FAQs

Find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions here.

Understanding the need for holistic care

Women’s health is more than just treating symptoms—it’s about understanding the full picture. A holistic approach considers physical, emotional, and hormonal well-being, ensuring that every aspect of a woman’s health is cared for.

At Ponti Health, we integrate medical expertise with lifestyle, nutrition, and mental health support to create a unique solution that addresses the root cause, not just the symptoms. Whether you're navigating menopause, managing a chronic condition, or seeking preventative care, our multidisciplinary team is here to support you at every stage of life.

Your health is interconnected, and your care should be too.

  • GP’s are the frontline of healthcare for the entire population. The sheer volume of knowledge that they need to do their job, means that most GP’s have areas of medicine that they are more or less confident with. At Ponti Health, our GP’s knowledge and education is focused on women - the aspects related specifically to women, but also preventative health and the range of physical and mental health issues that can arise. 

  • The impact on mental health is one of the unspoken challenges of hormonal fluctuations, both while menstruating and through the menopause transition. Shifts in hormone levels and brain chemistry can affect mood and cognition, and can impact quality of life, even in women without a history of major mental illness.

  • Endocrinologists specialise in conditions related to the endocrine glands and hormones. Therefore, they are experts in treating thyroid disorders, diabetes, osteoporosis, weight gain and reproductive hormone issues.

  • Gynaecologists look after everything to do with the reproductive organs from a medical and surgical perspective. They can help with period issues, including heavy bleeding, irregular bleeding or painful periods, pelvic pain, abnormal cervical screening, fertility and contraception. A lot of women think that once you hit menopause, there’s no more need for a gynaecologist, but this couldn’t be further from the truth. Oestrogen changes can lead to  gynaecological challenges for women like heavy menstrual bleeding, vaginal dryness and urinary symptoms.

  • Physiotherapists are best placed to diagnose muscular and joint issues and to create a management plan to strengthen specific areas. For women, this includes their pelvic floor muscles, which, if they aren’t working well can lead to pelvic pain, prolapse and incontinence - your Pelvic Physiotherapist can help with all of these, and more.

General Questions

  • Our Psychiatrist, Psychologist and Mental Health GPs work as a team and can step in and support you during business hours, even if your specific doctor is away.

    However, should you or someone you know require urgent crisis assistance, please call 000 and ask for immediate support. You can also present to your nearest Emergency or Accident and Emergency service at your local hospital for immediate intervention and support.

    The 1800 011 511 Mental Health Line is NSW Health's 24/7 statewide phone service, linking people with NSW Health mental health services. It is a free service.

    It is staffed by trained mental health professionals who:

    • Offer mental health advice

    • Complete a brief assessment

    • Make recommendations for appropriate care, including referral to NSW Health mental health services.

    The mental health professional will ask you questions to understand your needs and recommend appropriate services.

    There are also other mental health resources provided by the state government of NSW, accessible via

    https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/mentalhealth/services/Pages/default.aspx

  • The Medicare Safety Net is an Australian government program designed to help reduce healthcare costs for people who require frequent medical services. Once your out-of-pocket expenses for Medicare-subsidised services exceed a certain yearly threshold, the Safety Net increases the amount Medicare reimburses for the rest of the calendar year, making subsequent eligible healthcare services cheaper for you. This helps protect individuals and families from high medical costs by providing extra financial support.

    Read more on the medicare safety net here.

  • At Ponti Health, no silos means integrating the latest scientific research, clinical expertise, and patient preferences to deliver the highest quality healthcare. Our approach is built on continuous learning and collaboration among our multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals. Every eight weeks, we conduct peer reviews to ensure our clinicians stay informed about the latest advancements, particularly in women's health, which has historically been under-researched. This commitment allows us to provide comprehensive, personalised care that adapts to each patient's unique health journey.

    Read more about our approach here.

