• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Q&A

Fertility Health Q&A: Essential Oils and Hormonal Balance

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 25, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

The use of essential oils (EOs) is fairly mainstream today. They are viewed as easy self-care tools and readily available almost no matter where you look (although not all the same quality). While many use them for the simple reason that they smell amazing, EOs are also therapeutic. Essential oils can be a wonderful addition to a natural fertility program, yet their ability to shift hormonal balance is something we’ve yet to learn enough about to suggest their use alone. I’d like to shed a little more light on essential oils and hormonal balance here. I hope this Q&A is helpful!

Q1: When is the best time during each cycle to use each oil [essential oil]? I have Geranium, Clary Sage, Lemon, Thyme and Fennel.”

A: Each oil can be used throughout the menstrual cycle when preparing for conception. Unless you are working one on one with an aromatherapist or midwife trained in essential oil use, Geranium, Clary Sage, Thyme and Fennel are best not used after ovulation when you begin actively trying to conceive. These essential oils are not intended for use in pregnancy and because our hope is that you have conceived and are pregnant during the two-week wait, we have to suggest they be stopped at ovulation. Lemon is so uplifting and such a fresh scent. It is a gentle essential oil and may be fine in moderation to diffuse into the air or clean with while trying to conceive, but continue to do your research to decide if this is right for you.

Q2: As I understood it, Thyme is for progesterone, so wouldn’t this one be useful during the 2-week wait?”

A: First, I want to share that thyme essential oil is most notably known for its antiseptic, antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties. This is primarily how I see it promoted. There are web resources sharing that it helps the body improve production of progesterone. This isn’t completely truthful, I don’t think. Thyme essential oil is not known to nourish the endocrine system (the body system responsible for the production of and coordination of the delivery of most hormones) and does not help the ovaries (corpus luteum after ovulation), testes, adrenal glands, or placenta (in pregnancy) produce/make progesterone.

Thyme, Fennel, and many other whole plants (Nutmeg, Cloves, Turmeric, Cumin, etc.) are plant sources of phyto-progestins or plant progestins and have a progesterone-binding capacity. This means they have the potential to act as progesterone when ingested and used by the body – and have the ability to interact with the body’s naturally produced progesterone only by way of binding to progesterone receptor sites. This is not necessarily a bad thing, particularly if one has low progesterone. It may be counterproductive if one’s progesterone levels are too high or elevated.

With that, thyme is one of the six highest progesterone-binding herbs and spices commonly consumed according to one study published in the journal Society for Experimental Biology and Medicine, yet 2 grams (g) of the whole herb provides approximately 4 micrograms (mcg) plant progesterone. One would need to consume a lot of the whole thyme plant to significantly impact progesterone levels. Further, I have yet to see sound evidence that suggests using the whole herbs and spices named here (in moderation) in cooking or as medicine have the potential to impact hormonal balance.

So, about when to use Thyme essential oil to support hormonal balance and healthy progesterone levels, if it has been determined through testing that your levels are low, we still are only able to suggest its use before ovulation when actively trying to conceive. Our hope is that in the two-week wait you have conceived and because it is best to only use essential oils in pregnancy under the supervision of a practitioner trained in their use, we cannot make a blanket statement about essential oil safety during this time. Consider continuing your research with a reputable resource like the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy or consult an aromatherapist near you.

There are more well-known, clinically-proven ways to naturally support healthy progesterone levels, that are perhaps more reliable than essential oils, that we share in our Progesterone Fertility Guide.

Q3: “Can I take the utericalm with essential oils (i.e. balance and clary calm) on a medicated cycle?”

A: First, Fertilica UteriCalmTM could be considered while also using essential oils (EOs) in preparation or before beginning the medicated cycle. UteriCalm alone can be considered during a medicated cycle with the approval of your healthcare provider. This formula has no herbs in it that impact hormone balance.

Essential oil blends designed to support hormonal balance (as well as herbs intended to do the same) should be discontinued prior to beginning a medicated fertility cycle (IVF being one example). If you are currently already on fertility medications or undergoing a procedure, it is best not to combine herbs and EOs with your medications. Herbs and EOs that act on the hormonal system could affect how your medications are working and we don’t want anything to interfere with the expensive, emotion-filled procedure. If you have not yet begun your medicated cycle and are taking herbs or using EOs to support healthy hormonal balance, they are best discontinued two weeks prior to beginning the procedure.

