Hormones + Aromatherapy

During the seasonal change that is womanhood, your hormones fluctuate and intrinsically your body's needs are shifting. 

Through menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum, + menopause, our hormones rise, fall, rage, soften. They shape how we feel, how we sleep, how we move through the world. And yet, the support we're offered is often clinical, cold, or absent altogether. 

At Her Temple, we return to something older. To rituals. To oils. To the plants that support our body in its own language. 

This is a guide to how aromatherapy can support you- not by "fixing" your hormones, but by honouring the systems that hold them. 

Let's walk through each phase, the hormones that define it, and the oils that bring balance. 

How aromatherapy supports hormonal shifts:

Essential oils don't directly alter your hormone levels- but they influence the nervous system and the endocrine response, which can:

• Lower cortisol (stress hormone), easing tension and supporting hormone balance
• Encourage the release of feel-good neurotransmitters (like serotonin + oxytocin)
• Support rest, regular cycles, and ground the emotional body. 

Menstruation:

Key hormones: Estrogen, testosterone, progesterone

Your body needs: Comfort, support

Best essential oils:

• Rosemary + marjoram: Helps relieve menstrual cramps
• Jasmine: Increases mood

Find menstrual support here

Pregnancy:

Key hormones: Estrogen, Progesterone, Oxytocin, Relaxin.

Your body needs: Calm, grounding, nausea support. 

Best essential oils:

• Ginger: Nausea support
• Lavender: Supports sleep, promotes calmness 
• Frankincense: Anchors + deepens breath
• Lemon + Mandarin: Uplifts mood, eases nausea

Find Pregnancy Support here

Labour:

Key hormones: Oxytocin

What your body needs: To decrease/avoid adrenaline (slows down labour dramatically) + increase oxytocin to promote contractions

Best Essential Oils:

• Clary Sage: Helps promote contractions
• Jasmine: Increases mood, helps relieve pain

Find labour support here

Postpartum:

Key hormones: Oxytocin, prolactin, low oestrogen/progesterone

Your body needs: Comfort, healing, nervous system regulation

Best Essential Oils:

• Geranium: Increases mood, antiseptic
• Lavender: Promotes sleep, calming effect

Find postpartum support here

Menopause:

Key hormones: Low estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, cortisol sensitivity

Your body needs: Cooling, mood regulation, deep rest

Best essential oils: 

• Frankincense: helps improve sleep
• Lemon: supports circulation + night sweat relief
• Geranium: Helps balance hormones
• Jasmine: Increases mood

Find menopause support here

The body is wise. 
Hormones shift as part of your sacred design. With rituals, scent, and intentional care; you can meet each transition with reverence.