As you reach middle age, your body will go through a major life change, where it transforms from being fertile to infertile by quitting the menstruation process. This major life change can take from several months to several years, and the completion of the process is known as menopause.
Menopause has been reached after 12 consecutive months have passed without menstruating. It marks a milestone in a woman’s life, signifying the end of those monthly periods. Some women start to experience the changes in their 30s, yet for most, it occurs in the 40s or 50s. At that period, estrogen and progesterone levels in your ovaries begin to drop. Many women then report a number of debilitating symptoms: fatigue, hot flashes, irritability, insomnia, weight gain, vaginal dryness, and some others.
For some women, these symptoms make enjoying normal daily activities difficult. In addition, the changing hormone levels can increase the risk of bone fractures. That is why some turn to hormone therapy to battle them. However, this kind of treatment brings unwanted side effects and a higher risk of serious complications.
If you don’t want to use prescribed medications to help you manage your symptoms, we recommend you to consider aromatherapy. It can prove invaluable during this challenging time: some essential oils have been found to provide relief. Read on to find out how using essential oils can relieve menopause symptoms and make your menopause easier.
Just Give It A Try
Even though folk remedies have used essential oils for generations, mainstream medicine is only starting to consider their effects. A number of studies point to the power of essential oils, and all are clear on one thing: essential oils for menopause work well for many menopausal women. If you’re interested in using those oils, we suggest you to adopt a trial and error approach: try different oils and doses under the guidance of a doctor and an essential oil expert.
Lavender Essential Oil
During menopause, the shifting hormones can cause feelings of anxiety and problems with sleep. Lavender has been known for centuries to boost feelings of relaxation, lifting the mood, and promoting better sleep. Try adding lavender aromatherapy to your nighttime routine for better sleep and relaxation.
If you feel tightness or other discomfort around your perineum area, you may consider placing a cold compress on those spots. You can add one drop of diluted lavender oil to the compress for additional relief. We recommend that you only use the compress for up to 30 minutes. If you feel any stinging or burning, remove the compress immediately and rinse the area with water.
Lavender may also help reduce hot flashes, headaches, and heart palpitations. Experts also suggest that lavender can help you calm the body, so that your hormone levels balance out naturally.
Geranium Essential Oil
Geranium oil helps improve dry skin, which can be a common problem during menopause. Try adding a few drops to the water during a relaxing, hot bath. The water will dilute the oil and prevent it from causing any irritation or inflammation.
It also may help balance hormone levels. For immediate stress relief, one to two drops of geranium oil may be inhaled from a napkin.
Research has found that the antidepressant properties of geranium oil can benefit women who are struggling with depression and mood swings. It has the ability to reduce anxiety and irritation, and promote feelings of happiness.
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint essential oil can help cool your body when hot flashes or night sweats hit. Misting your face with a water spritzer or using a portable inhaler during an episode can mitigate the symptoms instantly.
Peppermint can also be used to combat fatigue, a common problem with menopause. Many women experience unexpected strong fatigue that can make it difficult to work or engage in other daily activities. Just grab a bottle of peppermint essential oil, put it into a diffuser and let the re-energizing begin.
Despite the fact that menopause signals the end of menstruation, menstrual cramping can still occur. Researchers report that during the beginning stages of menopause, as many as 50 % of women experience menstruation-related cramping – a condition known as dysmenorrhea. Peppermint oil may help reduce some of the pain and discomfort of this kind of cramping.
