Pg. 62-68 5 minute read
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), menopause occurs when menstruation ceases permanently due to the loss of ovarian follicular activity. Menopause can be clinically diagnosed after 12 months of amenorrhoea. Peri-menopause precedes menopause when menstrual cycles may become increasingly irregular as the ovaries begin to produce less of the hormone oestrogen in preparation to stop releasing eggs entirely. It is estimated that perimenopause can start up to 8–10 years before menopause occurs.4 It's important to note that during the peri-menopausal period, oestrogen and another crucial female reproductive hormone, progesterone, can fluctuate greatly rather than fall at a steady rate. This is due to fewer ovulations. These fluctuations in hormonal balance are the main cause of the symptoms that peri-menopausal and menopausal women experience.
Menopause and peri-menopause can cause symptoms such as anxiety, depression, mood swings, brain fog, hot flashes, irregular bleeding and aching joints. As discussed above, these symptoms can start years before amenorrhoea occurs and can also carry on for some time after. It is also important to note that the list of symptoms is by no means exhaustive, and there are thought to be dozens of other symptoms which, whilst may not be experienced as widely as some of those listed above, are nonetheless affecting millions of women worldwide. According to a 2019 research carried out by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD)5, the professional body for HR and people development in the UK, three out of five working women (59%) aged between 45 and 55 experiencing menopause symptoms admitted it has a negative impact during their work time.
To effectively educate women on the use of essential oils for the relief of menopausal symptoms, it is important to review the evidence that exists in this field. There have been some exciting and encouraging studies over recent years. Yet, the numbers could undoubtedly be higher. I have encountered several studies that indicate positive results but suggest more extensive studies are required to provide more evidence in their field. Nevertheless, the existing studies provide some excellent insight into the oils and application methods that may be useful in this area.
As holistic therapists, we must start by acknowledging aromatherapy as a holistic treatment before diving into specific oils. At such a transitional time in one's life, beginning with the concept of homeostasis is helpful. We discussed earlier that the endocrine system is in a constant state of flux during peri-menopause and, as such, it is important that we recognise the impact of this on the individual as a whole and acknowledge the allostatic load which can occur as a result of these internal changes combined with any external pressures being faced in everyday life. This is why, in my opinion, the very first point of call during any menopause workshop or consultation should be the concept of radiant health and all the elements which combine to help us achieve this.
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