Boost Your Gut Health with Essential Oils: A Guide for Perimenopause

6 minute read

As women approach perimenopause, hormonal fluctuations can cause a variety of physical and emotional changes, one of which is digestive issues. Bloating, constipation, and even IBS-like symptoms can become more frequent as hormone levels shift. The gut is often referred to as the "second brain," and its health is crucial to overall well-being, especially during the hormonal transitions of perimenopause. 

There are 8 science-based ways to improve your gut bacteria:

1. Eat a diverse range of foods, prebiotic foods can improve bacterial function, they help feed the healthy bacteria in our intestines.
2. Eat lots of vegetables, legumes, beans, and fruit
3. Eat common fermented foods these are rich in probiotics.
4. Eat prebiotic foods (be sure yogurt has the live strains)
5. If you can, breastfeed for at least 6 months and if possible try to have a natural birth (for those planning to have children or currently have a newborn as healthy bacteria is introduced to a baby only during childbirth)
6. Eat whole grains (if you are not gluten sensitive)
7. Eat foods rich in polyphenols (almonds, broccoli, dark chocolate)
8. Increase your intake of probiotics such as real yogurt, sauerkraut, kimichi and cheese.

However, another way to natural way to support your gut health is through the use of essential oils, particularly those from doTERRA, which offer potent, natural remedies that can ease digestive discomfort and promote balance.

In this blog, we’ll explore how essential oils and supplements like those from doTERRA can aid gut health and support women during perimenopause.

Understanding the Gut-Perimenopause Connection

Gut health and hormones are intricately linked. Estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol all influence how our digestive system functions. When hormone levels fluctuate during perimenopause, it can lead to symptoms like bloating, gas, indigestion, and even leaky gut. These symptoms can also increase stress, which further impacts gut health, creating a cycle of discomfort.

Maintaining a healthy gut microbiome during this stage of life is crucial for overall health. A balanced gut can help regulate hormones, reduce inflammation, and improve mood- all things that are important during perimenopause.

How Essential Oils Can Help

Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts known for their therapeutic benefits. doTERRA essential oils are popular for their purity and effectiveness. Many essential oils possess antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and soothing properties that can directly impact gut health. Here are a few specific oils and how they can be used to support your digestive system during perimenopause:

1. Peppermint Oil

Peppermint is well-known for its ability to soothe digestive discomfort. It helps relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing bloating, gas, and cramping. Studies have shown that peppermint oil can be particularly effective for those dealing with IBS symptoms, which can worsen during perimenopause.

How to Use:

• Add 1-2 drops of doTERRA’s Peppermint oil to a glass of water and drink after meals to ease bloating.
• For quick relief from cramping or indigestion, massage diluted peppermint oil onto your abdomen.
  

2. Ginger Oil

Ginger has long been used to promote digestive health and reduce inflammation. It stimulates digestion, making it easier for the body to break down food and absorb nutrients. Ginger can also reduce nausea, another common digestive issue that some women experience during perimenopause.

How to Use:

• Add a drop of doTERRA Ginger oil to your tea or water to improve digestion after a meal.
• Diffuse Ginger oil to ease nausea and promote a calming environment, particularly when you feel queasy.
  

3. DigestZen® (Digestive Blend)

One of doTERRA’s most popular blends, DigestZen is specifically designed to support digestive health. It contains a mix of essential oils, including Peppermint, Ginger, Fennel, and Coriander, all of which work together to alleviate indigestion, bloating, and gas.

How to Use:

• Add a few drops of DigestZen to water and drink before or after meals to prevent bloating.
• Rub DigestZen diluted with a carrier oil onto your abdomen for quick relief from digestive discomfort.

4. Lemon Oil

Lemon essential oil is great for supporting overall gut health by promoting detoxification. Lemon oil can stimulate the liver, helping it detoxify more efficiently, which is vital during perimenopause when hormonal balance is so important. The refreshing and alkalizing properties of lemon also support a healthy gut environment.

How to Use:

• Add a drop of doTERRA Lemon oil to warm water in the morning to help stimulate digestion and support liver function.
• Use Lemon oil in a diffuser to uplift your mood while supporting your body's natural detox processes.
  
