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Essential Oils and Hashimoto's

Using Essential Oils to Combat Stress and Balance Thyroid Hormones

Medically reviewed and written by Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP

Dr. Izabella Wentz / February 13, 2019

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In recent years, there has been a spotlight on using essential oils as a tool to support everything from stress relief, to immune protection and sleep aid. Though they have been used for millennia, the science behind essential oil use is becoming better understood, and their application for a variety of ailments and conditions is becoming more and more mainstream. They may even be a helpful lifestyle intervention to relieve stress, balance hormones, and ease some of the symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are compounds extracted from plants via distillation or mechanical extraction, such as cold pressing. These compounds contain the plants’ aromas and flavors, or “essences,” in an ultra-concentrated form.

Extracted oils can be inhaled, applied topically, or ingested, depending on the type of oil and concentration. Some oils will need to be combined with a carrier oil (such as coconut or olive oil) to dilute it before topical application, as they are too potent on their own.

It’s important to note that certain oils are contraindicated for use around pets, pregnant women, nursing mothers, and young children. Additionally, those with multiple chemical sensitivities and asthma may need to avoid essential oils altogether. However, most people are able to use essential oils, and for many, they have become an important part of a daily routine that has helped them overcome stress — which in turn, has made an impact on their overall health.

What is Stress, and How Does It Affect Our Health?

Chronic stress is one of the greatest factors influencing our hormonal health, and essential oils have been an effective lifestyle intervention for some people who are looking to lessen the burden of stress on their bodies.

Stress affects so many different bodily functions, including metabolism, hormone production, immune system regulation, and emotional response.

When we encounter stressors, whether physical or psychological, the body’s systems spring into action. First, adrenaline is released, forcing the body into “fight-or-flight” mode as one’s heart rate and blood pressure are increased. Next, cortisol (the stress hormone) raises glucose levels in the bloodstream to produce energy for the “fight.”

In “fight” mode, the adrenal glands produce adrenaline and control your response to stress. They cannot, however, identify the sources of your stress — are you being chased by a bear, or are you stuck in traffic? — so they will pump out cortisol, no matter the situation. When this type of stress response happens on a chronic basis, as is common with our modern, hectic lifestyles, the result is a constant cycle of adrenal activation, with elevated (and imbalanced) hormones.

There are several common symptoms of imbalanced hormones, including:

  • Fatigue: Chronic stress and too much cortisol lead to adrenal fatigue, and can cause an imbalance of thyroid hormones, as well as issues related to energy levels and metabolism.
  • Weight Issues: Chronic stress puts the body in a state of famine, where it feels it needs to eat every time it encounters food. This leads to food cravings, binge eating, blood sugar imbalances, and weight gain.
  • Sleep: Cortisol affects your ability to fall asleep and sink into that deep, restful REM sleep you need to recharge.
  • Low Libido: Stress causes the body to go into survival mode and signal the body that it’s not a good time for intimacy. If the reproductive system isn’t producing the proper amounts of estrogen and testosterone, one’s libido will be lowered in favor of survival.
  • Cognitive Issues: Stress affects the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which decreases our memory formation, increases anxiety levels, triggers inflammation, and disrupts sleep patterns. There is some evidence that this type of stress also increases the risk for brain-related diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s.
  • Digestive Issues: Chronic, excess levels of cortisol can cause the digestive system to shut down in favor of dealing with the particular stressor at hand. This can lead to a number of digestive difficulties, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and ulcers. Additionally, chronic stress directly impacts the trillions of healthy gut bacteria and weakens the lining of the gut, leaving it susceptible to leaky gut and nutritional deficiencies.

These symptoms of hormone imbalance (which are often experienced by those with Hashimoto’s) can eventually lead to more serious conditions, like Type 2 diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and heart disease.

How Stress Impacts Thyroid Hormones

In stressful situations, the body also decreases thyroid function in order to preserve energy to deal with the issue at hand. In an acute stress situation, this can be a good thing! “Fight or flight” mode can save us from danger and help us tackle the challenging situations in life. However, problems arise when this type of stress is ongoing and the body is constantly suppressing thyroid function to preserve its resources.

Normally, T4 converts to T3, while a small portion gets converted into Reverse T3 to keep your system balanced. An increase in stress causes our bodies to convert too much T3 into Reverse T3. This, in turn, causes the body’s metabolism to slow down to preserve energy.

Additionally, high or low cortisol levels, caused by chronic stress to the adrenal glands, can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). If left unmanaged, these blood sugar imbalances can lead to hypothyroid symptoms.

An increase in cortisol will also disrupt the balance of the HPT (hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid) axis, which the body relies on to keep thyroid levels steady.

Essential Oils for Calming Stress

So, how do we reduce stress and alleviate the hormonal imbalances that can wreak havoc on our thyroid and whole-body health?

Self-care is vital for lowering stress levels and bringing our bodies back into balance, which will allow us to address the other areas of our health that need our focus.

Studies have shown that, when cortisol levels are high, inhaling essential oils can calm the mind and relax the body, leading to lowered stress levels and more balanced hormones. While there may not be a “magic” essential oil that will cure your hormone imbalances, certain properties found in essential oils can allow hormone levels to reset themselves. It’s important to note that, even though essential oils exhibit specialized properties, they are not hormones themselves. Instead, they may help to create an environment where the body is able to produce the hormones it needs to heal itself.

