Menopause is a natural cycle of life and women know too well either from going through it or from the stories of what to expect during this transitional time of life. A whopping 85% of women experience menopause symptoms due to a decrease in estrogen levels. Menopause changes begin to appear when a woman's menstrual cycle begins to cease. According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms can include hot flashes, fatigue, sleep disturbances, palpitations, mood changes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and lessened sexual desire - the combination of which may lead to anxiety and even depression.[1,2]

Often doctors will prescribe a low dose of estrogen to ward off these side effects that can be administered either by patch, cream or pill - but this method definitely comes with its own risks and it would be wise to do some research on your own to understand what path would be best for you to take.

Fortunately, many alternate choices exist to help one cope that fall into the natural realm of plant-based medicine and it's not surprising that the list includes essential oils. In this ultimate guide to understanding how essential oils can be safely used when needed, this blog aims to increase your understanding of how essential oils can help to boost your confidence in this alternative medicine option.

Which essential oil is best for menopause?

We can safely say that no single essential oil will be the magic wand to take away all the woes of menopause. Rather employing a combination of oils that have shown efficacy in research studies includes many of the oils found in Edens Garden Me-No-Pause essential oil blend. 

For example, a review of non-biased studies on the effects of essential oils for menopause symptoms compared to placebo had extremely positive results. These findings demonstrated that the inhalation of Lavender oil (Lavandula angustifolia) or a low dose of Neroli (Citrus aurantium) “had superior effects on reducing the total menopausal symptom score compared with the placebo.” These findings included the use of aromatherapy in combination with massage therapy - demonstrating that inhalation and topical use can ease many complaints of menopause. [3]

Many of these clinical studies have revealed the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy in relieving anxiety and stress, reducing pain, enhancing alertness and inducing relaxation by stimulating natural endorphin production in our bodies (hormones released for reducing pain and stress and improving mood).[4] Essential oils that have a calming effect on mood and temper include Lavender, Neroli, Ho Wood (Cinnamomum camphora), Gurjun Balsam (Dipterocarpus turbinatus) and Rose Otto (Rosa damascena).

What essential oil helps balance female hormones?

Several studies have delved into plant-based essential oils to take a deeper look at their compounds to understand the phytoestrogen qualities they contain. The idea is that some plant-based essential oil compounds act in a similar way to our own body's hormones, essentially mimicking estrogen - which would make them ideal for relieving symptoms of menopause including hot flushes and changes in mood - thereby balancing hormones.

Another interesting proposal comes from a study conducted which followed women during an 8-week trial of aromatherapy massage. The massage oil was made at a 3% dilution of Lavender oil, Rose oil, Jasmine and Rose-geranium combined with Evening Primrose carrier oil and found that it helped to balance hormones by strengthening uterus function when used topically. As promising as this study is, more research is needed to support these findings as well as to determine whether they can be recommended to truly improve menopausal symptoms.[6,7] 

One small but interesting study of Spearmint (Mentha spicata) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita) teas showed a potential that they have a desirable effect on hormone levels, noting that it may help with symptoms of hormonal imbalance in women decreasing testosterone levels and increasing female hormones for ovulation (luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone as well as estradiol). Spearmint is also especially noted for its ability to ease digestive upset, reduce acne from hormonal imbalance and fight both fatigue and mood swings. [8]

What essential oils are estrogen-like and which essential oils increase estrogen?

Many of us have heard that Clary Sage oil (Salvia sclarea) has estrogen-like qualities. A deeper look at Clary Sage in particular finds that it contains compounds called phytoestrogens - plant-based estrogen hormone called Sclareol. These plant-based components can potentially mimic our natural estrogen and sex hormones. 

While one of the pathways that can help to lead to balanced hormones is through improving psychological symptoms such as stress and anxiety, depression and mood swings via inhalation of the essential oil. Several other aromatic oils have been recommended for studies as phytoestrogens because they include components related to the sex hormones, some of which have similar structures and functions as Clary Sage. Essential oils that are currently being studied for their potential due to their related components to our own sex hormones include Fennel, Cypress, Angelica and Coriander. [6,7] 

How can essential oils be used for menopause?

Topical Treatment: The molecules found in essential oils are small enough to penetrate through the layers of skin, pass into the capillaries and from there into the bloodstream where they have an effect on balancing hormones. An aromatherapy massage is an excellent way to even out the hormones in our bodies. For a direct effect on the uterus and ovaries, it is recommended to give a self-abdominal and low back massage or if you are fortunate to have regular massage therapy treatments, bring your premade massage oil made with Me-No-Pause essential oil to your massage sessions. Request that your therapist massage the oil blend into the low back and we highly recommend that you request the application of the oil with an abdominal massage for hormone balance. Use this blend after your morning shower and at night before bed. 

