The Best Essential Oils For Fatigue, Irritability & Other Symptoms Of Perimenopause

Menopause punctuates the majority of our conversations around hormone health as we age, but many women don't realize that our hormones need support long before our period vanishes completely. Perimenopause is the time before menopause when our hormone levels and ovarian function start to decline, leading to symptoms of irregular periods, changes in menstrual flow, and spotting. Levels of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone wane, and we can experience breast tenderness, hot flashes, insomnia, brain fog, increased belly fat, decreased libido, and vaginal dryness as a result. 

This is often a busy time in our lives as well, which means self-care is on the back burner as we try to be and do everything for those around us—our kids, partners, bosses, and parents included. But allowing stress, caffeine, and sugar to fuel us can make the symptoms of perimenopause worse.

It's important to keep your body moving and fueled properly during perimenopause. My favorite essential oils for energizing my body and mind are peppermint1 and wild orange. Not only do they support mental alertness and focus, but they also open the respiratory system for deep breathing2 during movement. As an added bonus, both peppermint and citrus essential oils help banish sugar cravings—which is important because there's an intricate connection between perimenopause and blood sugar! Diffusing them in the morning or adding a drop to your palms, rubbing, and deeply inhaling the scent can be just what you need to start your day, pick up your afternoon, or supercharge your workout.

Method: 

In a 10 mL glass rollerball bottle, add the essential oils and fill to the top with your carrier oil. Replace the top, cap, and swirl to combine. To use, roll the blend over ovaries and pulse points (neck, ankles, and wrists) 2 to 3 times per day.

One of my favorite ways to use essential oils is to supercharge my self-care routine, which can be a great way to tackle pesky symptoms of perimenopause. Yoga is a great way to practice self-care, as it both gets your body moving and helps to lower cortisol levels naturally. You can support this process by diffusing lavender essential oil or put a drop on your yoga mat. I love applying a drop behind my ears and down my décolletage so that I get both the physical and aromatherapeutic benefits throughout my entire session.