  
  

5. Clary Sage Oil

Clary Sage is often praised for its hormone-balancing properties, but it also plays a role in gut health. By helping to balance hormones like estrogen, Clary Sage can indirectly benefit the digestive system. Its calming effects can also reduce stress, which is crucial since stress can exacerbate digestive issues.

How to Use:

• Apply Clary Sage diluted with a carrier oil to the bottoms of your feet or pulse points to support hormonal balance.
• Diffuse Clary Sage oil at night to promote relaxation, reducing stress that may lead to gut imbalances.

6. Fennel Oil

Fennel has been used for centuries to ease digestive discomfort. It helps alleviate bloating, supports healthy digestion, and can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes. During perimenopause, when digestive symptoms are more pronounced, fennel can be a helpful ally in keeping the gut functioning smoothly.

How to Use:

• Add 1-2 drops of doTERRA Fennel oil to water or tea to help support digestion.
• Massage diluted fennel oil onto your stomach to reduce gas and bloating.

How to Incorporate Essential Oils into Your Routine

While essential oils offer many benefits, they should be used safely and with intention. Here are some tips for incorporating them into your daily routine during perimenopause:

• Start slow: If you're new to essential oils, start with just one or two oils and see how your body responds before adding more.
• Dilute appropriately: Essential oils are potent, so always dilute them with a carrier oil (like coconut oil) before applying them to your skin.
• Use consistently: The benefits of essential oils build over time, so consistency is key. Incorporate them into your daily self-care routine for the best results.

DoTERRA Supplements for Perimenopause Support

In addition to essential oils, doTERRA offers a range of high-quality supplements that can support women’s health during perimenopause. These supplements are designed to provide essential nutrients, promote hormonal balance, and support overall wellness during this transitional phase of life. Here are a few key doTERRA supplements that can be beneficial for women going through perimenopause:

1. doTERRA Lifelong Vitality Pack®

The Lifelong Vitality Pack is one of doTERRA’s most popular supplement kits, designed to support overall health and wellness. This three-part system includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that can help balance hormones, boost energy levels, and support healthy aging—all of which are essential during perimenopause. Use this link to receive free shipping and membership valued at $35.00 https://doterra.me/R8xIRS 

• Alpha CRS+®: A powerful antioxidant blend that helps reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can become more prevalent during perimenopause due to hormonal fluctuations.
• xEO Mega®: A blend of omega-3 essential fatty acids and essential oils to support brain, heart, and joint health. Omega-3s are important for reducing inflammation and supporting mood balance.
• Microplex VMz®: A whole-food vitamin and mineral supplement that provides essential nutrients, such as magnesium and calcium, that help support bone health, energy production, and hormone regulation.

How it helps during perimenopause:
This combination of antioxidants, omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals supports energy, mood, immune function, and cellular health - all critical during the hormonal changes of perimenopause.

2. Phytoestrogen Essential Complex (US only)

doTERRA’s Phytoestrogen Essential Complex is a plant-based supplement specifically formulated to support healthy hormone levels in women. It contains natural phytoestrogens, which can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body and help balance hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause.

• Soy Isoflavones: Plant compounds that act like estrogen in the body, helping to ease common symptoms of perimenopause such as hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.
• Flaxseed Lignans: These lignans also provide phytoestrogens, supporting healthy hormone levels and helping to manage symptoms of estrogen dominance or deficiency.
• Pomegranate Extract: Known for its antioxidant properties, pomegranate extract can help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, which can be triggered by hormonal changes.

How it helps during perimenopause:
By providing natural phytoestrogens, this supplement helps support estrogen balance, easing symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings that often arise during perimenopause.

3. Bone Nutrient Lifetime Complex™ (US only)

Bone health is particularly important for women during perimenopause, as declining estrogen levels can lead to a decrease in bone density, increasing the risk of osteoporosis. The Bone Nutrient Lifetime Complex is designed to support bone strength and density, helping women maintain healthy bones as they age.

• Calcium and Magnesium: Both of these minerals are essential for maintaining strong bones. Magnesium also helps regulate calcium absorption, making it crucial for bone health during perimenopause.
• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is vital for calcium absorption and bone health. It also supports immune function and mood regulation, which are important during perimenopause.
• Vitamin C: In addition to supporting collagen production, which is essential for bone and skin health, vitamin C has antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress.

