Menopause Kuel Category Expert: Lorraine Miano
For many women, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may not be an option for managing the symptoms of perimenopause, or the hormone imbalances of post-menopause.
“Some of the most popular and effective methods of managing the symptoms of hormone imbalance include using herbs taken as a supplement or drinking as a tea”
Herbal Remedies:
Whether this is due to a personal or familial history of female cancers (breast, uterine, or cervical), potential or experienced side effects, or just wanting to manage this time of life in a more natural way, there are multiple holistic options available.
Some of the most popular and effective methods of managing the symptoms of hormone imbalance include using herbs taken as a supplement or drinking as a tea, as well as incorporating essential oils on a daily basis.
Here is a list of some of the most effective herbs, supplements and essential oils for you to consider:
Herbs & Supplements:
Many of the following herbs can be taken as a tea.
Hormone Balance:
- Licorice root: Hormone regulator
- Red clover: Estrogenic
- Spirulina: Overall endocrine system support
- Ashwagandha: stress reliever/ hot flashes
- Maca Root: Adaptogen Herb
Libido:
- Maca root: Hormonal balance
- Passion flower: Sedative
- Rose: All around woman’s herb (take as tea)
Dryness Of Vagina, Eyes, Mouth:
- Pycnogenol (Pine Bark Extract):
- Hyaluronic Acid: proven to provide relief for vaginal atrophy as a supplement. Can also be purchased in a vaginal gel.
Hot Flashes:
- Milk thistle: Liver support
- Maca root: hormone balance
- Sage: Hormonal balance
- Ashwagandha:hormonal balance
Sleep:
- Lemon balm: Relaxing
- Valerian Root
- Melatonin
- Lavender:Relaxing
- Magnesium: stress reducer
Moods:
- L-Theanine (Sun theanine): Anti-anxiety/relaxation
- Vitamin B Complex
- Omega 3 Fish Oil
- Vitamin D(also good for osteoporosis and cancer prevention) Take with K-2 to prevent calcium leaching from bones.
Thinning Hair:
- Spirulina: Endocrine system support
- Kelp: Endocrine system support
My favorite places to purchase Organic Herbal Teas: Buddha Teas
You can purchase teas as well as essential oils here: Starwest Botanicals
Essential Oils for Perimenopause & Menopause:
- Rose: emotional wellness and hot flashes (worth the price!): Rose essential oil is typically touted as an aromatherapy remedy for the following health concerns:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Headaches
- Menopausal symptoms
- Menstrual cramps
- Migraines
“rose essential oil is said to enhance libido, reduce stress, stimulate circulation, sharpen memory, and boost mood.”
Quick Sensation:
In addition, rose essential oil is said to enhance libido, reduce stress, stimulate circulation, sharpen memory, and boost mood.
- Clary Sage: Sex hormones: Hot flashes are a quick sensation of heat that pulsates throughout your body. These may be naturally remedied by rubbing three drops of diluted clary sage oil across the back of your neck or all over your feet. For even quicker relief, consider adding a few drops to a tissue or napkin and inhaling and exhaling softly.This allows the oil to enter your body through your nose. This process can also produce antidepressant-like effects. Clary sage is also thought to help slow the development of osteoporosis. Women experiencing menopause have an increased risk for osteoporosis due to a decline in estrogen. During this time, bone breakdown overtakes bone development.
- Vitex: Mood/Sleep: The hormone-balancing effects of Vitex agnus-castus may help relieve symptoms of menopause including mood and sleep.
“Pine is revitalizing and therefore effective against fatigue.”
Effective Against Fatigue:
- Pine: Adrenal hormones: Pine is energizing without being overly stimulating. Therefore, it is very helpful for those who are in full adrenal burnout or who have chronic fatigue syndrome. Pine is revitalizing and therefore effective against fatigue. Since a weak or compromised immune system often goes hand-in-hand with adrenal fatigue, pine may be beneficial for strengthening the immune system. To use: Apply 1 or 2 drops, undiluted, to the bottom of each foot upon rising.Diffuse alone or with other adrenal-supporting oils, like lavender, black spruce, and/or frankincense. Inhale straight from the bottle as needed.
Menstruation-Related Cramping During Perimenopause:
- Peppermint: Hot flashes: Peppermint oil may also reduce your discomfort when experiencing hot flashes. Add no more than two drops to a tissue. Hold the tissue up to your nose while breathing slowly. This oil may also help relieve any cramping you may experience during this time.Although not common once menstruation has ended, it’s typical to experience menstruation-related cramping (dysmenorrhea) during perimenopause.
“Lavender can also promote feelings of relaxation and help improve the quality of your sleep.”
Perineal Discomfort:
- Lavender: Stress: Lavender may help balance your hormones and soothe perineal discomfort. If the area around your perineum feels tight or otherwise uncomfortable, you may consider placing a cold compress on the area. You can add one drop of diluted lavender oil to the compress for additional relief.It’s recommended that you only use the compress for up to 30 minutes. If you experience any stinging or burning, you should remove the compress and rinse the area with water. Lavender can also promote feelings of relaxation and help improve the quality of your sleep.During this time, insomnia and other sleep-related problems are common. You may find it beneficial to add lavender aromatherapy to your nighttime routine.
