A WEEK THAT REMINDED ME TO LISTEN TO MY OWN BODY
Why personalised menopause support starts with understanding what your body actually needs, rather than adding another product to the cupboard
This week’s blog comes to you from sunny Spain, with my laptop open and the sound of the ocean in the background.
Getting here followed a very full week.
Monday began with something I’m always encouraging other women to do: listen when your body tells you something needs attention.
After my spectacular train-station fall a few weeks ago, my neck and shoulder were still complaining. So I made time to get them looked at rather than simply pushing through.
Sometimes the person doing the looking after needs looking after too.
Then came clinic, menopause coaching and supporting women inside The Menopause Vitality Reset followed by a Menopause MOT, business meetings, our Academy graduation, training and what felt like an extraordinary number of trains!
By Saturday evening, I was exhausted.
The work hasn’t disappeared, but the environment has changed. There’s sunshine, fresh air and an ocean outside.
And it’s reminded me that sometimes we don’t necessarily need more.
We need something different.
Jackie
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If this feels familiar, you can download a free PDF with more information and practical next steps.
IN THE MENOPAUSE WORLD: WHAT ARE WE ACTUALLY TAKING?
Some fascinating research recently looked at 201 supplements marketed specifically for menopause across major UK retailers.
Some fascinating research recently looked at 201 supplements marketed specifically for menopause across major UK retailers.
Researchers found enormous variation in ingredients, doses, combinations, prices and the evidence available for ingredients being marketed to women.
That does not mean supplements don’t work.
Nor did the research independently test every product for quality, effectiveness or absorption.
But it highlights a problem I see frequently.
WOMEN ARE FACED WITH AN ENORMOUS MARKETPLACE...
...AND SOMEHOW EXPECTED TO WORK OUT WHAT THEIR BODY NEEDS.
Something for sleep.
Something for joints.
Something for brain fog.
Something for hot flushes.
Then another supplement because somebody online says every menopausal woman should be taking it.
Before long, you have a cupboard full of products, an expensive monthly bill and no real idea what is making a difference.
PERSONALISED MEANS PERSONALISED
This is why I’m such an advocate of a simple principle:
TEST - SUPPORT - RETEST
Where appropriate, testing can help us understand what we’re actually trying to address.
Then we can make an informed decision about support.
And, where possible, assess whether that intervention has actually changed what we hoped it would.
Not every woman needs the same supplements.
Just as every woman doesn’t need the same HRT, diet, exercise programme or menopause plan.
Sometimes support might involve nutrition.
Sometimes medication or HRT.
Sometimes sleep, movement, acupuncture, coaching or nervous system regulation.
And sometimes symptoms need further medical investigation.
The whole woman matters.
TIP OF THE WEEK: AUDIT YOUR SUPPLEMENT CUPBOARD
This week, open wherever you keep your supplements and take a proper look.
For each one, ask:
Why am I taking this?
Then consider
- Do I know whether I actually need it?
- Do I know what ingredients and doses it contains? •
- Could it duplicate another supplement?
- Do I know whether it’s helping?
- Could it interact with any medication I take?
If you don’t know, don’t panic or suddenly stop prescribed treatment.
Write down everything you take and discuss it with an appropriately qualified healthcare professional or pharmacist.
The goal isn’t to take as many supplements as possible.
It’s to use supplementation purposefully and safely.
WHERE TO START
If you’re overwhelmed by menopause advice and no longer know what applies to you, you can start with:
FINAL THOUGHT
Whether I was looking after my own slightly battered body, supporting women in clinic, travelling around the country or opening my laptop here in Spain, I kept returning to the same thought:
More isn’t always better.
More work. More supplements. More exercise. More information.
Sometimes we need the right thing, at the right time, for the right woman.
And knowing the difference begins with understanding ourselves better.
With you,
Jackie
Menopause Health Specialist
Creator of The Menopause Vitality Reset
