health, and functional testing interpretation
Supporting Women Across Australia
I have lived and practised in the Great Southern for seven years, and I understand the realities of regional and rural healthcare: long travel distances, limited appointment availability, farming seasons, unpredictable schedules and the need for flexible, accessible support.
Through Telehealth, I work with women all over Australia, from major cities to remote farming communities, providing care that is convenient, confidential and tailored to their needs.
Whether you’re based in Albany, Denmark, Mount Barker, Perth, or anywhere across Australia, you can access support that truly takes your symptoms seriously.
Ready to Begin?
If you’re struggling with hormone symptoms, period problems, chronic infections, perimenopause changes or digestive issues that just aren’t resolving, you don’t have to do this alone.
I’m here to help you understand what’s happening in your body and guide you toward realistic, meaningful improvements.
