Essential oils for menopause relief

Menopause can be a difficult time for women, both physically and emotionally. As the hormones in the body change, it produces a whole array of symptoms that can be frustrating to deal with. These symptoms are a result of hormonal changes, primarily a reduction in oestrogen levels that decrease over a period of time called perimenopause. Perimenopause can last anywhere from a few months to a few years.

Without support, menopause can be a disheartening process.Thankfully, with some lifestyle changes, natural supplementation, and essential oils you can help support your body during this transition and even decrease the severity of symptoms. 

Best essential oils for the day

During the day, women can experience hot flashes, chills, and mood swings. To relieve mood swings, we can rely on oils that are rich in terpenes. Terpenes are naturally found compounds that are clinically proven to calm your brain and decrease the imbalance of neurotransmitters that will make you feel irritated or anxious (1). Black Spruce, Pine, Frankincense and Sandalwood are all rich in terpenes and can be found in our Balance + Stability Oil. Research carried out on rats whose ovaries had been removed, found that terpene-rich pine oil reduced bone loss, protecting against osteoporosis (2). This research suggested that pine oil could have the same benefits in humans.

In addition, citrus oils are said to have a number of health benefits for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. Researchers in a 2014 study found the postmenopausal women who inhaled a blend of citrus essential oil experienced fewer physical symptoms and an increase in sexual desire (3). In addition to a decrease in systolic blood pressure, they also experienced an improved pulse rate and oestrogen concentrations.

Best essential oils for the night

At night, common menopausal symptoms can include night sweats, anxiety and depression, insomnia or other sleep issues. Lavender can promote feelings of relaxation and help improve the quality of your sleep. In order to help with sleep issues, it may be beneficial to add lavender essential oil to your night-time routine. Also, lavender essential oil may help balance your hormones and soothe perineal discomfort.

A key issue in menopausal women is an inability to relax before going to sleep. Terpenes help to kickstart the sleep process by encouraging a relaxed mind. Somali Frankincense is the richest in terpenes out of all the types of Frankincense essential oil. The oil is derived from the resin of the Boswellia tree and it has a musky, sweet aroma that’s thought to ease anxiety. One study found that an aromatherapy hand massage using a blend with frankincense improved anxiety, depression, and pain in people with terminal cancer. 

Essential oil blends to help through menopause

In order to help with this frustrating time, anatomē developed two blends that are specially formulated to support women through the daily challenges of menopause.

For the daytime issues, we suggest that you apply 2 drops of Balance + Stability on your chest, shoulders, elbows and wrists, and massage from 30 to 60 seconds three times a day, or in moments of distress. Combine this process with breathing techniques, breathing in and out slowly for five times whilst applying the oil.

For night issues, we recommend you apply the Recovery + Sleep oil with Frankincense on your ears (from the lobe to the tip), shoulders, wrists, and soles of feet, 30 minutes prior to sleep. It can be especially helpful to diffuse the oil at the same time. If you need extra help, have a warm bath with bath salts and add a few drops of the oil. In taking this very relaxing bath, it will help your body to regulate its temperature and to lower your blood pressure.   

Learn more from our references:

1. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S8756328203000279
2. http://www.thebonejournal.com/article/S8756-3282(03)00027-9/fulltext
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082953/
4. https://www.jkan.or.kr/DOIx.php?id=10.4040/jkan.2008.38.4.493