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The topic of Hormone Replacement Therapy, commonly referred to as HRT is on the news and written about in countless magazine articles.

HRT’s thrust into the spotlight has primarily occurred due to the amount of debate and confusion that has surfaced within the medical community over the benefits verses risks of HRT. In October, The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended against the use of the most common form of hormone replacement therapy to prevent chronic conditions such as heart disease and osteoporosis. This is a position in direct opposition to the previous stance the medical community had taken regarding HRT.

In years past, HRT was thought to help prevent some of the biggest health risks to women ––especially heart disease. However, after the study this past summer showed that women on combined HRT were more likely to die of heart disease, The Task Force concluded that the harm from combined HRT––estrogen plus a progestin––outweighs any potential for benefit against disease prevention.1

This information came on the heels of other health activist organizations position of steering women and their doctors away from use of this type of HRT for disease prevention. One of the most notable actions surrounding the HRT debate occurred this past July when the National Institute of Health halted the Hormone Replacement Trial they had been conducting. This action raised alarms among women and their doctors, prompting some women to take themselves off of hormone treatments for fear of an increased risk of breast cancer, blood clots, and perhaps heart disease.2

In fact, a panel of medical experts who presented at The North American Menopause Society meeting in October shared similar feelings about combined HRT. Some of the most notable recommendations of the panel were:

• “Symptom relief should be the primary reason for taking hormone replacement therapy”. Not disease prevention as originally stated.

• “A woman should take HRT for the shortest amount of time possible, based on her symptoms, the benefits she's getting from the therapy, and her personal health risks.”

• “Doctors should consider prescribing low-dose HRT whenever possible”2
As the debate and additional research continues within the medical community regarding women’s hormonal health, many women have gone in search of natural ways to assist with the management of menopause. It is worth noting that the decision whether or not to utilize conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy is a very personal one. This is a decision that needs to be made on an individual basis, in conjunction with qualified medical assessment and under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.

Within the practice of Holistic or Alternative Medicine ( an approach to physical well-being that takes into consideration all aspects of a person, and that recognizes the body to be self-healing/self-regulating), many of the physical symptoms associated with women’s health, specifically symptoms associated with hormonal balance, can be greatly eased with the therapeutic application of essential oils. Additionally, due to the profound effects essences have on emotional well-being, Aromatherapy stands out as a powerful complement to traditional HRT, which primarily targets physical symptoms.

As we know, menopause is both a physical and emotional transitional period in a women’s life away from the stage of childbearing to one of greater physical maturity. This physical transition is a direct result of the decline of hormone levels in the body. The most prevalent physical/emotional symptoms that accompany menopause, are: weight gain (thought to be due to metabolic changes in the body), sleep problems (primarily due to night sweats) hot flashes, mood swings, nervous tension, fatigue, and psyco-emotional changes.

Aromatherapy does wonders to assist with physical tension reduction, assist sleep, enhance the circulatory system and help restore emotional balance. In addition, the effects of aroma on the senses has been well documented to aid in depression, anxiety, and the balancing of emotions.

Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms associated with hormonal imbalance, and some practical ways to offset them.

When addressing symptoms of sleep disturbance, essences have a proven sedating effect on the nervous system. Suggested essences: Petitgrain, Lavender, Sandalwood, Mandarin, Roman Chamomile. I like to add a blend of these essences to a warm bath and then follow with these same oils infused to carrier oil, Evening Primrose mixed with Sweet Almond.

To assist with night sweats and hot flashes, essences that have an impact on the circulatory system are suggested - essences of Grapefruit, Cypress, Petitgrain, Bergamot, Geranium and Juniper. A combination of Grapefruit and Clary Sage added to water makes a wonderful facial mist to assist with hot flashes.

One of the most fascinating aspects of therapeutic essential oil application in relation to women’s health, is the usage of essences with hormone like properties––phyto-hormones. Currently, extensive scientific research is being conducted in regards to a women’s bodies response to these phyto-hormones. Oils that contain these complex chemical structures are : Roman Chamomile, Cypress, Clary Sage, Anise, Geraniums and Fennel. (It is important to note however, that the usage of Cypress, Clary Sage, and Fennel are contraindicated when there is a history of Breast Cancer due to their “estrogen like” molecular components).

Clearly, if traditional hormone therapy is to be used “ primarily [to] assist with the management of menopausal symptoms”, and the duration of such treatment is to be as short in duration as possible, Aromatherapy should be considered by each of us women as a way to naturally ease symptoms associated with hormone imbalances. Aromatherapy can have a profound effect on our well-being. We too, must do our part––exercise in moderation, eat whole natural foods, get adequate rest, breathe in plenty of fresh air and, take in plenty of life sustaining water. Most importantly, and probably the most fun part of well-being, is that we must take time to smell the Lavenders. Anyone will do.

1WebMD Medical News, Jim Kling reviewed by Michael Smith, M.D. Nov 2002
2WebMD Medical News, Michael Smith, M.D Reviewed by Charoltte Grayson, M.D Nov 2002

This intent of this article is to inform and educate, and is not intended to serve as medical advice or as a medical diagnosis.

©2003 Carrie-Anne Tapia, L.M.T.

Carrie-Anne Tapia, owner of Redlands Aromatherapy––Specializes in personalized Essential Oil Therapy, Reflexology and Holistic Health. By Appointment. 930 Monterey Street. Redlands, Ca. (909) 534-3656