While perimenopause is a natural part of a woman's life, it is also associated with some unpleasant symptoms like fatigue and irritability. Fortunately, natural remedies like essential oils can alleviate these symptoms.
Perimenopause and hormonal shifts
Perimenopause can cause hormonal shifts that can significantly affect quality of life, and some women who experience this condition often suffer from anxiety and discomfort.
Even prior to menopause, women should make an effort to support their hormonal health. Perimenopause occurs before menopause when a woman's hormone levels and ovarian function start to decline. This can cause symptoms like changes in menstrual flow, irregular periods, and spotting.
As your estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone levels gradually decline, you may also experience symptoms such as:
- Brain fog
- Breast tenderness
- Decreased libido
- Hot flashes
- Increased belly fat
- Insomnia
- Mood symptoms (e.g., anxiety, depression, and irritability)
- Night sweats
- Problems concentrating
- Short-term memory problems
- Sleep disturbances
- Uterine bleeding problems
- Vaginal dryness
If you're a woman in your 40s, this phase is a particularly busy time in your life, especially if you have a family of your own: Your attention is often divided between your spouse, children, and parents, leaving little to no time for self-care. If you're stressed, you may rely on caffeine or sugar to get through the day, but these substances can aggravate the symptoms of perimenopause.
Stress can also affect your physical and mental health during this time. If you want to naturally address these concerns, consider supporting your body with high-quality essential oils.
Maria Snyder, a functional medicine expert and author of the book, "The Essential Oils Hormone Solution," suggests the use of certain essential oils to help your body stay healthy during perimenopause.
Peppermint and wild orange essential oils can energize both your body and mind. Aside from enhancing your focus and mental alertness, these two essential oils also help open the respiratory system for deep breathing during movement.
Additionally, both peppermint and citrus essential oils can curb your sugar cravings. This is crucial because there is an intricate connection between perimenopause and blood sugar.
To use these essential oils, diffuse them in the morning. Alternatively, you can combine the oils with a carrier, then add a drop to your palms, rub, and deeply inhale the scent for a natural pick-me-up. (Related: Aromatherapy basics: 9 Popular essential oils to use for better health.)
Hormone synergy blend for perimenopause
Snyder's hormone synergy blend includes certain essential oils that can best support your overall well-being. The five essential oils used in the recipe below can also make the hormonal shifts associated with perimenopause more manageable.
Clary sage, lavender, and ylang ylang will help stabilize your cortisol levels while also calming your body and mind, as well as supporting your libido.
Geranium will naturally support estrogen levels and promote a healthy mood. Bergamot can boost your mental health as it energizes and relaxes your body and mind.
Hormone synergy blend for perimenopause
Ingredients:
- 10 drops clary sage essential oil
- 8 drops geranium essential oil
- 8 drops lavender essential oil
- 4 drops bergamot essential oil
- 4 drops ylang ylang essential oil
- Carrier oil of choice (use either fractionated coconut oil or sweet almond oil)
Steps:
- Pour the five essential oils in a 10 mL glass rollerball bottle.
- Fill the rest of the bottle with your carrier oil of choice.
- Replace the cap, and gently swirl to combine the mixture.
- To use, roll the blend over pulse points like your wrists, neck, and ankles twice or thrice a day.
Essential oils and other natural remedies can help address the various symptoms of perimenopause without causing any negative side effects. However, if your symptoms get worse, consult a healthcare physician to address your condition.
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