The impact of aromatherapy with Citrus bergamia- Lavandula angustifolia essential oil and/or mindfulness-behavioral therapy on menopausal health: A factorial randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Abstract Psychological support is essential for women after menopause as a period with a high prevalence of mental health problems. It was observed a gap in the literature on the impact of bergamot and lavender aromatherapy and/or consultation with the mindfulness-behavioral therapy (MBT) approach on postmenopausal health. This study aimed to determine the effect of combined aromatherapy with lavender (Lavandula angustifolia Mill.) essential oil (LEO) and Bergamot (Citrus×bergamia (Risso) Risso & Poit) essential oil (BEO) and/or MBT on menopausal symptoms, sleep quality, and serum cortisol. This factorial randomized controlled trial was done on 132 postmenopausal women aged 50–60 years who had mild to moderate anxiety. The recruited women were divided into four groups receiving: 1) Usual care-placebo (Placebo), 2) MBT-placebo (Therapy), 3) LEO-BEO Aromatherapy-usual care (Aromatherapy), and 4) MBT- LEO-BEO aromatherapy (Therapy & Aromatherapy). They received daily aroma for eight weeks. The weekly MBT sessions were held for two months. The study outcomes were evaluated at baseline, after the intervention, and after an eight-week follow-up. The study groups were similar regarding baseline characteristics. After a two-month intervention, the total score of menopausal symptoms [aMD (95% CI): -5.7 (-9.5 to -1.8)] and anxiety [aMD (95% CI): -1.9 (-3.4 to -0.4] significantly decreased in the Aromatherapy compared to Placebo. The total score of sleep quality (PSQI) in each of the Therapy [aMD (95% CI): -2.6 (-4.2 to -1.0] and Aromatherapy [aMD (95% CI): -1.7 (-3.3 to -0.1)] groups significantly decreased compared to Placebo. The combination of Aromatherapy - Therapy had no significant effect compared to Placebo (p > 0.05). The serum cortisol level decreased in all four groups; however, the reductions were not statistically significant in the Aromatherapy and/or Therapy groups compared to the Placebo group (p > 0.05). Each method of intervention separately was accompanied by a favorable response in the management of menopausal symptoms. Furthermore, this study had a new approach toward combination therapy with aroma (LEO-BEO) and MBT.