As the Milestone of Menopause imprints itself onto life as we know it, be it too soon, late in the day, fast, slow, gently or with great impact, it helps to know that some time-honored, simple solutions can actually be effective and right at hand. My dear friend Lyndsey works with doTERRA and has learned the ins and outs of essential oils as she has made her way through adulthood and parenthood, experiencing effects first hand and readying herself for things that may come. She is my guest expert, my “Person who Knows” of this post. The topic is Essential Oils and Menopausal Symptoms.
Even I use essential oils! I love the smell of Bergamot – use it every day. Tea Tree is a go-to for skin infections in our house (Manuka honey is good for these too), lavender to help bring on the zzz’s (although Lyndsey tells me it’s excellent for bee sting relief too!). Tasting note… Lavender is amazing in a mocha also, just sayin’. I mix up salves with oils and beeswax, and oil blends for all kinds of stuff for my kids (peppermint is great for sore muscles, helichrysum for bleeding) and Lyndsey made me a killer dry shampoo out of essential oils that you can whip up in your own kitchen.
There’s some great stuff in here, our goal is to help you find relief that suits you out of a myriad of options as you rise to this Milestone through the challenges it may bring. Lyndsey’s research even got me thinking of making an organic coconut oil, sandalwood and frankincense personal lubricant. Keep in mind, a little (like, 1 drop of essential oil in an ounce of a gentle carrier oil…) goes a long way. And don’t use anything that bothers your skin or that you have an allergy to especially on those very sensitive places. Check with your trusted doc.
An Overview of Essential Oils and Their Effect on Menopausal Symptoms.
by Lyndsey Westermeyer
Menopause is one of life’s biggest transitions for women. It marks the end of menstruation and a decline in fertility along with a shift in hormones. It is monumental, significant and universal, yet extremely personal and individualized in experience. There is some research and evidence that suggests that essential oils may help with the many physical, emotional and hormonal symptoms that accompany such an extreme biological change.
Most medical professionals and alternative health advocates maintain that, “…It is important for women to work with their doctor to assess whether alternative remedies are right for them. With medical supervision, essential oils could be an alternative to traditional menopause treatments”. medicalnewstoday.com
When outlining the most common menopausal symptoms, it is interesting to discover if there are essential oils that can help with managing those issues. Essential oils have been used for centuries for their therapeutic benefits and can be traced back to ancient times. They are also used today as plant based remedies for those interested in natural health options. “From rituals and ceremonies to dabbing on the pulse points as a lovely perfume, the use of essential oils has endured throughout the history of mankind to modern times”. https://healthyfocus.org/the-history-of-essential-oils/
According to an article titled, 20 Essential Oils for Menopause: Hair Loss, Insomnia, Fatigue, Itching and Dryness found at healthyguide.com, the physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause can affect energy levels and sleep cycles, but using natural remedies like essential oils can help. Due to estrogen levels dropping, the symptoms can impact some of the daily tasks and demands that face women. In addition, the changes in hormones can increase the risk of developing osteoporosis, which can lead to hip fractures from a fall.
So let’s look at what essential oils are, how they can be used and which common menopause symptoms might respond well to certain types of essential oils.
Essential oils are pure, botanical extracts that are taken from parts of the plant that give it its aromatic presence, like leaves, flowers, resin, rinds, seeds, stems, bark or roots.
Essential oils can be used topically and aromatically in many situations for people who are interested in homeopathic and alternative medicine to help with managing menopausal symptoms. According to healthline.com, “…Some essential oils have been found to provide relief when applied on different areas of the body”. It is important to note that everyone should use essential oils from a trusted company that sources and bottles their oils in a pure, safe and therapeutic manner.
Here are a few suggested ways to use essential oils topically and aromatically:
- Mix 3-4 drops of oil and a carrier oil with your moisturizer/lotion and apply to skin
- Mix a few drops of oil with carrier oil to use as a bath or massage oil
- Mix a few drops of oil with water in a glass spray bottle and use as a room spray
- Rub a few drops of oil together between your palms and cup over nose/mouth to inhale deeply
The list below shows some of the most common menopausal symptoms and the essential oils that may best help manage each one.
Symptoms: Oil Stress/anxiety and restlessness: Lavender Hot flashes, night sweats, cramping: Peppermint Hormone imbalance: Clary Sage (phytoestrogen) Dry skin, anxious feelings: Geranium Decreased estrogen, mood imbalance: Basil
In addition to the list above, the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) released an article based on a 2014 study of postmenopausal women indicating that when Citrus oil, specifically Neroli, was used aromatically, it beneficially impacted “several symptoms associated with menopause, such as high blood pressure, low libido, and elevated stress.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25024731
According to scientific studies found on https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed and http://www.aromaticscience.com/, it has been documented that essential oils and aromatherapy can positively influence women who are dealing with some of the most common symptoms related to menopause by:
- Regulating hormones
- Reducing negative emotions such as irritability, anger and depression
- Cooling down night sweats and hot flashes
- Dealing with vaginal atrophy
- Reducing heavy and painful menstrual cramps
- Improving sleep quality
- Soothing body aches and sore muscles
Based on research, personal testimonies and advice from alternative medicine practitioners, essential oils have a valid seat at the table when discussing and brainstorming ways to help manage and decrease menopausal symptoms. When dealing with emotional and physical ailments related to menopause, essential oils are a valid and good choice for those open to natural options.
If you have questions about essential oils or doTERRA products and solutions, contact my friend Lyndsey, she is wonderful and knowledgable. She’s listed in the People Who Know Section.
Lyndsey Westermeyer Essential Oil Educator doTerra Wellness Advocate mydoterra.com/livewellessentials lyndseywestermeyer@yahoo.com
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