The word menopause comes from the Greek, with “menos” meaning month and “pausos” an ending. The menopause can be broken down into three stages:
Premenopause:
The “premenopause” is used to describe the time from a woman’s first period to the last period, which on average occurs around the age of 50, but it can happen earlier for some women and later for others.
Perimenopause:
“Peri” means “around”, so this is the stage that leads up to the menopause, but sometimes it includes the first 12 months after the last period. This stage can last between two and six years. The actual “menopause” is the point of the last ever period and you need to have had no periods for 12 months for the menopause to have occurred.
Postmenopause:
This is the time beyond the menopause, which is after your last ever period, but is usually counted as from 12 months after the last menstrual cycle.
Menopausal Symptoms:
The menopause is a crucial phase in any woman’s life and whilst some women sail through it with few difficulties others find it much more challenging. Some of the symptoms which you may experience during the menopause might include:
- mood swings
- lower libido
- forgetfulness
- some hot flushes or night sweats
- bleeding more or less
- changes in cycle (shorter or longer)
- inability to concentrate
- anxiety with no known cause
- sleep difficulties
Often the closer one is to the menopause the stronger the symptoms can be.
Aromatherapy
It is well known that smells can initiate physical and psychological reactions by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters in the brain. This accounts for the finding that people who surround themselves with enjoyable fragrances have enhanced self esteem. When correctly blended essential oils can enhance a woman’s equilibrium, and they may alleviate emotional reactions associated with the menopause such as anxiety, loss of self esteem, low energy levels by bringing about a sense of emotional and physical well being.
If you are having a difficult time coping with hormonal changes then aromatherapy may be just what you need.
Stress and anxiety: Rose Otto (Rosa damascena), Neroli (citrus aurantium), lavender (lavandula angustifolia), Jasmine (jasminium officinalis) can help to regulate hormonal imbalances and bring about a feeling of calmness and relaxation.
Low self esteem: Rose Otto (Rosa damascena), geranium and fennel (foeniculum vulgare dulce) can help to restore hormonal balance
Hot flushes: Peppermint (mentha piperita), Cypress (cupressus sempervirens), Geranium (pelargonium graveolens) can help to stimulate the mind and promote emotional calmness
These are a small number of essential oils which may be used. Before the start of each treatment I will complete a health consultation and then create a bespoke blend which is right for you on that day.
Methods Of Use:
Vaporise: Add 6 to 9 drops in total of your chosen essential oils to water in the top of a vaporiser
Massage: Add 6 drops to 12 mls of sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil and massage into the skin following a shower or a bath
Bathing: Add 6 drops to a teaspoon of sweet almond oil or grapeseed oil before dispensing into bath water
Aromatic tissue: Put 1 to 3 drops onto a folded tissue and then inhale
Regular aromatherapy massage can be one of a number of natural solutions to help you through the menopause, please do get in touch if you have any questions or queries.