Hormonal imbalances are often a necessary change that the body makes as a result of aging, but they can also be the result of your body making unnecessary changes that can wreak havoc on your system. 

If you suspect or know that you’re experiencing hormonal imbalances, you may be wondering if essential oils can help squash symptoms and side effects of your condition. In this short guide, our aromatherapists deliver answers to these questions and uncover everything you need to know about hormonal imbalance. Read on to learn more.

What Is Hormonal Imbalance? 

Hormones are chemical signals that regulate many bodily functions, such as: 

• Appetite

• Body temperature

• Growth

• Heart rate

• Mood

• Reproductive cycles

• Sleep

Changes in hormonal cycles are most often caused as a result of age, and in women these changes include puberty, menstruation, pregnancy and menopause. In men, these changes include puberty and aging. 

Medical conditions that cause changes in hormone levels in women include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), the use of birth control, ovarian cancer and early menopause. In men, medical conditions that cause hormonal imbalances include prostate cancer and low testosterone. 

Symptoms of hormonal imbalance are as follows: 

• Fatigue

• Anxiety and depression

• Muscle weakness and aches

• Weight gain or loss

• Changes in heart rate

• Changes in sex drive

• Joint pain and swelling

• Sweating

• Hot and cold sensitivity 

• Increased hunger or thirst

• Dry skin

• Thinning hair

• Acne

• Headaches

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms and have not been diagnosed with hormonal imbalance, consult with your doctor. Your doctor may perform the following diagnostic tests to assess the situation:

• Biopsy

• Blood test

• MRI

• Pelvic exam

• Thyroid scan

• Ultrasound 

Common treatments for hormone imbalances range from hormone replacement therapy and hormonal birth control to anti-androgen medications and thyroid hormone therapy. 

Can Essential Oils Help With Hormonal Imbalances? 

Rather than using traditional treatments for hormone imbalance, you may be looking for a natural remedy such as essential oils. The question is, do they work? Let’s look at the science. 

Spearmint

The most common hormonal imbalance in young and middle-aged women, PCOS is a condition many seek treatment for. Luckily, a 2017 study on subjects with PCOS determined that Spearmint essential oil has the potential to allay PCOS by inhibiting testosterone and boosting follicular development. This cooling oil is also the perfect remedy when experiencing hot flashes. 

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. Furthermore, one preliminary study went on to show that Rose Otto along with Geranium oil enhanced salivary estrogen level 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 oil and Lavender essential oil to stay on top of menopause.

Mountain Savory

One side effect of conditions such as PCOS and POI is infertility. However, a 2011 study examined the ability of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil to improve reproduction potential in subjects with infertility issues. Satureja khuzestanica is a type of Savory related to Mountain Savory. Application of Satureja khuzestanica essential oil on subjects with infertility revealed improvements in conception.

In 2017, another study on Satureja khuzestanica essential oil and fertility was performed, this time on subjects with ovarian failure caused by taking busulfan–a chemotherapy drug. Satureja khuzestanica again positively impacted the subjects’ ability to conceive. This outcome was linked to the essential oil’s antioxidant properties. 

Registered Aromatherapist Beverly Hawkins states that other EOs that are known to support hormone balance include Clary Sage, Fennel, Yarrow, Cistus, Myrrh, Rose, German and Roman Chamomile essential oil.  

Gal Pal

There’s more to Gal Pal than meets the eye. Along with alleviating menstrual cramps, Gal Pal can also help with symptoms of imbalances such as menopause and PCOS. In fact, a recent study on menopausal women with a low libido caused by menopause reviewed the efficacy of single oils Neroli and Lavender essential oil, 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 essential oil are all found in our Gal Pal and PMS Ease blends, along with other pro-aging oils. 

Neroli

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

And 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 increased sex drive.

How To Use Essential Oils For Hormonal Balance

Inhalation and topical use of essential oils are two of the most effective methods of using aromatherapy for hormonal balance. 

Inhalation can be performed by using an essential oil diffuser, adding essential oils to a personal pocket inhaler or inhaling oils directly using an essential oil scent strip. 

To apply essential oils topically, dilute them with a high-quality carrier oil such as Baobab Seed, Kukui Nut or Fractionated Coconut oil. A good go-to dilution rate for adults is 3%, which equals to 18 drops of essential oil combined with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil. For hormonal issues, apply your mixture to pulse points, the wrists, neck, arms, abdomen or where needed. 

BALANCING ACT BLEND

Want a blend that aids a variety of symptoms related to hormonal imbalance while also providing you with unique support? Then this blend is for you. 

• 5 drops Rose essential oil

• 4 drops Clary Sage essential oil

• 3 drops Neroli essential oil

• 3 drops Geranium essential oil

• 3 drops Spearmint essential oil

• 2 tbsp Carrier oil 
  
  

Apply to the clavicle, abdomen, arms or where needed, twice daily. Alternatively, skip the carrier oil and diffuse this blend intermittently using an essential oil diffuser. 

Sources:

1. What to know about hormonal imbalances. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

2. Everything You Should Know About Hormonal Imbalance. https://www.healthline.com/health/hormonal-imbalance#signs-or-symptoms

3. Role of Essential Oil of Mentha Spicata (Spearmint) in Addressing Reverse Hormonal and Folliculogenesis Disturbances in a Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome in a Rat Model. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5788221/

4. Aromatherapy for Sexual Problems in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5949309/

5. Effects of essential oil exposure on salivary estrogen concentration in perimenopausal women. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28326753/

6. Effects of Inhalation of Essential Oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara on Menopausal Symptoms, Stress, and Estrogen in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4082953/

7. Antioxidants and Infertility Treatment, the Role of Satureja Khuzestanica: A Mini-Systematic Review. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25587249

8. Effect of Satureja Khuzestanica Essential Oil against Fertility Disorders Induced by Busulfan in Female Mice. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29326785