Essential Oils for Menopause Relief: Do They Work?

What Are Essential Oils and How Do They Work?

Essential oils are concentrated liquids containing volatile compounds from plants. These oils are known for their aromatic and therapeutic properties – they smell great, reduce stress, cure infections and help you sleep better.

How do essential oils work?

Essential oils are fragrant for a reason – when inhaled, these scent molecules travel through the olfactory nerves (a pair of nerves that is responsible for your sense of smell) directly to your brain. 

This stimulates the limbic system, the part of your brain involved in behavioural and emotional responses.

When essential oils are used for external application or inhaled, it helps reduce various symptoms you experience during menopause. 

What are the different ways in which essential oils are used? You can inhale its fragrance in aromatherapy, apply it topically after diluting it with a carrier oil, or add a few drops to a warm bath for a soothing and refreshing experience.

Common Menopause Symptoms That Essential Oils May Help With

We know that essential oils provide a relaxing and calming experience, but imagine if they could also help with menopausal symptoms. It’s like getting double the benefits; relaxation as well as relief from the discomfort.

The use of essential oils relieves various symptoms associated with menopause:

Hot Flashes and Night Sweats:

Due to the hormonal changes happening during menopause, you might feel a sudden wave of heat spreading through your body, causing a rise in your body temperature and sweating. This can also occur at night, causing you to wake up in the middle of the night all sweaty and uncomfortable. 

Mood Swings and Anxiety:

Hormonal fluctuations during menopause can affect your mental health and lead to mood swings, anxiety and depression.

Sleep Disturbances:

Many women also experience insomnia (lack of enough quality sleep) during menopause, leaving them tired and dull throughout the day.

Vaginal Dryness:

The sudden decline in hormones during menopause, especially your oestrogen levels, cause vaginal dryness, thinning of the vaginal walls and loss of elasticity, which causes discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.

Fatigue and Low Energy:

The physical changes and mental health issues arising during menopause can leave you feeling tired and exhausted, resulting in low self-esteem.

Top Essential Oils for Menopause Relief

Thinking of using essential oils to ease your menopausal symptoms? Here’s a list of expert-recommended top essential oils that can provide relief:

Essential Oil #1: Clary Sage

Clary sage is a plant cultivated for its essential oil, used in the flavour and fragrance industries as well as for aromatherapy. 

One study shows that clary sage reduces cortisol (stress hormone) levels and has an antidepressant-like effect. 

This essential oil contains a compound sclareol that mimics oestrogen, contributing to its hormone-balancing properties and ability to manage menopausal symptoms like hot flashes.

Essential Oil #2: Lavender

Lavender is more than just an aromatic plant – it  has been used both cosmetically and therapeutically since years. Due to its calming properties, lavender essential oil reduces stress and balances your emotions. 

Rubbing a few drops of this essential oil on your temples or applying it on your pillow can help you sleep better.

Essential Oil #3: Peppermint

Peppermint oil is loaded with benefits – it aids digestion, reduces skin irritation caused by insect bites, and relieves headaches and pains.

A study conducted on menopausal and postmenopausal women showed that aromatherapy massage using peppermint oil is beneficial in reducing menopausal symptoms. It effectively reduces the discomfort caused by hot flashes.

Essential Oil #4: Rose

Rose oil, extracted from rose petals, is not just a gentle perfume – it’s a powerful natural healer as well. In a study, it was observed that rose oil had physiological and psychological relaxation, analgesic and anti-anxiety effects.

This soothing oil, when used via inhalation or topically, can reduce mood swings and balance your emotions during menopause.

Essential Oil #5: Geranium

The menopausal symptoms you experience are a result of decline in hormones, especially that of oestrogen. Geranium essential oil relieves symptoms of menopause by increasing oestrogen secretion in your body. 

A study has shown that inhalation of geranium oil resulted in an increased concentration of oestrogen in saliva.

Geranium oil supports hormonal balance and can be effective in reducing menopause-related symptoms.

Essential Oil #6: Frankincense

Frankincense is an essential oil prepared using the resin collected from the Boswellia tree. Frankincense has been used traditionally for the treatment of chronic disease, inflammation, oral health, and microbial infection. This essential oil can help promote relaxation and improve sleep.

Essential Oil #7: Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is a mint plant with a scent similar to lemon. Lemon balm oil has a refreshing fragrance that can enhance your mood and well-being. A 2021 review has shown that lemon balm oil is effective in improving anxiety and depressive symptoms without serious side effects.

How to Use Essential Oils for Menopause Relief

What are the best ways to use essential oils? For relief from menopausal symptoms, you can administer essential oils through these methods:

Aromatherapy:

• Love the fragrance of essential oils? It not just relaxes you but has therapeutic effects as well. Add a few drops of the oil into a diffuser or a bowl of hot water. Inhaling the steam can help reduce stress and keep you calm and relaxed.

Topical Application:

• You can apply the essential oils on your skin after diluting it with a carrier oil ( such as coconut oil, jojoba oil or almond oil) for relieving localised pain or irritation. Applying the diluted essential oils on the pulse points, back of your neck and soles of feet can relieve stress and anxiety.

Bath Soak:

• Want to enjoy a spa experience at home? Add a few drops of essential oil to your warm bath for a soothing and stress-relieving effect.

Massage:

• Enhance your massage experience by adding a few drops of essential oils to your massage oil. Enjoy aromatic relaxation with therapeutic benefits!

Room Sprays:

• In a spray bottle, combine a few drops of your favourite essential oil with water. Creating a refreshing environment around you can also help you relax.

Are Essential Oils Safe?

Most essential oils are safe and do not cause adverse reactions when used properly. However, any essential oil can become dangerous if used without diluting, or used in more quantities more often than required.

Here’s a list of things to keep in mind while using an essential oil:

• Ensure that you use a high quality and 100% pure essential oil. Oils that contain added artificial fragrance or ingredients can make it less effective or result in allergic reactions.
• Essential oils should be diluted before direct application on your skin. Do a patch test first to make sure it does not cause skin irritation.
• Avoid ingesting essential oils without consulting a healthcare professional.
• Never apply essential oils near your eyes or sensitive or broken skin, as they can cause irritation.
• If you have other underlying health issues, are taking medications, or are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before using essential oils.

Scientific Evidence and Limitations

Many women have been using aromatherapy either as a complementary therapy alongside conventional treatments or as a standalone treatment to manage their menopause symptoms. 

Though many have reported positive changes with the use of essential oils, it is still not proven that it brings significant benefits for everyone. Scientific research on the use of essential oils for menopause relief is still evolving and more clinical trials need to be carried out to come to conclusions.

Other Complementary Therapies

Other therapies that can complement aromatherapy in treating and managing menopause-related symptoms include:

Lifestyle Changes:

• A well-balanced diet, physical exercise, and stress-management techniques (yoga, pranayama, meditation, and mindfulness) can help reduce physical and emotional symptoms associated with menopause.

Herbal Remedies:

• Certain herbs like black cohosh, red clover, Indian ginseng and so on can balance hormonal levels in your body and work alongside essential oils to relieve menopause symptoms.

The Bottom Line 

If you’re looking for a natural way to manage your menopausal symptoms, essential oils can be a good choice. Many women have found relief from hot flashes, sleep disturbances and mood swings with the use of these oils. However, their effectiveness can vary from person to person. 

Always make sure to use essential oils carefully – follow the guidelines on the label, and consult a healthcare professional to ensure that it’s safe for you.