Essential (Oil) for Menopause

Essential oils can prove to be a holy grail for menopausal women.

Like puberty in our teenage years, menopause is a natural transition and one that all us women will go through in our lives. And of course, that is meant to make us feel so much better about it! Not!

There are several stages and symptoms of menopause.

In medical terms, menopause refers to the time from when, we as women, have not had a period for 12 consecutive months.

Perimenopause refers to the final years of our reproductive life, generally in our 40’s although it can turn up anytime between 30 something and 50 something, when lowering levels of oestrogen tease us with symptoms which can start many years before menopause and continue past the end of our period.

Deep Joy, I hear you say!

Our genetics, health and lifestyle can all impact our menopause and while all our experiences can be vastly different, there are a number of more common and unwelcome symptoms from imbalanced hormones, which tend to crop up for many of us.

These symptoms, which can be incredibly overwhelming, especially if you have multiple, include:

• hot flushes

• night sweats

• mood swings

• anxiety

• brain fog

• sleep problems

• weight gain

• low libido

Incorporating aromatherapy into your routine when you are struggling with hormone imbalance could offer natural and effective relief to help support your wellbeing by balancing your hormones.

What are Essential Oils and how can they help with hormone imbalance?

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts containing aromatic compounds from the plant’s and these can be beneficial for our health in a variety of ways.

They are a natural way to support your body and can be helpful in balancing hormones in several ways.

In addition, using essential oils can be an effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation.

When we're stressed, our body produces cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with our hormonal balance. When we're relaxed, however, our cortisol levels drop, and this can help to restore balance in our hormones.

Essential Oils for hormone balance

Hormones are chemical messengers that transmit information throughout the body. It is very easy for levels to become out of kilter, and women in particular are vulnerable to changes due to factors such as:

· Stress

· Lack of sleep

· Blood sugar fluctuation

· Nutritional shortages

· Excessive intake of stimulants like caffeine and sugar

· Alcohol

· Environmental toxins

· Chronic inflammation

My favourite Essential Oils for supporting hormone balance

There are several different essential oils that you can use during perimenopause and the menopause to support your body.

When it comes to balancing hormones, there are a few different essential oils that can be particularly helpful.

Here are some of my favourites that I used when I was going through the menopause myself and now I often diffuse blends containing these in my therapy room and use them in my massage therapies for ladies who are suffering from hormonal imbalance.

Clary sage

Clary sage oil is a very powerful essential oil.

Clary sage has oestrogenic properties, which helps to control oestrogen levels and promotes long-term uterine health.

Also, Clary Sage oil is a fantastic muscle relaxant and a strong anti-stress herb. It's particularly beneficial for muscular tension caused by mental or emotional stress because it alleviates all types of stress and tension.

One of the most useful actions of Clary sage essential oil is preventing excessive sweating so, hot flushes can be naturally remedied with the help of this wonderful oil.

Lavender

Lavender is a versatile oil with many different uses.

These include analgesic, antidepressant, antiseptic, and decongestant effects as well as reducing blood pressure, and having a sedative effect.

Studies have shown that lavender can help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, headaches, brain fog and heart palpitations.

Lavender helps to keep cortisol levels steady while relaxing your body and mind and boosting your sex drive.

It also promotes good hair and scalp health, as well as a healthy night's sleep.

Geranium

Geranium essential oil has a soothing effect on the nervous system.

It can aid in the reduction of anxiety and depression, as well as elevate your spirits.

This oil's balancing impact on the adrenal cortex makes it suitable for treating stress, and its regulatory action on the hormonal system adds to that benefit.

Ylang Ylang

Ylang ylang is one of the most popular essential oils for menopause treatment.

Its intoxicating scent may calm and uplift the mind and body, while also reducing stress and tension. It may also aid with feelings of anxiety and depression.

This oil is fantastic for boosting a person's sex drive, which is another prevalent symptom of menopause. It is also useful for reducing brain fog, rapid breathing and rapid heartbeat and its sedative properties are used to help lower high blood pressure.

Bergamot

Bergamot oil is extracted from the rind of the fruit. It has a sweet, citrusy aroma with floral notes. Bergamot is useful in treating menopause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. It can also help to reduce hot flushes and night sweats.

This oil can be used to improve circulation and increase low libido. Bergamot is also helpful in managing stress and tension.

Rose

Rose essential oil has a sweet, floral scent that is both romantic and uplifting. It is beneficial for treating menopause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and irritability. Rose oil can also help to reduce hot flushes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness.

This oil is also useful for boosting libido and improving circulation. Rose oil is an excellent choice for massages and can be used in a diffuser or added to a bath for a relaxing experience.

How to find Essential Oils

There are a few things you should keep in mind when shopping for essential oils to support your hormones.

First, not all essential oils are created equal. Please make sure you are buying pure essential oils. This means that the oil has not been cut with a carrier oil or diluted in any way. You can usually tell if an oil is pure if it says 100% pure on the label.

Second, buy from a reputable company that sources their oils from ethical and sustainable growers. Preferably organic as this will ensure that the plants used to make the oils have not been treated with pesticides or other harmful chemicals.

Here are a couple of essential oil companies that I use and recommend - Neals Yard and Doterra. These are links to my online shops with these companies and of course there are other reputable companies.

Incorporate Essential Oils into your self-care routine

One of my favourite ways to use essential oils is to compliment my self-care routine, which can also be a great way to relieve perimenopause and menopausal symptoms.

I add the oils to my baths and enjoy a lovely soak, to get me to relax and unwind and let the oils get absorbed into my skin – sheer bliss!

Also, diffusing the essential oils with an ultrasonic diffuser will help to cleanse and purify the air in your home, whilst also providing you with the benefits of the oils.

You could try diffusing a blend of 2 drops each of lavender, geranium, and bergamot essential oils for a lovely balancing experience or drop them in the bath.

Cautions when using Essential Oils

As with anything, there can be a few cautions to keep in mind when using essential oils. If you have any medical conditions, are pregnant, or are breastfeeding, please consult your doctor before using essential oils.

Some essential oils can act as photosensitizers, which means they make your skin more sensitive to the sun. Avoid using these oils on exposed skin before going out into the sun. Bergamot, lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit are some examples of photosensitive essential oils.

Never ingest essential oils unless under the care of a qualified aromatherapist or medical professional. Do not use undiluted essential oils on the skin. Always dilute with a carrier oil such as jojoba oil or apricot kernel oil.

Some essential oils are harmful to pets and so you should research oils you are using before using around your fur babies.

and finally.....

Essential oils can provide many benefits for hormone balance and support.

With the use of essential oils, we can help to regulate our hormones naturally and effectively with no side effects or risks.

If you're looking into ways to improve your hormonal health, using essential oils is a great place to start.

As well as offering aromatherapy therapies, I also make my own aromatherapy products offer aromatherapy consultations and for yourself or you and a couple of friends where I will help you to learn more about Essential Oils to help with aches and pains, symptoms of stress or just maybe how to detox your home.

Add aromatherapy to your wellbeing treasure chest - your mind, body and soul will thank you!