COMMON SYMPTOMS OF MENOPAUSE

Although a large percentage of women have no problems with the menopause, many do experience some discomfort.

Night Sweats
These are best tackled through preventative treatment. Try taking an aromatherapy bath with the relevant oils each night before bedtime. Alternatively, try massaging the oils in a suitable carrier base into the body.

Peppermint and cypress are useful for hot flushes. Make up a mix and use it
in an atomizer.

Hot Flushes
Put 20 drops of the same blend of essential oils in 1 litre (13/4 pints) of spring water in a screw-topped bottle. Fit the lid, shake well and transfer some into a purse-size spray and some into a small bottle that you can carry around with you. As soon as you feel a flush coming on, drink two mouthfuls of the water and spray your face and neck. Vitamin E is also said to be effective.

Water Retention And Bloating
To reduce water retention and cellulite. the relevant essential oils should be added to a suitable carrier base and applied daily to the affected areas. The same oils can also be used neat in the bath.

Hair And Skin
The condition of the hair and skin can be affected by the hormonal changes of the menopause. Both will become thinner and drier, and it is a good idea to adapt your daily care regime to compensate.

Hair
For hair dryness, use a good conditioner. You may like to add appropriate essential oils to give extra shine. For thinning hair, try daily scalp massage with essential oils (see previous post).

Skin
This is not only becomes drier, but is more prone to wrinkles. Try product containing essential oils or prepare your own mix.


Haemorrhaging
Occasional and sudden bleeding can occur when you least expect it. Although essential oils can reduce the amount of blood loss, as as we know, they do not seem to stop it happening. As preventative measure, try using styptic and/or astringent essential oils if you are prone to haemorrhaging.





Rose otto can help with haemorrhaging. It is
also useful for both loss of libido and dry skin.








A refreshing lemon drink can give you a boost and relieve depression. As always, special care should be taken with oils for internal use.

If you are having difficulties sleeping,
a soothing cup of sweet marjoram and
chamomile tea in the evening can help.

Make your own beauty products by adding combinations of your favourite oils to quality base creams and lotions.

Heart And Circulation Problems
In developed countries, arterial disease is the commonest cause of death for women over 50, killing one in four. This is almost twice as high as the death-rate from cancer.

There are as yet no essential oils known to treat problems with the heart, and it is advisable to check with your doctor and your family history to see if you are at risk. In the meantime, you can help to prevent heart and blood-pressure problems by giving up smoking, avoiding fatty foods and drinks high in caffeine, eating a low-cholesterol diet and taking enough regular exercise. There are also some carrier oils reputed to reduce cholesterol levels.

Vaginal Dryness
This can cause both emotional and physical discomfort. There are no known essential oils to increase vaginal fluid. Vitamin E is reputed to improve vaginal secretion, and daily application of sunflower oil all round the vaginal opening may also help.