Randomised trial, 2018
Does inhaling lavender oil help with premenstrual syndrome?
Yes. Inhalation of lavender oil reduces PMS symptoms compared with a control group, including anxiety, depression, nervousness, pain, and bloating.
What they did
40 university students were randomly assigned to receive lavender oil aromatherapy by inhalation and 37 to a control group. Both groups were followed for 3 menstrual cycles. The intervention group used lavender oil inhalation approximately 5 times per cycle.
What they found
PMS scores showed a statistically significant difference between the intervention and control groups when compared over the 3-cycle follow-up (p<0.05). There were significant differences in PMS scale scores and subscales for anxiety, depressive affect, nervousness, pain, bloating, and depressive thoughts when comparing pre-test to the 3rd follow-up (p<0.05).
What it means for you
Inhaling lavender oil appears to reduce multiple PMS symptoms, particularly anxiety, depression, nervousness, pain, and bloating. However, this study was conducted in university students, so results may not apply to all women with PMS. The intervention group sample size was also relatively small at 40 students.
40
students in intervention group
37
students in control group
3
menstrual cycles of follow-up
About the study
- Original title
- Effect of aromatherapy on coping with premenstrual syndrome: A randomized controlled trial
- Authors
- Uzunçakmak T, Ayaz Alkaya S
- Journal
- Complementary therapies in medicine
- Year
- 2018
- Study design
- Randomised trial
- Participants
- 40
- What was tested
- Inhalation aromatherapy with lavender oil (approximately 5 times per cycle) versus control
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2017.11.022
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2024
How common is dysmenorrhea related to PMS in university students, and how do they treat it?
Randomised trial, 2026
Does Kundalini Reiki help reduce PMS symptoms and improve quality of life?
Systematic review, 2008
What treatments work best for PMS and PMDD?
Survey study, 2026
What dietary, lifestyle, and psychological factors are associated with PMS in young women?
Survey study, 2026
Does exercise help college women with period problems and mental health?
Study, 2026
What are premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder?