Aromatherapy & Essential Oils to Support Menopause

Jo Kellett MIFPA - Tisserand Aromatherapy essential oil expert Menopause is a natural process marking the end of the menstrual cycle and fertility, typically beginning in the mid-40s but varying from person to person. Some individuals may experience me...

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Jo Kellett MIFPA - Tisserand Aromatherapy essential oil expert Menopause is a natural process marking the end of the menstrual cycle and fertility, typically beginning in the mid-40s but varying from person to person. Some individuals may experience menopause earlier due to medical conditions or even surgical procedures. Menopause is determined after 12 consecutive months without menstruation. The transition period is called perimenopause, and this is when you will notice symptoms and changes. Perimenopause, leading to menopause, occurs due to the gradual decline of the body producing oestrogen, progesterone and testosterone, resulting in many symptoms that include:

Hot flushes
Dry Skin
Mood changes
Increased anxiety
Digestive changes
Achy joints
Brain Fog
Poor sleep
Reduced libido

Menopause is multifaceted, some women will have a smooth passage noticing only a few changes, whilst others will have a very different journey. Lifestyle, fitness and stress will play a huge role in people's transition and managing their symptoms. Education is also key, understanding what’s happening to your body will empower you! Aromatherapy can be a very useful tool in helping you navigate the menopause journey. Check out Essential Oils here How does Aromatherapy work? When we inhale an aroma it travels directly to a part of our brain called the Limbic system. This is where we process our emotions and lay down memories. It is closely linked to our master hormone gland, meaning there is a direct influence on our hormone levels. A simple smell can do so much and have such an impact on us. When we apply an aromatherapy product to our skin, the essential oil molecules pass through the skin and enter the blood stream. The therapeutic properties of the essential oils can then get to work travelling around the body having more of a physical effect; like easing achy joints, having a sedative effect or reducing anxiety. There are so many ways to use your essential oils. You can create a blend bespoke to your needs and then apply it as a body oil, use it in your diffuser or use your blend in the bath. Essential oils have long been appreciated for their potential to support well-being during various life stages, including menopause. Many people find comfort in their soothing and balancing properties, which may help address some of the emotional and physical shifts that accompany this phase. Let’s explore some traditionally valued benefits of essential oils: Frankincense (Boswellia carterii): Steam distilled from tree resin; this oil has a slightly medicinal yet warm, spicy aroma. It supports transitions, calms the breath, and may help to reduce anxiety. It’s also a skin tonic for mature skin. Use your Frankincense in a diffuser to feel calm or add to a base oil for a nourishing body oil. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia): Cold-pressed from the fruit, it has a sweet, mellow citrus aroma that brings calm and optimism, lifting a low mood. All the citrus oils are great to use in your diffuser and will bring a sense of optimism when you feel the need for a gentle ‘pick me up’, helpful for low mood. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinale): Steam distilled from fresh flowering tops, this oil has a strong, fresh aroma. It aids mental clarity, combating brain fog. Use in a diffuser for an energy boost. Note: Avoid if you have epilepsy. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia): Known for its floral aroma with a medicinal note, it aids sleep, contributes to healing skin, and relieves pain. Add to a base oil and use in the bath before bed, massage into skin, or diffuse before sleep. Tisserand’s Restore Balance Range For those unsure about using the essential oils individually, Tisserand offers the Restore Balance range, specifically designed to potentially support the rhythms of the menstrual cycle from puberty to perimenopause and beyond. The three key essential oils in the blend are Rose Absolute, Geranium & Clary Sage. Geranium & Clary Sage have been shown in research that after inhaling the oils, oestrogen concentrations were increased in saliva. *NB Restore Balance is contraindicated for use during pregnancy Let’s take a closer look at their therapeutic properties Rose absolute – Rosa damascena is commonly associated with the following properties