"Women are born with pain built-in...we have pain on a cycle for years and years and years and then just when you feel you are making peace with it all, what happens? Menopause comes...and it is the most wonderful...thing in the world.

"And yes, your entire pelvic floor crumbles and you get...hot and no one cares, but then you're free, no longer a slave, no longer a machine with parts. You're just a person".

As Kristin Scott Thomas so eloquently put it, there may be redeeming qualities about aging, and menopause specifically.

For example, following menopause, there comes a period (or lack thereof) of rest for your body. No longer must we be tied down to the confines of our body's internal clock, but rather freed to schedule our lives as we please.

But first, we must of course overcome the obstacle that is menopause, and for some, this may seem like a monstrous task. However, with essential oils, many are finding that menopause is more than conquerable. Read our short guide to using essential oils for menopause so that you too can be a conqueror.

When To Expect Menopause

No one likes an unexpected guest, and the same goes for menopause. Luckily, there are a few ways to predict when menopause will arrive.

Known as perimenopause, most women begin to experience irregular periods and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes around 45 years of age. Developing perimenopause before 45 is considered to be a sign of early menopause. Perimenopause may last up to four years before menopause.

On average, most women develop menopause at around 51 years of age. Menopause is defined as not having a period for a year. Menopausal symptoms may occur well into postmenopause, with 4 years typically being the maximum.

With menopause being strongly linked to genetics, you may be able to predict when menopause will hit based on when your mother and other women in your family developed it.

Other factors that may determine when you get menopause include:

• Smoking
• Chemotherapy
• Past Ovarian Surgeries

Menopause Symptoms

Symptoms of menopause include:

• Irregular or missed periods
• Changes in period flow
• Night sweats
• Hot flashes
• Difficulty sleeping
• Weight gain
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering
• Mood changes such as depression or anxiety
• Low libido
• Vaginal dryness

Essential Oils For Menopause

While this all might sound daunting, essential oils have been used to effectively improve various menopausal symptoms for centuries. Here are some of our favorite essential oils for menopause.

Lavender

Lavender is commonly known as the "Mother of Essential Oils." and for good reason. This wonder oil effectively supports wellbeing in a variety of ways, from supporting the respiratory system and soothing pain to improving skin. Lavender is also a known remedy for menopausal symptoms.

A 2018 study divided a group of 100 menopausal women into a control group and an aromatherapy group. The aromatherapy group was instructed to inhale Lavender oil twice daily for 20 minutes over the course of 12 weeks. Researchers found that Lavender significantly reduced menopausal symptoms compared to the control group.

At Edens Garden, we offer several types of Lavender essential oil so you can choose the one that's right for you.

Tangerine Jasmine Synergy Blend

Our Tangerine Jasmine essential oil blend is not only beloved for its elegant, floral aroma, it's also revered for its application towards menopausal symptoms.

A Korean study on 25 menopausal women studied the effects of aromatherapy massage, using oils of Lavender, Rose Geranium, Rose and Jasmine diluted in Sweet Almond and Evening Primrose oil. The oil was massaged onto the abdomen, back and arms of participants over the course of 8 weeks. Aromatherapy massage effectively reduced menopausal symptoms by reducing hot flashes and improving anxiety.

Rather than buying each individual essential oil from this study, you can find a pre-blended version, along with other soothing essential oils, in our Tangerine Jasmine synergy. What's more, Tangerine Jasmine is also known to ignite passion and desire, making it a helpful companion if you're experiencing a low libido as a result of menopause.

Gal Pal

A little known secret about our Gal Pal essential oil blend? Along with helping with PMS symptoms, Gal Pal can alleviate menopausal symptoms.

A recent study on menopausal women with a low libido caused by menopause reviewed the efficacy of single oils Neroli and Lavender, as well as a blend of Lavender, Fennel, Geranium oil and Rose oils. The study found that aromatherapy significantly improved libido in menopausal women.

Lavender, Fennel and Geranium oil are all found in our Gal Pal and PMS Ease blends, along with other pro-aging oils. Along with diffusing Gal Pal when menopause hits, try applying our Gal Pal roll-on or soaking in our Gal Pal bath salt.

Neroli

Known for its high-end, floral, citrus aroma, Neroli oil helps to soothe pain and inflammation, boost relaxation, improve skin and enhance sleep.

While these properties can improve menopausal symptoms, menopause-specific studies on Neroli have further proven its helpfulness.

Along with the previously alluded to study, a separate 2014 study examined the effects of Neroli inhalation on postmenopausal women. Sixty-three women inhaled Neroli diluted to .1% or .5% for 5 minutes, twice daily for 5 days. Compared to the control group, the Neroli group showed improvements in lower blood pressure, improved pulse rate, enhanced estrogen levels and an increase in sexual desire.

To use, diffuse Neroli oil or dilute it in a carrier oil, such as Coconut oil, and apply to pulse points, abdomen, lower back and arms.

Rose Otto

Coveted for its rich, floral and deeply-rosy aroma, Rose Otto is a powerhouse in the realm of natural skincare for its hefty antioxidant-content and skin-loving properties.

One preliminary study went onto show that Rose Otto along with Geranium oil enhanced salivary estrogen levels following inhalation in perimenopausal women, thus offsetting symptoms of menopause.

Rose Otto is also renowned for its mood-boosting and stress-relieving potential. Try blending it with Neroli, Clary Sage and Lavender to stay on top of menopause.

Age Positively

Aging may not always be glamorous, but at Edens Garden, we believe it's still worth celebrating! And with 100% pure essential oils and aromatherapy products that help support everyday issues, from skincare and sleep to pain and stress, you can age the way nature intended, gracefully.