Hi, I’m Jackie Abbott.
Introduction: Hi, I'm a 50-year-old creative woman who loves art, Miniature Dachshunds, and my family. I'm a proud Mum of three grown boys and a "Lolli" to a spirited granddaughter. I enjoy painting, especially on denim jackets, and I'm eager to explore pottery. Golfing with my husband, despite my skill level, is a way for me to enjoy nature and relax.
Growing Up: As a child, I preferred sports with my brother and his friends over typical girly activities. Although I initially dreamed of being a midwife, my aversion to blood led me to become a Nursery Nurse. Today, I joke about how cool it would be to fly helicopters.
Health Challenges: My health journey has had its ups and downs. I struggled with a heavy menstrual cycle from age 15 and eventually underwent an endometrial ablation, making it hard to pinpoint menopause's onset. I also dealt with poor circulation, leading to several vein surgeries. In 2006, I faced a pulmonary embolism, treated with heparin and warfarin.
Experiencing Perimenopause: My perimenopausal symptoms, while mild, have impacted my life. I’ve faced insomnia, brain fog, body aches, and anxiety. Alcohol worsens my sleep issues. Determined to find relief naturally, I researched supplements to support my health, mindful of my family’s history of breast cancer and my risk of blood clots.
Why I’m Passionate About Helping Women: Navigating perimenopause has shown me the importance of knowledge and support. I turned to natural supplements like marine collagen, Omega-3 oils, and vitamins D3 and K2. They’ve helped me manage symptoms, maintain skin elasticity, support cardiovascular and bone health, and stabilise my mood.
Resolution: Understanding perimenopause and menopause is crucial. It’s more than a phase; it’s a significant life transition. I’m passionate about helping other women by sharing my experiences, insights, and the benefits of a natural approach. Together, we can embrace this journey with grace and resilience, focusing on health, well-being, and vitality.
Why Graceful changes?
Supporting Women Through Perimenopause and Menopause
Perimenopause and menopause are significant transitions in a woman’s life, marked by a range of physical and emotional changes. Despite being a natural part of aging, these stages can be challenging and often come with symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings, sleep disturbances, and more. Unfortunately, many women feel isolated or embarrassed to talk about their experiences, leading to unnecessary suffering.
By creating a supportive community for women going through these changes is crucial for several reasons:
Breaking the Taboo: Menopause has long been considered a taboo subject, shrouded in silence and stigma. By openly discussing it, we can break down these barriers and encourage more women to seek help and share their experiences.
Providing Emotional Support: Emotional well-being is just as important as physical health. Having a safe space to express feelings, fears, and frustrations can significantly alleviate the emotional burden that often accompanies menopause.
Sharing Knowledge: Many women are unaware of the natural remedies and lifestyle changes that can help manage menopausal symptoms. By sharing information and educating each other, we can empower women to take control of their health and well-being.
Reducing Isolation: Feeling alone in one’s experiences can exacerbate stress and anxiety. A supportive community can provide a sense of belonging and understanding, helping women feel less isolated
Encouraging Self-Care: Menopause is a time to focus on self-care and prioritise one’s health. Through shared experiences and advice, women can learn new ways to nurture themselves and improve their quality of life during this transition.
Building Empathy and Understanding: Hearing others’ stories fosters empathy and compassion. Understanding that others are going through similar experiences can be comforting and validating.
By offering support, empathy, and education, we can help women navigate perimenopause and menopause with confidence and grace. Let’s come together to create a community where every woman feels heard, supported, and empowered during this significant phase of life.