Are you experiencing mood swings, irritability, or cramps? It’s common for physiological discomforts and emotional unease to be directly related to your hormones and their fluctuations. Whether it’s PMS, menopause, or postpartum depression, essential oils can support a natural and healthy hormone balance. In this article, we’ll show you how.
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What Are Essential Oils?
Essential oils are the extracts from certain plants’ roots, bark, leaves, or flowers. Water distillation is the most popular method for extracting these oils. During this process, the plant parts are boiled in water, and the essential oils appear in the water. Once the process is complete, the highly concentrated oil is separated from the liquid.
It’s important to note that pure essential oils should not be used directly on the skin. They should be diluted in a carrier oil like coconut, almond, olive, or jojoba oil. You can use essential oils through massage, diffusers, sprays, creams, or roll-ons. However, always consult your doctor before starting an essential oil treatment to ensure safety and avoid any allergic reactions. Asthma sufferers should avoid using essential oil diffusers as they may trigger attacks.
What’s Hormonal Imbalance?
Hormonal imbalance occurs when any of your hormones are outside their normal range. This includes hormones like estrogen, testosterone, thyroid hormones, cortisol, and insulin, among others. Common hormone imbalance issues include:
#1. Cortisol Imbalance
When under stress, your cortisol levels increase as part of the “fight or flight” response. However, if this happens regularly, your adrenal glands will continue to produce high levels of cortisol. This can lead to fatigue, increased energy during the night, cravings for high-calorie foods, and sleep disturbances. Prolonged stress can even result in conditions like adrenal fatigue and adrenal insufficiency.
#2. Sex Hormone Imbalance
Hormone imbalance in estrogen, testosterone, and progesterone levels can occur during menopause or after giving birth (known as the baby blues or postpartum depression). Menopausal hormone imbalances may cause hot flashes, night sweats, low sex drive, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Hormone changes before and during your period can also cause symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, cramps, irritability, changes in sex drive, headaches, and breast tenderness.
#3. Thyroid Hormone Imbalance
Your thyroid hormones regulate your metabolism, as well as your digestive, muscle, and brain functions. Imbalances in thyroid hormones can lead to sudden weight loss or weight gain, sleep problems, muscle weakness, irritability, and anxiety.
So, what causes hormonal imbalance in the first place? Hormone imbalances can be caused by chronic stress, a poor diet, unhealthy habits (like excessive smoking and drinking), and sleep deprivation. It’s important to note that even if only one hormone is imbalanced, it can affect the production and proper functioning of other hormones in your body.
How Essential Oils Help With Hormone Balance
When the body senses danger, the amygdala (the emotional center of our brain) triggers the production of stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. Inhaling essential oils activates the release of “feel-good” endorphins like serotonin, which decreases cortisol production and alleviates feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression. Some essential oils are believed to reduce menstrual cramps, boost libido, and address issues like infertility, PCOS, and low progesterone levels.
Here are our top picks for essential oils that promote hormone balance:
#1. Clary Sage
Clary sage can reduce cortisol levels by up to 36% and combat anxiety symptoms. It also has antidepressant properties and stimulates serotonin production. Clary sage is effective in balancing estrogen levels and reducing menstrual cramps. Dilute clary sage in a carrier oil and apply it to the lower abdominal area for cramp relief.
#2. Ylang Ylang
Ylang Ylang is traditionally used to increase libido in both men and women, making it ideal for menopausal women seeking to enhance their sex drive. It also relieves stress, reduces anxiety symptoms, and boosts self-esteem. Leave cotton dipped in Ylang Ylang near your bed overnight or mix it with a carrier oil for a relaxing body massage.
#3. Geranium
Geranium essential oil boosts estrogen levels in menopausal women and stabilizes menstrual cycles during perimenopause. It also reduces anxiety and stress levels. Geranium has antibacterial properties and improves skin conditions like acne. Inhale geranium oil from a napkin or add it to your bathwater.
#4. Lavender
Lavender oil promotes relaxation and good sleep, improving hormone balance by reducing cortisol levels. It also eases menopause symptoms like hot flashes, headaches, and night sweats. Lavender oil benefits mood swings, depression, and menstrual cramps. Sprinkle a cloth with lavender oil, add it to your pillow, or use a diffuser to spread the scent in your bedroom.
#5. Thyme
Thyme oil balances progesterone levels due to its phytoestrogen content. It promotes hormone balance and reduces symptoms like insomnia, mood swings, depression, and low fertility. Add a few drops of thyme oil to your bathwater, diffuser, lotion, or inhale it from a cloth.
Please note that these essential oils should be handled properly and used in moderation. They should not be ingested but rather inhaled or applied topically.
Struggling With Hormone Balance? Try Go With The Flow
Go With The Flow is a carefully selected blend of 4 hormone balance herbs: Maca, Chasteberry, Dong Quai, and Black Cohosh. These herbs improve energy levels, libido, menopause symptoms, stabilize estrogen levels, and relieve PMS symptoms. This natural hormone balance supplement is 100% plant-based and non-GMO. Take 2 capsules once a day, or increase to 2 capsules twice a day for more severe symptoms.
In conclusion, hormone imbalance can disrupt your daily life and cause discomfort. If you’re experiencing mild hormone imbalances, soothing aromatherapy with essential oils can help restore balance. Practicing a healthy lifestyle, getting enough sleep, and maintaining a nutritious diet are also essential. Stay healthy and strong!
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