  • We know, it seems like a lot. However, this model of care ensures that every woman who walks through our doors is given the time needed to understand who she is, as a person and as a patient.

    There will be a short form to fill out before the appointment, which should take 5-10 minutes at most.

    We’ve found that on average, medical forms are long and tedious, and that the best exchange of information is in the room, when a clinician has the opportunity to listen to a patient tell their story.   

    • Arrival and check-in with our reception

    • A registered nurse will take your vitals and review some of the details on your pre-appointment form. They will use this window of time to get to know you a little better, as they will be an important part of your healthcare team moving forward. 

    • After your consultation, our nursing team will assist with any pathology tests ordered by your doctor, including blood work, swabs, and ECG.

    • Following your visit, our concierge team will send you an SMS to establish a direct communication channel for any questions you may have.

    • You'll also receive a detailed letter outlining your next steps in the treatment plan.     

Iron Infusions - FAQ’s

  • Iron deficiency can significantly impact your daily life and manifest through various symptoms, including:

    • Exhaustion, fatigue and weakness

    • Shortness of breath during normal activities

    • Pale skin and nail beds

    • Heart palpitations

    • Headaches and dizziness

    • Difficulty concentrating

    • Restless legs syndrome

  • Yes, a blood test is required. Having either too much or too little iron in your system can lead to negative effects. To ensure your safety and the effectiveness of the infusion, it's crucial to have your iron levels checked beforehand.

    Please don't take any chances with this; the blood test is a necessary step.

  • At Ponti Health, we firmly believe that offering Iron Infusions under the strict guidance of our experienced Doctors and Registered Nurses is absolutely paramount for your safety and well-being. While we understand there might be non-medical companies offering infusion services, this is a medical procedure that requires a controlled clinical environment and the expertise of trained medical professionals for several crucial reasons:

    Firstly, accurate diagnosis and assessment are critical. Doctors conduct thorough evaluations to confirm that an Iron Infusion is indeed the right and most appropriate treatment for your specific condition and iron deficiency. This involves considering your full medical history and other potential underlying causes of your symptoms.

    Secondly, safe and precise administration is non-negotiable. Registered Nurses are specifically trained in the correct techniques for intravenous access and the safe administration of iron infusions. This minimises the risk of complications during the procedure.  

    Thirdly, managing potential reactions is a medical necessity. Although rare, adverse reactions to iron infusions can occur. Having our skilled medical team present means any reaction can be promptly and effectively managed with appropriate medical interventions and equipment immediately available.

    Finally, a sterile and controlled environment minimises infection risk. We are a medical clinic which means strict adherence to stringent hygiene and infection control protocols, ensuring a safe environment for your infusion.

    We deliver the highest standard of medical care for all our patients, ensuring your Iron Infusion is not only effective but also as safe and comfortable as possible, under the expert care of our medical team. We believe this level of medical oversight is non-negotiable when it comes to your health.

  • No sedation or down time is required so you can usually get back to your day right away.

  • Everyone is different, however you will usually begin to see the effects in 2 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions - REMS Bone Health Scan

  • The cost of a REMS bone health scan is $225.

  • We are huge fans of starting early and understanding your baseline. Most of our patients wish they had this service in their 20's and 30's. This can also be added to your longevity medicine tool kit as should diet, exercise and great medical care and support.

  • REMS bone health scans are currently not covered by Medicare.

    Private health insurance coverage varies depending on your specific policy. We recommend contacting your insurer directly to confirm your coverage for REMS scans. Our team can also provide you with the necessary documentation to submit a claim.

  • The REMS bone health scan itself is quick and painless, typically taking about 5 minutes per site scanned. From start to finish, including your consultation, you can expect your appointment to last approximately 30 minutes. We value your time and strive to make your experience as efficient and comfortable as possible.

  • We pride ourselves on comfort at Ponti Health, we want you to feel as comfortable as possible during your REMS bone scan. To ensure a smooth and relaxed experience, we recommend wearing loose, comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your abdomen and hip areas.