Here is how you make it: 

• 4 oz bottle and pump
• Blend 1 oz Evening Primrose Carrier Oil with
• 60-72 drops of Me-No-Pause essential oil blend 

Inhalation: The sense of smell is the only sense we have that goes straight to the brain via nasal receptors. These nerve endings bring aromas directly to the limbic system which houses many of our hormonal glands such as the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus and pituitary. These glands are responsible for balancing hormones, regulating mood, breathing and heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and stress levels.[9] Try out any or all of these methods:

• Personal essential oil inhaler: Perfect for on-the-go use and travel, this device fits in a pocket or easily into a purse. It’s also worthy of use in the office or when around others who may be sensitive to strong aromas. Depending on how often you use it, the oils in this device will last anywhere from 2-6 months. Replace the cotton wick and refill with Me-No-Pause when needed. 
• Diffusion: Follow your diffuser instructions or as a general rule use 6-10 drops of essential oils in 100 ml of water. Making use of your device's intermittent settings is recommended when possible.
• A drop on a tissue: After placing a drop on a cotton ball or tissue, close your eyes and holding it close to your nose, breathe in deeply 4-5 times. Sit for a few minutes afterward to allow your stress to melt away.
• Room Spray: Make this DIY project easily by following these instructions:

With a 4 oz glass bottle and spritzer, add about ½ inch of 190-proof grain alcohol (such as Everclear) and blend in 40-50 drops of Me-No-Pause essential oil blend. Let this mixture sit for about 4 hours or optimally overnight. After that time, fill the bottle the rest of the way with distilled water. Place the spritzer on and it's ready to go and shake gently. Don't have grain alcohol? No problem! Try unscented witch hazel instead and just shake the bottle well before each use. 

Where do you put peppermint oil for hot flashes?

Peppermint oil is extremely cooling to the skin and has the benefit of reducing discomfort when experiencing hot flashes. It also has the added advantage of reducing pain and when associated with menstrual cramping can reduce uterine discomfort. However, peppermint oil should never be used undiluted topically as it is a known skin sensitizer - meaning it can cause skin irritation. A few ways of using Peppermint essential oil are: 

1. Inhale: Place a drop of peppermint on a tissue and hold the tissue up to your nose, breathe in slowly 4- 5 times.
2. Peppermint body spray: at a 1% dilution, spritz this spray on the back of the neck and chest when experiencing a hot flash. Use as often as needed. To make your DIY Peppermint oil spray by following these instructions: 

With a 4 oz glass bottle and spritzer, add about ½ inch of 190-proof grain alcohol (such as Everclear) and blend in 40-50 drops of Peppermint essential oil. Let this mixture sit for about 4 hours or optimally overnight. After that time, fill the bottle the rest of the way with distilled water. Place the spritzer on and it's ready to go. Don't have grain alcohol? No problem! Try unscented witch hazel instead and just shake the bottle well before each use.

1. Peppermint Massage oil: a topical massage oil can make all the difference when experiencing hot flashes often. Combine 5-6 drops of Peppermint essential oil with Evening primrose carrier oil. Massage into the low back, abdomen and the nape of the neck.

A note of caution: Essential oils should never be ingested unless under the supervision of a trained aromatherapist. Ingesting Peppermint essential oil in particular can possibly cause heartburn, nausea abdominal pain and ulcerative damage to the gastro-intestinal tract as well as other allergic and/or toxic reactions. 

We would love to hear your thoughts on our Me-No-Pause essential oil blend! Be sure to write a review and let us know how it works for you!

SOURCES:

1. Menopause https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
2. Menopausal Symptoms: Comparative Effectiveness of Therapies https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285446/#:~:text=During%20menopause%2C%20approximately%2085%20percent,of%20varying%20type%20and%20severity.
3. Aromatherapy for Managing Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34242093/
4. Endorphins https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23040-endorphins#:~:text=Endorphins%20are%20hormones%20that%20are,reduce%20stress%20and%20improve%20mood
5. Menopause https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menopause/symptoms-causes/syc-20353397
6. Aromatherapy Massage Affects Menopausal Symptoms in Korean Climacteric Women: A Pilot-Controlled Clinical Trial https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2529395/#:~:text=Several%20aromatic%20oils%20have%20been,coriander%20(4%2C12)
7. Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine and Cortisol Plasma Levels in Menopausal Women After Inhalation of Clary Sage Oil https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ptr.5163
8. Effect of Spearmint (Mentha spicata Labiatae) teas on androgen levels in women with hirsutism https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17310494/
9. The Limbic System of the Brain https://www.thoughtco.com/limbic-system-anatomy-373200#:~:text=It%20plays%20a%20major%20role,and%20many%20other%20vital%20activities
10. Aromatherapy for managing menopausal symptoms https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5944692/
11. Essential Oils and Menopause, Can They Help? https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/essential-oils-for-menopause#essential-oils
12. Essential Oils for Menopause https://www.healthline.com/health/menopause/essential-oils-for-menopause#essential-oils