Unraveling the Mystery of SIBO: Why Testing Matters

Dr. Erin Hendriks • November 7, 2023

Understanding SIBO

SIBO, or Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth, is a condition that has been gaining recognition in the medical community over the past few years. It occurs when there is an abnormal increase in the population of bacteria in the small intestine, which can lead to a wide range of digestive symptoms and discomfort. While the symptoms of SIBO can be similar to other gastrointestinal conditions, proper testing is crucial for an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

The small intestine is a vital part of our digestive system, responsible for absorbing nutrients from the food we eat. It should not contain a large population of bacteria; instead, most of our gut bacteria should reside in the colon. When bacteria overpopulate the small intestine, SIBO occurs. These bacteria can ferment carbohydrates and produce gasses like hydrogen and methane, causing various digestive symptoms, such as bloating, gas, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

Why Testing Matters

Diagnosis

SIBO symptoms can often overlap with those of other gastrointestinal disorders like IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), celiac disease, and Crohn's disease. Without proper testing, it can be challenging for healthcare providers to distinguish between these conditions, potentially leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment.

Tailored Treatment

Effective treatment of SIBO depends on identifying the specific types of bacteria causing the overgrowth. Testing can reveal whether it is primarily hydrogen-dominant, methane-dominant, or a combination of both, helping healthcare providers choose the most appropriate treatment plan. Methane-dominant SIBO, for example, may require different interventions than hydrogen-dominant SIBO.

Preventing Complications

SIBO, if left untreated, can lead to various complications, including nutrient malabsorption and vitamin deficiencies. Testing for SIBO allows for early detection and intervention, preventing these complications from developing.

Testing for SIBO

The most common method to diagnose SIBO is the breath test. It involves consuming a specific substrate, such as lactulose or glucose, and then measuring the levels of hydrogen, methane, and hydrogen sulfide gasses in the breath over a few hours. Elevated gas levels indicate overgrowth, making breath testing a widely accepted and practical approach for SIBO diagnosis.

Testing for SIBO is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. The symptoms of SIBO can be misleading, and without proper testing, it can be challenging to differentiate it from other gastrointestinal conditions. Early detection and tailored treatment are key to managing SIBO and preventing complications. If you suspect you may have SIBO, it is essential to consult a healthcare provider who can recommend the most appropriate testing method and guide you through the treatment process. Don't let SIBO remain a mystery – testing is the first step toward relief and improved digestive health.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

*AI Disclosure: This content may contain sections generated with AI with the purpose of providing you with condensed helpful and relevant content, however all personal opinions are 100% human made as well as the blog post structure, outline and key takeaways.

* Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links on www.elle-md.com may contain affiliate links meaning that we will get a commission for recommending products at no extra cost to you.

*Blog Disclaimer: Please note that reading our blog does not replace any health or medical advice consultation. Read our blog disclaimer here.

Meet the Drs.

Dr. Hendriks and Dr. Castillo MacKenzie are board-certified physicians, female, specialized, with over 10 years of experience.

Elle MD started after practicing in a traditional primary care setting together for over a decade. We grew frustrated with the current healthcare model, which places no emphasis on addressing the root cause of chronic disease. A lot of times, conventional care doesn’t even promote overall wellness!

We founded Elle MD in Royal Oak, MI, with a vision of providing this care in a compassionate and personalized way.

WEIGHT MANAGEMENT FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE BOOK AN APPOINTMENT

Download your free guide

FREE GUIDE

Your Skin & Aging: FAQs, Hormones, and a Smarter Skincare Approach

August 1, 2025

As we age, changes in our skin can feel sudden and confusing—thinner texture, more dryness, loss of elasticity, and that “tired” look that shows up even after a good night’s sleep. These are natural changes, but they don’t have to be inevitable. In this post, we’re addressing some of the most common questions we get about aging skin, the role of estrogen, and how we integrate evidence-based solutions—like topical hormones and therapeutic skincare—to help restore skin vitality from the inside out. Why does skin change so much with age? Collagen loss starts in our 30s and accelerates during menopause, driven largely by hormonal shifts—especially the decline in estrogen. Estrogen supports hydration, elasticity, and collagen production, so when it drops, the skin becomes drier, thinner, and more fragile. You may also notice increased sensitivity, slower healing, and a duller appearance. What role does estrogen play in skin health? Estrogen isn’t just a reproductive hormone—it plays a critical role in skin physiology. It improves: Collagen production Skin thickness Moisture retention Wound healing Sebum (natural oil) production For some women, topical estrogen can be a safe, localized way to target skin aging—especially in areas like the face, neck, and even vaginal tissue, where estrogen receptors are abundant. We often use compounded low-dose topical estriol or estradiol as part of a customized plan. It’s not about reversing the clock—it’s about optimizing how your skin functions now. Are topical hormones safe? When prescribed appropriately and monitored, topical estrogen for skin use is generally well-tolerated and low-risk. Unlike systemic hormone therapy, these formulations are localized and often used at low doses. We assess your history and current hormone levels before initiating any protocol and monitor your response over time. What else helps aging skin? This is where skincare gets smarter. We look at: Barrier repair: A compromised skin barrier leads to sensitivity, dryness, and inflammation. Inflammation control: Chronic low-level inflammation accelerates aging. Antioxidant support: To neutralize daily oxidative damage. This is why we’re now offering Epionce® in our practice. It’s a dermatologist-developed line that aligns well with a functional approach—focused on skin barrier health, calming inflammation, and restoring a more resilient skin environment. We love it because it’s evidence-based, botanical-forward, and works beautifully alongside hormonal support or other medical treatments. Where do I start if I’m noticing aging changes? Start with a comprehensive evaluation: hormones, nutrition, stress, and skin history all matter. For some, that means testing estrogen levels and considering topical support. For others, it means addressing gut health, reducing inflammatory load, or rethinking skincare ingredients. We’re here to help you understand what’s changing—and offer personalized tools to help your skin reflect how good you’re starting to feel inside. Aging skin is not just a cosmetic issue—it’s a reflection of internal changes, especially hormone shifts. With thoughtful, integrative care—including hormone support when appropriate and smart topical therapies like Epionce—we can help restore balance and vitality at the cellular level.