Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects of inhalation of the essential oil of Citrus aurantium L. var. amara (neroli oil) on menopausal symptoms, stress, and estrogen in postmenopausal women. Sixty-three healthy postmenopausal women were randomized to inhale 0.1% or 0.5% neroli oil or almond oil (control) for 5 minutes twice daily for 5 days. Menopause-related symptoms, as determined by the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL); sexual desire visual analog scale (VAS); serum cortisol and estrogen concentrations, blood pressure, pulse, and stress VAS, were measured before and after inhalation. Compared with the control group, the two neroli oil groups showed significant improvements in the physical domain score of the MENQOL and in sexual desire. Systolic blood pressure was significantly lower in the group inhaling 0.5% neroli oil than in the control group. Compared with the control group, the two neroli oil groups showed significantly lower diastolic blood pressure and tended to improve pulse rate and serum cortisol and estrogen concentrations. These findings indicate that inhalation of neroli oil helps relieve menopausal symptoms, increase sexual desire, and reduce blood pressure in postmenopausal women. Neroli oil may have potential as an effective intervention to reduce stress and improve the endocrine system.
Highlights
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines menopause as permanent cessation of menstruation caused by the loss of ovarian follicular activity
This study showed that inhalation of neroli oil, at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.5%, significantly altered total Menopause-Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire (MENQOL) score and significantly enhanced sexual desire, as measured by a visual analog scale (VAS), compared with the inhalation of almond oil alone
The present study showed that vasomotor symptoms improved significantly after treatment with 0.1% neroli oil
Summary
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines menopause as permanent cessation of menstruation caused by the loss of ovarian follicular activity. Menopause is a natural process of female aging and accompanies diverse physiological changes in women. One of the most prominent changes is a decrease in female sex hormones, resulting in vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes and palpitations [1]. Psychological changes, including depression, anxiety, restlessness, and sleep disorders may occur during the menopausal transition. Climacteric women may experience other symptoms, including decreased sexual desire and increased muscle pains, and carry higher risks of cardiovascular diseases. Menopausal symptoms have been reported to have a negative impact on women’s daily lives and even degrade their quality of life [2]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
