Aromatherapy for Managing Menopausal Symptoms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials

Abstract

Background: Aromatherapy is widely used in women's health as a complementary therapy. Objective: This review aimed to critically evaluate clinical evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy in managing menopausal symptoms.Design: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A total of 11 electronic databases were searched up to November 5, 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating any type of aromatherapy against placebo in menopausal individuals were eligible. Two authors independently assessed the study eligibility and risk of bias as well as extracted the data for each study. Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of each included studies. No ethical approval was required for this manuscript as this study did not involve human subjects or laboratory animals.Results: Seven RCTs met our inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Most of the included RCTs had low risk of bias in most domains except for blinding. Four studies tested the efficacy of aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms. The results showed that aromatherapy (lavender or low dose of neroli) inhalation had superior effects on reducing the total menopausal symptom score compared with the placebo. One study presented that aromatherapy massage with mixed oils reduced menopausal symptoms. Three studies investigated the effects of aromatherapy inhalation on sexual desire, and all of the studies showed that aromatherapy inhalation (lavender or low dose of neroli or mixed oils) had superior effects compared with the placebo.Conclusion: This review indicates limited evidence of the benefit of aromatherapy (lavender or low dose of neroli) in improving total menopausal symptoms and sexual desire. Further studies are highly warranted to validate the findings.

Effect of Fennel Aromatherapy (Foeniculum Vulgare) On Decreasing Menopause Symptom Levels in Menopausal Women in Tunjung Village Bangkalan Regency Indonesia

“…According Chien, et al, in Johnson, et al, [13] Aromatherapy is a therapy using essential oils, using aromatic essences extracted naturally from plants to treat various physiological and psychological imbalances. This is supported by Buckle in Lee, et al, [14] which states that, the phytoestrogen content in essential oils used in aromatherapy has shown a lot of potential in relieving menopausal symptoms. Herz in Malakouti, et al, [15] Mention that, some essential oils that can reduce climacteric symptoms such as hot flashes, sexual dysfunction and depression are such as fennel, angelica, sage and bergamot, lavender and geranium.…”

“…This suggests that phytoestrogens can exert tissue-specific hormone effects [30]. Gesper in Lee, et al, [14] mentioned that, the content of phytoestrogens in essential oils used in aromatherapy has shown many benefits in relieving menopausal symptoms.…”

“…Bedell, et al, in Yaralizadeh, et al, [31] also mentioned that, phytoestrogens can reduce the severity of menopausal symptoms, such as vasomotor problems, vaginal atrophy, sleep quality, and bone tissue metabolism. Buckle in Lee, et al [14] mention that, the phytoestrogen content in essential oils used in aromatherapy has shown a lot of potential in relieving menopausal symptoms.…”

“Like one part of a puzzle” — individualized aromatherapy for women with gynecological cancers in aftercare: results from a qualitative-focused mixed-methods study

“…Other challenges, such as breast swelling after mastectomy, experienced by one of our participants after the use of the lavender-based Relaxing Oil and Pillow Spray , require a more intensive examination. There are already indications in research that lavender influences the hormone balance [ 53 ]. It is important to investigate this evidence further, specified to the use of lavender essential oil in women with hormone-dependent cancer.…”

Effect of Aromatherapy with Essential oil of Lavandula Angustifolia Mill- Citrus Bergamia and Mindfulness-Based Intervention on Sexual Function, Anxiety, and Depression in Postmenopausal Women

“…Their results indicated limited evidence of the benefit of aromatherapy (lavender or low dose of neroli) in improving total menopausal symptoms and sexual desire. [ 44 ] In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial by Malakouti et al . [ 29 ] for investigating the effect of Ginkgo biloba and inhalation aromatherapy (lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose) on postmenopausal women's sexual function, participants received two-three drops of Ginkgo biloba , aroma solution or placebo on their skin three times a day for 6 weeks.…”