How it helps during perimenopause:
This supplement provides key nutrients that help maintain bone density and prevent the onset of osteoporosis, which becomes a bigger concern for women as they transition through perimenopause and beyond.

4. DDR Prime® Softgels

DDR Prime is a proprietary blend of essential oils designed to support cellular health. Cellular damage and oxidative stress can increase during perimenopause due to fluctuating hormones. DDR Prime Softgels offer a blend of oils that protect cells from oxidative damage and support healthy aging.

• Frankincense, Thyme, Lemongrass, and Clove: These oils are known for their powerful antioxidant properties, which protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress.
• Wild Orange and Litsea: These oils support the immune system and promote healthy inflammatory responses.
• Summer Savory and Niaouli: These essential oils help protect the integrity of cells and support the body’s natural detoxification processes.

How it helps during perimenopause:
DDR Prime helps protect the body from oxidative stress and supports cellular repair, both of which are essential during times of hormonal change. It also promotes a healthy inflammatory response, helping to reduce symptoms like bloating, aches, and joint discomfort.

5. Mito2Max® (US only)

Fatigue is a common symptom of perimenopause, driven by hormone fluctuations, sleep disturbances, and increased stress. Mito2Max is an energy and stamina complex designed to support healthy energy production at the cellular level, without relying on stimulants like caffeine.

• Ashwagandha Root: Known for its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha helps the body manage stress, support energy levels, and promote hormonal balance.
• Acetyl-L-carnitine and Alpha-lipoic Acid: These compounds help support mitochondrial function, boosting cellular energy and reducing feelings of fatigue.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): An important antioxidant that supports cellular energy production and protects cells from oxidative stress.

How it helps during perimenopause:
Mito2Max provides a natural way to enhance energy, reduce fatigue, and support the body’s ability to handle stress, which can help women maintain vitality and stamina during perimenopause.

6. PB Assist

doTERRA's PB Assist+® is a probiotic supplement designed to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is essential for hormone balance, digestion, and immune function.

Key Benefits for Perimenopausal Women:

• Supports Digestion: Eases bloating, gas, and constipation by promoting good gut bacteria.
• Promotes Hormonal Balance: A healthy gut helps regulate hormones, reducing symptoms like mood swings and sleep issues.
• Boosts Immunity: Strengthens your immune system, protecting against harmful pathogens.
• Improves Mood: Enhances serotonin production, positively impacting mood and reducing anxiety.
• Reduces Inflammation: Minimizes gut inflammation that can worsen perimenopausal symptoms.

How to Use: Take one capsule daily for ongoing support or three capsules daily for 10 days monthly to promote gut health.

Final Thoughts

Supporting your gut health during perimenopause is essential for overall well-being. doTERRA essential oils like Peppermint, Ginger, and Lemon offer natural solutions to digestive discomfort, while blends like DigestZen target gut issues directly. By incorporating these oils into your daily routine, you can help manage perimenopausal symptoms, restore balance to your gut, and improve your quality of life during this transition.

doTERRA offers a range of supplements that can provide essential support for women navigating the challenges of perimenopause. Whether you’re looking to balance hormones, boost energy, protect bone health, or improve gut health, these supplements provide a natural, plant-based approach to enhancing your well-being during this time. By incorporating these supplements into your daily routine, you can help your body stay balanced, energized, and strong as you go through perimenopause.

What next?

Ready to take control of your gut health naturally? Explore doTERRA’s supplements and essential oils to create a holistic routine that nurtures your body, balances your hormones, and enhances your well-being. Share your experiences with these products in the comments, and join the Midlife Flow community for more tips on thriving through perimenopause!

P.S. Whenever you're ready, here are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Dive deeper into nutrition for perimenopause – Grab my free guide to biohack perimenopause through hormone-balancing foods and start feeling better today. [Download Now]

2. Book a 1:1 coaching session – Let’s create a personalized plan to support your health and happiness during perimenopause. [Book Your Session]

3. Check out my YouTube channel – For holistic tips, real-life advice, and supportive community for navigating perimenopause. [Subscribe here]