Drug-Free Ways That Could Help to Balance Female Hormones

I know for a lot of women, menopause seems a taboo topic that no one wants to discuss. The reality is that said women go through the ‘change in life’ without any real knowledge of perimenopausal signs and as such, don’t give themselves a chance to prepare for the onslaught of symptoms.

The general age bracket for menopause is 45 to 55 years of age. However, this can vary for many individuals. Perimenopause is the transitional phase that leads up to menopause, and it could hang around for as much as eight to ten years. Some of the signs and symptoms that occur, either leading up to or during menopause, can include:

• A decreased sex drive
• Changes to sleep quality, including insomnia
• Hot flashes
• Irregular periods (during perimenopause)
• Changes in mood, including anxiety and depression
• Changes to the texture or thickness of your hair, including increased facial or body hair
• Muscle loss
• Night sweats
• Weight gain, particularly around the mid-section
• Changes to your voice
• Dryness or pain during intercourse

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a common treatment for menopause but has been in recent times linked to certain forms of cancer. In fact, in a study undertaken by The Women’s Health Initiative, they found that HRT increased the risk of breast cancer, as well as dementia and stroke in women who had not undergone a hysterectomy.

With science uncovering more and more about the wonders of natural herbs and traditional medicines, many women are turning to less intrusive treatments to help with the symptoms of menopause and imbalanced female hormones. Essential oils have become a very popular choice. It should be noted that research on the benefits of essential oils is still developing, and we are by no means advising you to undertake this journey as a replacement to medications, treatments or drugs that you may have been prescribed.

Obviously, all women are individual and your body can react differently from one to another. However, if you are interested in some natural ways that might benefit you, take a look at this list of essential oils that could have a positive impact on menopause severity and symptoms.

Clary Sage

This essential oil is famed for relieving symptoms of PMS, and it is said to relieve hot flashes and alleviate stress.

Lavender

Well-known for its soothing and calming properties and particularly good for promoting sleep. Lavender is also thought to help with the symptoms of menopause through its ability to ease cramps, combat stress, ease hot flashes, help with headaches and heart palpitations, and generally balance the hormones.

Geranium

May help to improve mood and promote a regular menstrual cycle during the perimenopause phase. It is also said to boast anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties.

Pine

Linked to protecting your bones and acting as an aid against osteoporosis.

Vitex Agnus-Castus

Another name for this is chaste berry or Abraham’s balm. It is said to assist with the regularity of menstrual periods and mood swings.

Rose

Rose is believed to be a strengthener of the uterus. This could result in less hot flashes and improved moods.

Essential oils are great used either in a diffuser or added to a bath with some a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil. You may also like to add a few drops of the essential oils into the carrier oils to apply as a massage when the going gets tough. Make sure you choose pure essential oils, not any that contain nasty toxins or chemicals.

If you are interested in some essential oil recipe blends that could promote balanced hormones, check out this article online by Wellness Mama.

Remember, menopause is part of the journey that mother nature intended for us. If you are feeling a little stressed about it, take some time out with a nice cup of natural herbal tea from Bondi Beach Tea Co. and put your feet up. Go with it, naturally.