Aromatherapy for Sexual Problems in Menopausal Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of the present systematic review and meta-analysis is the exploration of the potential evidence of the effectiveness of aromatherapy products on the sexual function of menopausal women.MethodsFrom inception to December 2017, the search process was performed using the MEDLINE and Scopus databases and the Cochrane Library regarding the trials on the effectiveness of herbal-medicine aromatherapy on the sexual function of menopausal women.ResultsThree of the trials comprise suitable data for inclusion in the meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis, it is possible to improve the standardized mean difference (SMD) of the sexual desire up to 0.56 in the aromatherapy group compared with the control group (SMD = 0.56; P < 0.001; heterogeneity; I2 = 42%; P = 0.141). According to one of the trials, the serum-estrogen level of two different doses did not change in the neroli oil inhalation group compared with the almond-oil group.ConclusionsBoth aromatherapy with neroli oil or lavender (monopreparation) and combined-oil aromatherapy with lavender, fennel, geranium, and rose significantly improved human sexual function; however, a significant change of the serum-estrogen level was not detected. The findings of the present review should be presented cautiously because of the corresponding limitations such as the lack of a standardized tool, the lack of intention-to-treat reporting, the low study amount, and the short-term follow-up.

The Knowledge and Attitudes of Health Professionals Working in Mother-Friendly Hospitals About Complementary Therapy and Supportive Care Methods

“…At the same time, the usefulness of complementary therapy and supportive care applications for women's health has been proven by numerous studies [18][19][20][21][22][23]. As a result of these studies is stated that it can increase fertility [18], reduce the perception of pain at labor [19,20], prevent the formation of postpartum breast disorders [21], Improve mood disorders in women receiving infertility treatment [22], have mitigating effects on problems present during menopause [23]. The use of complementary treatment and supportive care practices, which are bene cial in all stages of women's life, by health service providers should be widespread and supported.…”

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

“…There were five previous reviews of aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms. [12][13][14][15][16] One of which included five trials of two RCTs and three controlled clinical trials on the effects of aromatherapy on menopausal symptoms. 14 Its findings suggest that aromatherapy is effective for relieving menopausal symptoms.…”

“…Two recent systematic reviews from one research group that assessed sexual problems in menopausal women and psychological symptoms in postmenopausal and elderly women were published in the same year. 12,13,15 One review with three RCTs concluded that aromatherapy had beneficial effects on sexual dysfunction, 13 and the other two reviews also indicated favorable effects of aromatherapy (two RCTs: one in menopausal women and one in elderly individuals) 12 or lavender (three RCTs) on psychological symptoms. 15 However, one review combined menopausal women and elderly individuals, and all of the RCTs and non-RCTs were analyzed together without considering their limitations.…”

“…[7][8][9][10][11] There are five systematic reviews of aromatherapy for menopausal symptoms. [12][13][14][15][16] All of the reviews concluded that aromatherapy may be effective for relieving menopausal symptoms. However, all five had several limitations, which include the lack of comprehensive literature search, [12][13][14][15] being out of date, [12][13][14] assessing evidence in a mixed population, 12,14,15 analyzing duplicate studies as different trials, 16 pooling data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs together, 14,16 and inappropriate selection of RCTs.…”

An Assay on the Possible Effect of Essential Oil Constituents on Receptors Involved in Women’s Hormonal Health and Reproductive System Diseases

“…A list of 265 volatile small molecules (mainly monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes) was prepared from literature survey in Scopus and PubMed (2000-2019) from hydrosols (aromatic waters, distillates) and essential oils that can affect women's hormonal health and reproductive system. 12,19,[21][22][23] The list was prepared from any volatile molecule that was reported in related articles regardless of whether it is a major or minor constituent. In addition, different isomers of these molecules were downloaded from the NIST WebBook.…”