Sleeping Disorders:
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- Valerian Root: Sleep: Valerian Root essential oil can be effective in treating sleeping disorders such as insomnia and may also be used to relive symptoms caused by PMS such as headaches, diarrhea, stomach cramps, fatigue, migraines and indigestion.
- Orange: Depressive states: Used in aromatherapy, Orange Essential Oil’s pleasant scent has a cheerful and uplifting yet simultaneously relaxing, calming effect that helps reduce pulse rate. It can not only create a warm environment but can also stimulate the strength and resilience of the immune system and eliminate airborne bacteria.
“Geranium is also helpful for dry skin.”
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- Geranium: Stress relief/anti-anxiety: Geranium used as an essential oil has also been found to help menopausal women manage hormonal changes. One to two drops may be inhaled from a napkin for immediate stress relief. Geranium is also helpful for dry skin. Consider adding a few drops of the diluted oil to the water during a relaxing, hot bath. Research also suggests that this essential oil has antianxiety and antidepressant effects.
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Basil Aromatherapy:
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- Basil:Estrogen/mood/hot flashes: If you’re looking for ways to increase your estrogen levels or to help improve your mood, consider adding basil aromatherapy to your daily regimen. Basil can also be helpful against hot flashes when diluted and applied to your feet or rubbed across the back of your neck.
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“Take care with citrus oils, they make your skin sun-sensitive.”
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- Citrus:Citrus oil aromatherapy is said to have a number of health benefits for women experiencing symptoms of menopause. Researchers in a 2014 study found the postmenopausal women who inhaled this essential oil experienced fewer physical symptoms and an increase in sexual desire.In addition to a decrease in systolic blood pressure, they also experienced an improved pulse rate and estrogen concentrations. Citrus also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help with any aches and pains you may be experiencing. Take care with citrus oils, they make your skin sun-sensitive. Avoid direct sunlight if applying diluted citrus oils to your skin.
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Symptoms Associated With Menopause:
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- Neroli:Libido/Stress/Anti-Inflammatory: A recent study of post-menopausal womenfound that inhaled neroli oil was beneficial for relieving several symptoms associated with menopause, such as high blood pressure, low libido, and elevated stress levels.
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“The oil is also great for combatting low libido, another common symptom of menopause.”
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- Ylang Ylang:Anxiety/Depression/Libido: This essential oil is best-known for its intoxicating aroma, which can calm and uplift the mind and body while relieving stress and tension. It also works wonders with reducing anxiety and depression. Simply open your bottle of ylang-ylang, take a sniff, and feel your anxiety melt away. The oil is also great for combatting low libido, another common symptom of menopause.
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Together with Moodfumes, I’ve created a special blend of 11 essential oils specifically for menopausal women to support hormone balance ( in a roll on, pillow mist and pure oil blend) that you can find here: Get Your Happy Back! This blend of 11 essential oils was specifically chosen for their relaxation-inducing, stress-reducing, hormone balancing and happiness promoting qualities!
How to Use Essential Oils:
If you are looking to use a mixture of these oils for your menopause symptoms, there are a number of ways to benefit. Consider:
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- Create a body moisturizer by mixing five to eight drops of your essential oil of choice to an unscented carrier oil, like sweet almond oil. Apply to the skin two to three times per day. A liquid carrier oil can be used to create a massage or bath oil.
- Place a couple of drops of your chosen oil on a tissue, and hold it under your nose to inhale when you start experiencing symptoms.
- Mix eight drops of oil into 1/2 cup of coconut milk (use the thickened milk from the can) and pour into a hot bath.
- Use a diffuser. Use 3 to 5 drops per 100mL of water in an ultrasonic diffuser. Follow your device’s instructions and experiment with amounts of oil.
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“Your doctor will be able to tell you if the oils will affect any medications that you may be taking.”
Important:
Speak with your doctor before using essential oils for menopausal relief. Your doctor will be able to tell you if the oils will affect any medications that you may be taking. You should also check with your doctor if you have any known allergies, as some oils may contain potential allergens.
My favorite places to purchase Organic Herbal Teas: Buddha Teas
You can purchase Teas as well as Essential Oils here: Starwest Botanicals
If you’d like my brand recommendations for professional-grade herbal supplements listed above, please visit my dispensary here: (you’ll also receive 20% off any supplements you may purchase) Lorraine’s Recommendations
Here’s to your well-balanced hormonal health! And a very Magical Menopause!
Please Note: This is for educational purposes only. Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before beginning any supplementation, especially if you are currently using any medications/supplements.
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About the Author:
As a post-menopausal woman herself, Lorraine Miano discovered her passion of offering menopause advocacy, support and resources to women in all phases of menopause through health coaching, proper nutrition and preventive lifestyle choices. She received her certifications as a Health Coach and hormone health expert from The Institute for Integrative Nutrition. She has been able to help even more women by writing and publishing her first book, The Magic of Menopause: A Holistic Guide to Get Your Happy Back!
Lorraine loves to encourage her clients with her mantra “Menopause is NOT an ending! IT IS a new beginning!” When she’s not advocating for “the change”, you can find Lorraine traveling with her husband Richard, quite often to visit her 5 grandchildren who call her “Nonni”. Please reach out to me at Lorraine@TheMagicOfMenopause with any questions -
