Essential Oils & Menopause Part 1

2:03 PM Posted by jo

As I mentioned many times before, aromatherapy is considered to be one of the most effective methods of dealing with female concerns such as menstrual, pregnancy and menopausal problems. The aroma of the essential oil is very powerful, through the essential oils' molecular structure and fragrance, it can influence the limbic lobe and hypothalamus. Inhalation of essential oils is said to stimulate production of hormones from the hypothalamus.

Symptoms
Menopause affect women differently but most of the symptoms include dizziness, difficult breathing, hot flushes, depression, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and headache. The average age of menopause is 50 years but some women go through an early menopause in the 30s or early 40s while others continue to menstruate until the late 50s.

Progesterone
The level of progesterone decline as a women age and this can lead to osteoporosis and an increase risk of depressions, mood swings and uterine and breast cancer. Estrogen levels can also decrease and increase the risk of heart disease. The hormones decline to a point where menstruation ceases. The Essential Oils Desk Reference suggests that the topical application of progesterone and prenolone cream is the most effective way to replace and boost the declining hormone levels.

Dr. Dan Purser, M.D, is also promoting the use of progesterone in his new book, Progesterone The Ultimate Women's Feel Good Hormone.

Other things to consider:

Exercise is important.
Avoid stress as much as possible.
Avoid or limit, coffee, alcohol, refined food, artificial additives.
Increase water intake to 2-3 liters/quarts a day, especially if suffering from hot flashes.
Battaglia recommends to take 1,000 mg capsule of evening primrose 3 times a day if suffering from dry itching skin and dry vagina. Increase water to 2-3 liters a day.

So, what kind of essential oils can be used to make life easier during the change of life?

Battaglia recommends:

Geranium since it is a hormonal balancer
Rose since it tones the uterus and regulates the menstrual cycle
Chamomile, jasmine, neroli, and ylang ylang since they are antidepressant and calming. These can be helpful when used in a bath, massage or when diffused.

Battaglia also recommends sweet fennel, and bergamot.

The Essential Oils Desk Reference recommends the single oils clary sage, sage and geranium.

Other posts in this series:
Hot Flashes

Don't forget to check with your doctor before you start a new health program.

Before you leave:

I recommend that you always perform a skin patch test when you try a new oil.

Check out my safety page to make sure you are aware of any contrindications before you use essential oils. Some oils are not suitable when suffering from certain conditions. Also, Read this Before You Start Using Essential oils. Some oils should not be applied prior to sun exposure so make sure you check this list before spending time in the sun.

Not sure how to apply the oils? Visit these pages to learn how to apply the oils:

Topical Application

Inhaling Essential Oils

Are You Diffusing the Oils Correctly?

How to Dilute Essential Oils

Vita Flex Technique

If you're new to essential oils you might want to check out my Getting Started Guide.

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Johanna is an aromatherapist and she is passionate about educating people about health, essential oils, real food, natural remedies, and nutrition so they make healthier choices in their lives.

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