Female Hormonal Fluctuations & Changes
Many of the health issues specific to women involve hormonal changes brought about by menstruation, which generally starts between the ages of 10 to 15, or by the menopause when the monthly cycle ends, between the ages of 45 to 55 years. Pain associated with menstruation is called dysmenorrhea and more than half of women who menstruate have some pain for one to two days each month. Usually the pain is mild, but for some women the pain can be severe and accompanied by other symptoms that prevents them from being able to carry out their normal activities for several days each month. The cramping pain is caused by changes in levels of the hormone prostaglandin that causes the uterus to contract and shed its lining. During the first two days of the menstrual cycle, these uterine contractions can be more intense and thus worsen the pain. The menopause is associated with a decline in circulating blood oestrogen levels, usually beginning with changes in the menstrual cycle. During this time, the ovaries begin to atrophy which causes a reduction in the production of the hormones that stimulate the menstrual cycle: oestrogen and progesterone. Both conditions can be debilitating, but there are various holistic measures which can help balance these hormonal changes and manage the symptoms of both dysmenorrhea and the menopause.
Essential Oils to Help Aid Dysmenorrhea
It can be difficult to endure dysmenorrhea each month, where symptoms may vary to include abdominal cramps, lower back pain, nausea, headaches and general fatigue alongside hormonal changes resulting in mood swings and stress. However, there are several natural interventions which can help to bring relief, such as resting, taking hot baths and applying heat, such as a hot water bottle, to the lower back – as well as the application of specific essential oils. Many essential oils have anti-spasmodic, anti-inflammatory and relaxant properties, which can help to balance hormones, soothe pain, ease cramps and reduce stress levels.
- Clary sage has a hormone regulating effect as its action is somewhat similar to oestrogen, the female hormone which helps to regulate menstrual cycles. The phytoestrogens present in clary sage, enable it to regulate oestrogen levels which in turn supports the health of the uterus and lowers stress levels.
- Lavender is a remarkable analgesic and anti-inflammatory remedy, also known for its soothing and relaxing properties. It helps to relieve pain and discomfort caused by premenstrual contractions and simultaneously soothes mental agitation and reduces stress. High stress levels are connected to raised cortisol levels, another hormone which can contribute to irregular periods, mood swings, rapid weight gain and induce general fatigue.
- Blue Chamomile is one of the most powerful anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic oils when applied via massage which simultaneously has a profound sedative effect on the whole nervous system. Our 5% blue chamomile blend can be applied directly to the lower back for acute localised pain. As a relaxant, the herb can also be drunk as a tea during and prior to menstruation for its calming effects.
- Sweet Marjoram oil is another aromatic which is beneficial for regulating hormonal health, particularly for women. The essential oil is a powerful antispasmodic, indicated for stomach cramps, nervous tension, muscular pain or spasms, migraines and headaches due to a powerful soothing action on the nerves. In herbal medicine, sweet marjoram is used to restore hormonal imbalance and to regulate the menstrual cycle. It may also help with polycystic ovary syndrome, a hormonal disorder with symptoms like irregular periods and acne.
- St John’s Wort oil Apart from its value during the menopause, research suggests that St. John’s wort can help relieve physical and emotional symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in some women, including cramps, irritability, food cravings and breast tenderness. One study reported a 50% reduction in symptom severity.
Dysmenorrhea Clinical Trial
A study assessed the effectiveness of blended essential oils on menstrual cramps on patients and explored the analgesic effects of various essential oils and their ability to reduce pain within a set time framework. In this clinical trial, forty-eight women who generally suffered from severe period pain were divided into two equal groups: one was given a placebo-type cream, while the other was given a cream containing a 3% blend of three essential oils: lavender (Lavandula angusifolia), clary sage (Salvia sclarea) and sweet marjoram (Origanum majorana) in a 2:1:1 ratio respectively. All the women were directed to use the cream daily to massage their lower abdomen from the end of their last period continuing to their beginning of the next period. The results of the study indicated that the application of the aromatic massage oil provided relief and reduced the duration of menstrual pain in the essential oil group from 2.4 days to 1.8 days. The blended essential oils contain four key analgesic components that amount to almost 80% of the aromatic ingredients: linalyl acetate, linalool, eucalyptol, and β-caryophyllene. The study suggests that this blended formula can serve as the basis for an effective remedy to help deal with period pains, as opposed to more common medications usually employed, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. (Study outline extracted from ‘Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Research and Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecology’, 2012).
Aromatherapy Recipe for Period Pain Oil
Using the directives from the research shown above, an effective and natural way to deal with abdominal and lower back pain, as well to help regulate hormonal levels and reduce stress, is to make up an aromatic blend using specific essential oils. The blend should then be carefully massaged into the areas of pain using gentle circular movements in a clockwise direction. With patience and perseverance, the cramping pain will gradually be diminished or fade when used regularly, ie when applied daily by massaging the lower abdomen from the end of the last period continuing to the beginning of the next period. The use of jojoba as the base oil ensures that the blend has a long shelf life and at the same time, provides nourishment to the skin. It a superb skin conditioner and moisturiser yet is easily and quickly absorbed. Alternatives for the main carrier oil include light coconut oil – which also has a long shelf life, sweet almond oil – being a popular massage oil, or apricot kernel oil – suitable for delicate skin. St John’s Wort oil is used as a booster oil, for its regulating effects, especially for PMS.
- 80ml jojoba oil
- 20ml St John’s wort oil
- 15 drops of clary sage
- 15 drops of sweet marjoram oil
- 30 drops of lavender oil
Directions: Blend the two carrier oils then add the essential oils one by one to a tinted bottle. Shake before use. Use 1Tbs of the blend per application once a day to the abdomen and lower back as directed above. Ensure the bottle is labelled and store safely away from children.
Aromatherapy & The Menopause
The menopause is associated with a decline in circulating blood oestrogen levels, usually beginning with changes in the menstrual cycle. During this time, the ovaries begin to atrophy which causes a reduction in the production of the hormones that stimulate the menstrual cycle – estrogen and progesterone. Common symptoms include hot flushes, mood swings, chills, night sweats, sleep problems, weight gain and slowed metabolism. Holistic advice for balancing hormonal changes during the menopause include managing stress levels, exercising regularly and having a healthy diet. Getting enough rest is also highlighted, as sleep deficiency has been found to one of the most important factors contributing to hormonal imbalance.
In herbal medicine, St John’s Wort is recommended to relieve feelings of anxiety, stress, insomnia and depression which is why it has been recommended for mood swings and symptoms that emerge during the menopause. Other aromatic oils which help to reduce stress levels and uplift the spirits, such as rose, which soothes the heart, or jasmine which creates a sense of optimism, are also valuable aids during the menopause. A clinical trial carried out in 2020 concluded that the use of lavender oil in postmenopausal women may “cause an improvement in most of physical and psychological symptoms”, while the results of another study showed that the inhalation of lavender or neroli oil “had superior effects on reducing the total menopausal symptom score” compared with a placebo.