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Menopause is a time of transition that involves changes in hormonal levels. It is not an illness, but features such as hot flashes are typical around this time. Lifestyle choices and medical treatment can help, but some people find aromatherapy useful, too.

The evidence supporting the use of aromatherapy for menopause is not consistent, but individuals may find it contributes to their well-being.

During menopause, many people experience symptoms, such as hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, forgetfulness, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido.

There is some evidence that essential oils may help relieve some of these features. In this article, find out which oils may help, what they can do, and how to use them.

a woman holding a tub of essential oils that can used to treat symptoms of menopauseShare on Pinterest
The phytoestrogens in certain essential oils may help balance hormones.

The changes and symptoms that occur during menopause stem from hormonal fluctuations, but lifestyle stresses and aging can contribute to discomfort.

Hormonal factors

Essential oils are plant-based, and some contain phytoestrogens. These are plant-based substances that behave in a similar way to the hormone estrogen.

Some experts believe that essential oils containing phytoestrogens may help balance hormones and relieve symptoms such as mood changes and hot flashes during menopause.

According to research, the following oils may support hormonal balance:

Many of these studies took place in animals. While some of these oils may help people, there is little research to support many of these claims in humans and specifically for menopause.

Sexual dysfunction

Reduced libido, vaginal dryness, and other sexual changes are common during menopause. This can make sex less enjoyable.

A 2018 review and meta-analysis concluded that treatment with neroli or lavender or a combination involving lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose “significantly improved human sexual function.”

Areas that saw improvement included sexual desire, arousal, pain during sex, and difficulty experiencing orgasm.

However, the authors note that researchers need to carry out more more studies with stricter parameters to confirm these findings.

Anxiety, stress, and fatigue

Many people use aromatherapy to help them relax, for stimulation, and to ease anxiety. Many people experience anxiety, depression, fatigue, and mood changes around the menopause.

Research has suggested that aromatherapy oils can improve symptoms of anxiety and depression during this time of transition.

Learn here about how essential oils can help people with depression.

Some research has suggested that the following oils may help relieve a variety of symptoms during menopause.

Pine oil

Osteoporosis is a common problem in which the bones become less dense and more liable to break. The risk of osteoporosis increases as estrogen levels fall in the body during menopause.

In one earlier study, researchers administered pine oil to rats without ovaries. They concluded that compounds present in pine oil might reduce bone loss and help prevent osteoporosis.

Vitex agnus-castus oil

Vitex agnus-castus oil comes from the chaste tree. It is also known as chasteberry, or Abraham’s balm.

Research suggests oils from both the berry and the leaf can address a variety of menopausal symptoms.

Lavender

People use lavender to promote feelings of relaxation and support healthful sleep.

In a 2007 study, researchers found that massage treatment with various oils, including lavender, helped reduce menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, headaches, and heart palpitations in some people.

In 2016, researchers looked at the effects of lavender aromatherapy on hot flashes. Fifty participants smelled the aroma of lavender for 20 minutes twice a day for 12 weeks. Another 50 inhaled a placebo.

Those who received the lavender treatment reported a significant reduction in hot flashes. The researchers suggested the lavender may have reduced hot flashes by lowering stress levels.

Find out here how lavender and other oils can help relieve headaches, which many people experience during menopause.

Rose

Some researchers have proposed that rose oil strengthens the uterus, potentially addressing menstrual cycle issues. In menopause, rose oil may improve mood and reduce hot flashes by balancing hormones.

Geranium

Geranium may have similar benefits to rose oil, including balancing the hormones, supporting menstrual cycle regularity in perimenopause, and improving mood.

Learn more here about different essential oils and how to use them.

Ways of using oils include the following:

Diffuser

Sprinkle 3-5 drops of essential oil in water and allow it to diffuse throughout a room. Depending on the oil, this can help promote relaxation during the day.

Roll-on or spray

Essential oils are also available in products that people can apply directly to the skin. Individuals should check the product comes from a reliable source and that the ingredients are safe because the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not regulate essential oils.

Massage

Dilute the oil with a carrier oil, such as coconut, jojoba, almond, or evening primrose oil. Either apply to pulse points or massage all or part of the body.

In a 2007 review of several essential oils, people who were experiencing menopause had a weekly massage of the abdomen, arms, and back for 8 weeks. They reported improvements in hot flashes, depression, and pain.

Essential oils are natural, but this does not mean they are safe in every form and dose.

Essential oils have long played a role in traditional medicine, but there is little research into their effects on specific conditions.

This has led to uncertainty over:

  • how much to use
  • whether oils are safe for everyone
  • the best way to use them

People should take the following precautions:

  • Obtain oils from a reliable source and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Use only the recommended dosage.
  • Perform a small skin test before using any essential oil for a massage to check that there is no reaction.
  • Introduce one oil at a time to assess each product for an allergic reaction.
  • Avoid an oil if you have an allergy to the plant that it comes from, as it may trigger a reaction.
  • Take additional precautions if you have asthma as a diffuser may trigger an asthma attack.

The FDA do not regulate essential oils because they do not consider them a treatment. This means people cannot know for sure what their oil contains, whether the quality is good, or how it may affect them.

When using oils, people should:

  • Always mix essential oils with a carrier oil before use, especially for application to the skin.
  • Apply a little to the skin first to check for an allergic reaction.
  • Keep oils away from children.
  • Obtain oils from a reputable source.
  • Never swallow or consume an oil, as it is likely to be toxic.

Anyone who wishes to use essential oils for menopause should speak to their doctor first.

People should always dilute oils with a carrier oil before applying to the skin. Click here to learn more about suitable carrier oils. /articles/321639.php

If people have severe symptoms during menopause, a doctor can prescribe medical treatment.

For many, however, lifestyle remedies are sufficient to bring relief.

Lifestyle tips include:

  • eating a healthful, balanced diet and getting regular exercise
  • limiting caffeine and alcohol intake
  • quitting or avoiding smoking
  • maintaining a moderate weight
  • adopting stress management techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing

Results of a small study, published in 2018, suggested that weekly acupuncture might help relieve moderate to severe hot flashes and other symptoms.

Some people take black cohosh or DHEA supplements or increase their intake of soy, which contain phytoestrogens. However, the National Institute on Aging point out that there is not enough evidence to prove that these are safe or effective.

Aromatherapy may help improve a person’s sense of well-being during menopause, and some essential oils may help with specific symptoms.

Used wisely, it may help reduce anxiety and other stress-related symptoms. However, experts note there is not enough evidence to support the use of aromatherapy as a standalone treatment.

Before using an alternative medication for menopause symptoms, it is best to speak to a doctor to ensure they are safe and worthwhile.

Essential diffusers and oils are available for purchase in natural health stores and online

People can also buy oils specifically for menopause, either individually or in combination.