Aromatherapy for the Management of Menopause Symptoms: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Numerous studies have found aromatherapy beneficial during menopause; however, some of its effects are still unclear in past meta-analyses, and no comprehensive study has consolidated and analyzed grading evidence of its impact on menopausal symptoms. Therefore, the present meta-analysis aimed to determine and update the impact of aromatherapy on the management of menopausal symptoms.

We conducted a comprehensive literature search using PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library until January 20, 2024, without any limitations on language, time, or region to find randomized clinical trials. To evaluate the included trials' methodology, we used version 2 of the Cochrane Handbook's risk-of-bias assessment, as well as GRADEpro GDT (Guideline Development Tool) for quality evidence and Review Manager software (RevMan version 5.1) for analysis.

We conducted a meta-analysis of 13 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with mixed quality from 15 trials with 1217 participants. Compared to the control group, aromatherapy reduced physical (SMD -0.93, 95% CI -1.19 to -0.67, P<0.00001), psychological (SMD -0.83, 95% CI -1.13 to -0.54, P<0.00001), and overall symptoms (SMD -1.51, 95% CI -2.11 to -0.90, P<0.00001), enhanced sexual function (MD 5.58, 95% CI 0.98 to 10.17, P=0.02), and the quality of sleep (MD -4.51, 95% CI -7.45 to -1.57, P=0.003). The evidence grading for physical symptoms was moderate, and other variables were low to very low.

Aromatherapy is efficacious for managing the symptoms of menopause. However, there is insufficient high-quality evidence for some outcomes, indicating the necessity for additional research.