    Specifically, you’ll need to be able to expose your abdomen above your underwear line and the groin creases on both sides. Your underwear can remain on throughout the scan.

    We understand that exposing these areas might feel a little sensitive. Rest assured, our team is highly professional and will ensure your privacy is respected at all times. We’ll provide clear instructions and draping to minimize any discomfort and ensure you feel comfortable throughout the procedure.

  • The frequency of bone density scans depends on several factors, including your age, risk factors, medical conditions and previous scan results. Our health professionals will discuss your individual circumstances and recommend a personalised schedule for future scans. We believe in proactive bone health management and will work with you to create a plan that meets your needs.

  • Treatment options for osteoporosis vary depending on the severity of bone loss and individual risk factors. They may include lifestyle modifications (diet, exercise, fall prevention), medication (to slow bone loss or build bone), and supplements (calcium, vitamin D). Our team can provide personalized recommendations and guidance on the best treatment options for you, working in collaboration with your GP.

  • Endocrinologists are medical specialists who focus on hormonal systems and their impact on your health. Since hormones play a significant role in bone health, seeing an endocrinologist can be very helpful for managing osteoporosis, especially if:

    • Your osteoporosis is severe or complex.

    • You have other medical conditions that might be affecting your bone health.

    • You’re considering medication to treat osteoporosis.

    • You’re not responding well to current treatments.

    • You have a history of fractures.

    • You have a family history of osteoporosis or other hormonal conditions.

    Endocrinologists have in-depth knowledge of bone metabolism and hormonal interactions. They can provide expert guidance on:

    • Identifying the underlying causes of your osteoporosis.

    • Interpreting your bone density and REMS bone health scan results in the context of your overall health.

    • Recommending the most appropriate treatment options, including lifestyle changes, medications, and supplements.

    • Monitoring your progress and adjusting treatment as needed.

    We believe in a collaborative approach to bone health. Our endocrinologists will work closely with your GP to ensure you receive the most comprehensive and personalized care possible. We’re here to support you on your journey to stronger bones and a healthier future.

    Read more on our endocrinology service offerings here.

Frequently Asked Questions - Sex Therapy

  • Sex therapy is a specialised form of therapy that addresses sexual concerns and intimacy issues. For low libido, Sex Therapists use evidence-based approaches in identifying underlying causes—whether physical, psychological, or relational—and develop personalised treatment plans. Therapy can help you understand your sexual response, improve communication with your partner, and develop strategies to enhance intimacy and desire.

  • Consider seeking help if decreased sexual desire is causing you distress, affecting your relationship, or significantly different from your normal pattern. It's also worth consulting a professional if your low libido coincides with life changes, medications, or other health concerns. Remember, there's no "normal" level of sexual desire—what matters is how you feel about changes in your own sexuality.


Frequently Asked Questions - About Low Libido

  • Yes, low libido is very common. Studies suggest that 20-40% of women experience periods of low sexual desire at some point in their lives. It's one of the most frequent sexual concerns women bring to healthcare providers, and it's completely normal to seek support for this issue.

  • Low libido can result from multiple factors including hormonal changes (menopause, postpartum, thyroid issues), medications (antidepressants, birth control), stress, relationship issues, body image concerns, past trauma, medical conditions, fatigue, or life transitions. Often, it's a combination of factors rather than a single cause. 

  • Yes, hormonal birth control can impact libido for some women by altering hormone levels, particularly testosterone. However, this doesn't affect everyone, and some women may actually experience improved libido due to reduced pregnancy anxiety. If you suspect birth control is affecting your desire, discuss alternatives with your GP.

  • Menopause can significantly impact libido due to declining estrogen and testosterone levels, which can cause vaginal dryness, reduced sensitivity, and decreased desire. However, many women maintain satisfying sex lives through menopause with appropriate support, which may include hormone therapy, nutrition, lifestyle changes, and talk therapy..