WHEN LIFE HAS OTHER PLANS
What an unexpected dental emergency taught me about listening to my body, and why new research reinforces the importance of personalised menopause care.
Well, what a couple of weeks!
After walking 114 kilometres of the Camino de Santiago, I arrived home, caught up with some lovely menopause clients, unpacked, repacked and headed straight back to the airport.
This time, Oslo!
I was attending an annual professional event to learn more about test-based nutrition, preventative health and the latest developments in the industry.
But life had other plans...
On Tuesday evening, I developed a little toothache.
By Wednesday, it was becoming uncomfortable.
And by Thursday evening in Oslo, I was in absolute agony.
Friday morning involved finding an emergency dentist in a country where I didn't speak the language.
Thankfully, with some help, I managed to get an appointment.
It turned out I had a significant dental infection requiring urgent treatment, including the start of root canal treatment.
Not quite the Friday I'd imagined!
Jackie
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If this feels familiar, you can download a free PDF with more information and practical next steps.
SOMETIMES THE STRONGEST DECISION IS TO STOP
I managed to attend a little of Friday's event, but by Saturday I knew I needed to rest. So I made a decision.
I wasn't going.
For someone who loves learning, connecting and making the most of every opportunity, that wasn't easy.
But it was right.
I managed a little of Sunday's event before travelling home.
And the biggest lesson I brought back wasn't about a new product or scientific discovery.
It was about recognising my own limits.
I'd travelled, worked, walked the Camino, been unwell and continued trying to keep everything moving.
Suddenly, recovery needed to become the priority.
Being busy didn't cause my dental infection. Dental infections have specific causes and need appropriate treatment.
But I could recognise that I'd been asking quite a lot of myself.
Being passionate about what you do doesn't mean you have unlimited capacity.
IN THE MENOPAUSE WORLD: A WHOLE-BODY TRANSITION
New research published in Nature Medicine on 12 October 2026 reinforces something I talk about constantly.
New research published in Nature Medicine on 12 October 2026 reinforces something I talk about constantly.
Menopause isn't just about hormones. It's a whole-body transition.
Researchers analysed more than 300 million laboratory test results from over one million women in the United States and Israel.
They identified patterns of change around menopause involving several body systems, including bone metabolism, cholesterol, liver and kidney function, and hormonal regulation.
Some hormonal changes appeared to begin more than a decade before the final menstrual period.
The researchers described a physiological cliff, suggesting that changes in certain biological markers may be more concentrated around menopause than previously recognised.
That sounds dramatic, doesn't it?
But it doesn't mean women's bodies suddenly fall apart at menopause.
The researchers used a computational approach to reconstruct patterns from existing health data.
This was observational research, not a study following every individual woman through menopause.
It also doesn't mean every woman needs dozens of additional blood tests.
What it reinforces is the importance of understanding the bigger picture.
Sleep.
Nutrition.
Movement.
Health history.
Hormonal changes.
Metabolic health.
And the individual woman experiencing those changes.
That's what personalised menopause care should be about.
TIPS OF THE WEEK: RECOGNISE YOUR WARNING SIGNS
This week's tip comes directly from my own experience.
Take five minutes and ask yourself:
“How do I know when I'm reaching my limit?”
Perhaps you notice:
- Your sleep is deteriorating.
- You're becoming more irritable.
- You're struggling to concentrate.
- You're skipping meals.
- Everything feels like an enormous effort.
- You're no longer making time for yourself.
These symptoms can have many causes, so persistent or new symptoms deserve appropriate medical assessment.
But recognising your patterns can help you make better decisions.
Now ask:
“What's ONE thing I could change this week to create more breathing room?”
Maybe it's moving a non-essential appointment.
Going to bed earlier.
Asking for help.
Leaving space between commitments.
Or allowing yourself an evening without a to-do list.
You don't need to overhaul your life.
Just notice what you need and respond appropriately.
And if you're experiencing significant pain or illness, seek medical care rather than assuming rest alone will resolve it.
WHERE TO START
If you’re noticing changes in your strength, energy or overall wellbeing, my personalised menopause support pathway includes:
- Readiness & Symptom Snapshot, available through my menopause lead magnets.
- Menopause Check-In (15 minutes), a free 15-minute conversation.
- Menopause MOT, a personalised health assessment with appropriate testing.
- The Menopause Vitality Reset, ongoing coaching and support.
FINAL THOUGHT
I'm home now and looking forward to returning to my normal routine.
There are exciting things happening with Healthy Habitz, the Hub and the women I'm supporting.
But I'm going to be more thoughtful about how much I squeeze into my days.
Because looking after your health isn't something you do only when everything else is finished.
Sometimes the strongest thing you can do is recognise that you've done enough for today.
And I think I've learnt that lesson rather thoroughly!
With you,
Jackie
Menopause Health Specialist
Creator of The Menopause Vitality Reset
