EMOTIONS DURING MENOPAUSE

During the menopause, you may experience strong mood swings. Try to keep things in proportion and take pleasure from the simple things in life.





For women the menopause will coincide with their children leaving home. It can represent a new lease of life as a woman suddenly finds that she has more time for herself. However, as with any major life change, the menopause is often accompanied by mixed feelings, and a woman's new-found freedom may be marred not only by physical symptoms but also by emotional disturbances.

Stress-Related Headaches And Sleep Disturbances
These disturbances are not necessarily linked to the menopause, and may be stress-related. However, should either of them bother you, inhalation and application of the appropriate essential oils can help.

Weight And Diet
Appearance is often important to a woman throughout her life. It is not surprising, then, that poor self-esteem and a lack of confidence can be triggered by the physical changes happening in her body at this time.

Water retention can lead to bloating and weight-gain which, in turn, will exacerbate any feelings of low self-esteem. Tackle this with a positive frame of mind and healthy eating habits - these two things combined will improved self-confidence. Essential oils used for low spirits may help weight loss by stimulating the nervous system.















When you are feeling tired and irritable, a head massage can help you to relax and unwind.





EMOTIONAL DISTURBANCES OF THE MENOPAUSE

• Irritability
• Lack of confidence
• Anxiety and depression
• Poor concentration, forgetfulness and memory problems
• Decrease in self-esteem; through weight gain, lack of interest in sex, changes in physical appearance

Tips For Healthy Eating And Drinking

• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit alcohol intake to two units a day.
• Cut down on caffeine drinks.
• Cut down on, or avoid, sugary foods and foods high in fat.
• Eat more fish and less meat (especially red meat); eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, especially those rich in Vitamin C.
• Include foods rich in calcium.

Loss Of Sex Drive
For some women, the menopause is marked by decrease in sex drive (conversely, some women also report an increase in libido). The reduction in vaginal fluid can make intercourse painful, and this can lead to a change in sexual desire.

Several essential oils are reputed to help with sexual problems and to increase desire. These oils relax the mind, relieving it from pressures and tensions and, at the same time, can stimulate the emotions. Use the appropriate oils in a vaporizer for an hour before retiring, in both the living room and he bedroom. Alternatively, sprinkle a few drops of the oils on to your pillow and exchange a gentle back and shoulder aromatherapy massage with your partner.
















Emotional upsets are stressful and can lead to muscular tension. Rub oils on to your shoulders and neck to help restore your equilibrium.

Relationship Difficulties
The physical emotional difficulties of the menopause can put a strain on your relationship with your partner. If your children are leaving home, now may be a good time to re-define your partnership. It can help to blend stress-relieving essential oils with oils which correspond to your emotions, such as anger, fear or jealousy.