The Effect of Lavender Aromatherapy on the Symptoms of Menopause.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVES: The menopause is a natural biological process that is happened by a permanent regal stop due to the loss of performance. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effect of lavender aromatherapy on the menopause symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: This double-blind cross over clinical trial carried out on 100 menopause women (between 45 and 155 years old) referring to health centers in Ardabil in 2013-14. The samples blocked randomly, placed in two experimental (Lavender) and control (diluted milk) groups. Lavender aroma is smelled two times daily for 20 min during 12 weeks by research subjects. Data were collected by Green questionnaire and the analysis of data carried out in SPSS v.16 by paired t-test. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The level of the symptoms has been decreased significantly after using lavender. RESULTS: Comparing the level of the symptoms before and after using lavender in experimental group suggested that the rate of the menopause symptoms has been decreased significantly (P = 0.000). The comparison of the mean of the menopause symptoms after intervention between two groups suggested that the menopause symptoms in the experimental group had a significant decrease comparing the control group (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: Using the lavender aromatherapy decreases menopause symptoms. According to the undesirable effect of the menopause symptoms on the quality of life of the menopausal women, these interventions may be instructed by midwives in the treatment and care centers as a health activity.