Menopause – how does it start?

The menopause happens when our hormones start to change due to bringing about a closing down of the ovaries. During this process, we begin to shut down the production of progesterone.

Menopause generally occurs between the ages of 45 – 50 but in some cases can begin from the age of 30 and after 50.

There are 3 phases of Menopause….

Pre-Menopause – when we still have periods, but can also have hot flushes and sweats

Peri-Menopause – periods become more irregular, or heavier and symptoms worsen.

Post-Menopause – when we haven’t had a period in a year but may still have hot flushes and night sweats (just not as frequently or severely).

Whenever it happens, it can be a shock, and women often feel a loss of confidence, and an increase of mood swings and irritability and in some cases grief that our childbearing years are over.

It effects every woman differently and some sail through it while others suffer immensely.

Aromatherapy essential oils can help with many of the symptoms.

Aromatherapy Blends by Essences by Jo

Essential Oils are best when blended to make a synergistic blend with oils which can help on many levels. They are mostly blended in with a base vegetable oil such as sweet almond oil, sunflower seed oil, grapeseed oil and massaged onto the body.

They work on a psychological and physical level.

Hot Flushes and Sweats – Peppermint Essential oil can help cool down. This can be administered by breathing in a drop or two from a tissue (always remember to close your eyes as the essential oils are strong and will sting your eyes).

A spray of Peppermint Hydrosol is worth having. A hydrosol is the water which has been used through the distraction or expression of an essential oil and is bottled and used as a spray. Keep this in your bag and have handy for when you feel a flush coming on.

Fennel Essential Oil is also a cooling oil, and this also helps with hot flushes and sweats. This oil can be made into a blend and with a base carrier oil and rubbed onto the body, neck and chest area.

Mood Swings and irritability

The following oils can help

• Clary Sage – warming, calming aids in restful sleep
• Roman Chamomile – calming, balancing, eases tension
• Lavender – soothing for the skin and mind
• Ylang Ylang – sedative and soothing, brings a sense of calm
• Geranium – balancing mentally and hormonally
• Bergamot – uplifting and calming for emotions
• Frankincense – grounding and helps relieve anxiety
• Jasmine – helps with self-confidence and boosting sensuality
• Neroli – uplifting for the emotions
• Vetiver – calming and earthy, grounding, restorative & de-stressing

  We can sometimes suffer with memory loss and brain fog, the following essential oils can help improve focus and stimulate the mind

• Rosemary – helps focus the mind and enliven the body
• Basil – stimulating
• Peppermint – stimulating for the mind
• Eucalyptus – stimulating, helps clear the head for easy breathing
• Lemongrass – energising and zesty
• Ginger – energising

  In many cases, during Menopause, our sleep is severely affected, and lack of sleep will contribute to irritability, low moods and lack of focus and confidence. Having a night routine can help and using the following calming essential oils may help with sleep

• Lavender
• Vetiver
• Roman Chamomile
• Clary Sage
• Ylang Ylang
• Marjoram

  Draw a warm bath, (not too hot, or this becomes stimulating) and drop a few drops directly into the water and agitate. Soak for a minimum of 15 mins and listen to relaxing music. Light candles for a softer light.

  After your bath, apply a body oil or lotion with relaxing essential oils, such as Lavender, Roman Chamomile and Geranium and apply to your entire body. Use your hands to apply in gently upward movements and inhale the aroma.

  Make sure the lighting in your room is soft and yellow (as opposed to white light). Before bed, use a diffuser to emit the relaxing aroma of any or the above oils – Use no more than 3 or 4 different oils and a total of 3 drops each into the base of water for diffusing.

  Use a room spray – spray your bedroom, especially around your pillow and bed.

  Drop 1 x drop of Lavender directly onto your pillowcase. Be careful not to overdo the Lavender as this can become overpowering and stimulating.

  Use a pulse roller to rub a blend of oils onto your wrists, temples, throat and heart area. Inhale the aromas deeply.

  Turn off any devices which emit blue light an hour before bed and read to relax or listen to a guided meditation or relaxing music.

  A deep breathing practice can help calm your mind and body, do this as you prepare to sleep, lying comfortably in your bed.

Check out my shop for pre-blended oils or Bespoke Blends (known as Magic Elixir)