We have several resources on how to support yourself through medicated fertility cycles. If you would like support or to see them, reach out to us here…

For additional information on essential oils for fertility, these resources can help:
Aromatherapy for Fertility
How to Enhance the Benefits of Castor Oil with Essential Oils
Increasing Fertility Through the Use of Essential Oils
Herbal Fertility Massage Oil – Nurturing the Reproductive System

References

  • Ruper, S. (2012, Jan. 21). What progesterone blockers do you eat? Tumeric, thyme, oregano, camomille, and other “phyto-progestins”. Retrieved from: http://paleoforwomen.com/tumeric-thyme-oregano-camomille-and-other-progesterone-antagonists-or-phyto-progestins/
  • Zava, D. T., Dollbaum, C. M., & Blen, M. (1998). Estrogen and Progestin Bioactivity of Foods, Herbs, and Spices. Experimental Biology and Medicine, 217(3), 369-378. doi:10.3181/00379727-217-44247. Retrieved from: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3181/00379727-217-44247

« Previous Post
Understanding the Fertility Health Impact of Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
Next Post »
Best Practices For Interpreting Hormone Levels After Fertility Testing

About the Author

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 21

Open
To make an impact on your health, you will need to first learn the actions and steps to take... then you will need to be consistent with those actions. It is the consistency that brings you the results. You are going to be human and not be perfect 100% of the time. Just accept that and get back to it. Consistency, day in and out, is more important than being perfect. You can't be 100% perfect for long, but you can be consistent every day.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 19

Open
If you’ve undergone many consecutive fertility treatments without a successful pregnancy, it could be time for a break. Taking a break gives your body a chance to cleanse, reset and recover. Relief from the side effects and stress could be exactly what you need for a fresh start for your fertility journey.

Use the time to work on yourself- mind and body. A break might even give you the opportunity to find a new sense of peace or a new version of your fertility program.
​
Learn more about natural therapies you can use to help your body reset after medical fertility treatments...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 13

Open
After 6 unsuccessful IUIs and one IVF of the same result, Angela takes a break and discovers the Natural Fertility Company. Using our resources to help her implement some changes, she has a much different result on her next IVF at 43. Click through the slides to read her story...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 11

Open
Q: My partner smokes, will this affect his fertility?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 6

Open
I have KMF imprinted on many of my personal belongings as a constant reminder to Keep Moving Forward. This started to be my mantra about 20 years ago when I was in a tough patch and knew the only way was through, and step by step. Keep moving forward. What is the next step, shuffle or even pause that may need to happen? Whatever it is, move towards it, into it, and forward.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 4

Open
With so many chemicals and outside factors contributing to estrogen dominance in the body, it is good to help support hormonal balance and one way to do that is through foods.
​
​Here are some tips, including foods that help to promote the body's natural ability to get rid of excess estrogens. ..
​
​Are you getting any of these foods in your weekly diet?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 1

Open
Trish conceives her second child with natural therapies at 37. Swipe through to read her story... 
​
​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 30

Open
Q: I have heavy periods, should I be concerned about using tampons?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 28

Open
I knew what my life's calling was at a very young age. At around 16, I had a dream where a dreadlocked rasta man came to me (Burning Spears to be exact) and in that dream was told that I was to be a healer. It was the type of dream that was more real than reality. The next day I woke up feeling different than I had ever felt before. Later on that day, we had new neighbors move into the house above us and a woman came and introduced herself. When I opened the door, she said her name and told me she was opening up a school of healing and that I was to be one of her students. It was one of the most intense series of events in my life. I went on to go to her school and my path started with an amazing community and so much support. What are one of the most life changing experiences you have had? I would love to hear...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 24

Open
Stress can be one of the primary factors behind infertility. Believe it or not, our bodies are equipped to prevent conception from occurring during times of extreme stress. The presence of adrenaline, the hormone that is released by our bodies during stressful times, signals to our body that conditions are not ideal for conception. Adrenaline inhibits us from utilizing the hormone progesterone, which is essential for fertility. It also causes the pituitary gland to release higher levels of prolactin, which also causes infertility to occur.
​
​Swipe left for ways to reduce the effect of stress on your fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 21

Open
At 39, Milissa focuses on natural ways to prevent another miscarriage & goes on to conceive. Swipe through the slides to read more about her journey... 
​
​
​**​​While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Mar 17

Open
​We come into contact with xenohormones on a daily basis. Once you know where and what they are, you can avoid them or not use products that contain them. There has been extensive research on the connection between xenohormones and hormone disruption, which leads us to fertility issues and imbalances. Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...
​
​If you would like support in getting started with your Ditch and Switch, download my free guide on how to get started. The link is in our Bio.
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us