While there are hundreds of different essential oils with different applications, some of the most popular oils used to combat stress are:

  • Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia)
    • Most widely studied essential oil
    • Soothes the mind, calms the nervous system, and relieves tension/anxiety
    • Supports restful sleep
  • Frankincense (Boswellia carterii, B. frereana, and B. sacra)
    • Promotes feelings of calm and relaxation
    • Supports the immune, nervous, and digestive systems
  • Bergamot (Citrus bergamia)
    • Dissolves anxious feelings while uplifting one’s emotions
    • Cleanses and purifies the mind and body
  • Cedarwood (Juniperus virginiana)
    • Soothes the mind and body to promote vitality and relaxation
    • Aids in emotional balance and overall wellness
    • Allows the body to find a natural calm and increases confidence
  • Clary Sage (Salvia sclarea)
    • Provides calm and relaxation to the mind and body
    • Alleviates muscle tension and cramping
    • Supports a restful night’s sleep by calming mental chatter
  • Wild Orange (Citrus sinensis)
    • Uplifts and energizes the mind and body
    • Eases digestive discomfort
    • Purifies and stimulates the body’s system, especially the immune system

As you can see, essential oils can provide a multitude of different health benefits!

The Essential Oils Hormone Solution

I’m excited to share that my colleague, Dr. Mariza Snyder, just released a new book full of useful information to help you utilize essential oils to reduce stress, balance hormones, and boost your health.

In The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, you will learn how to heal hormonal chaos and revitalize the body from the inside out with the support of high-quality essential oils. You’ll learn how essential oils work on a cellular level to mitigate the toxic loads we carry. You’ll also learn how to use essential oils to reduce cravings, get deep, restful sleep, ease stress, improve mood, banish the worst symptoms of PMS, regain focus and concentration, boost libido, and increase energy.

Featuring a 14-day plan to jumpstart your hormonal health, with over 100 essential oil blends, daily self-care rituals, and delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes, this book will teach you how to reset your body and pave the way for improved hormonal health.

In The Essential Oils Hormone Solution, you will learn:

  • What hormones are, what their roles are in our body, and how they
    become unbalanced.
  • How essential oils work to reset and improve hormonal levels, and how they can mitigate the toxic load that we’re carrying — and likely don’t even know exists.
  • The specific therapeutic properties of the oils most commonly used to treat hormonal symptoms.
  • How to best use different essential oils and create everyday rituals to enhance your health and well-being.
  • Over 100 recipes for essential oil blends created to implement specific solutions for your individualized needs.
  • How to jumpstart your hormonal health in just 14 days with meal plans, exercise recommendations, rituals, and supportive essential oils.

Getting to the root cause of hormonal imbalance takes some time and introspection, but this book will give you a step-by-step system to balance your hormones and leave you feeling energized, joyful, and revitalized. I encourage you to pick up your copy of The Essential Oils Hormone Solution today!

I hope this information helps you on your road to reduced stress and better hormonal health. I’d love to hear how essential oils have worked for you!

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Filed Under: Resources, Symptoms Tagged With: adrenal fatigue, essential oils, Fatigue, Hashimoto's, Hormone Balancing, Hypothyroidism, Low Libido, Sleep, Stress, Weight

Dr. Izabella Wentz

Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is a clinical pharmacist, New York Times Bestselling Author, and a pioneering expert in lifestyle interventions for treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

She received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy at the age of 23, and has worked as a community pharmacist, a clinical consulting pharmacist, as well as a medication safety pharmacist. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and holds certifications in Medication Therapy Management and Advanced Diabetes Care.

Dr. Wentz has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. As a patient advocate, researcher, clinician and educator, she is committed to raising awareness on how to overcome autoimmune thyroid disease.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. ANN says

    March 1, 2019 at 8:58 PM

    You have much information. Wich is good. But do stressful to read all the e books so please can you tell me how many essential oil drops need i use like clary sage for calm ,stress??
    Do i need to put drops on my hands and what part of the body?? Thanks so much

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 5, 2019 at 7:03 AM

      Ann – thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry you are struggling with this. You may want to reach out to Dr. Mariza Snyder and her team. She is the author of the book “The Essential Oils Hormone Solution” that I talked about in this article. Here is a link to her website: https://www.drmariza.com/

      Reply
  2. Gabi says

    March 3, 2019 at 3:43 AM

    I am very excited about your helpfully blogs and especially about this one. Lavendel oil helps me to fall asleep and so I am interest on this book but I can not find a german version. I am looking forward to become a recommendation for a similary edition.

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 5, 2019 at 6:33 AM

      Gabi – thank you of following this page. I am so happy you are enjoying my website and this article. You may want to reach out to reach out to Dr. Mariza Snyder and her team at https://www.drmariza.com/ and they should be able to give you more information regarding translations. <3

      Reply
  3. Beckah says

    April 4, 2019 at 3:30 AM

    Hey, so I’ve just been prescribed with taking progestin for 5 days, because I haven’t had my period for quite some time. My blood test showed I have a slightly underactive thyroid, so my question is…should I just take the pills and be done with it, or is there a more natural alternative I can try? I really don’t like taking drugs, but I already live really healthy (vegan, gluten free, whole foods, no sugar or oil…), so I’m not sure what else I could change. I considered maybe trying seed cycling or essential oils, but I’d love to hear your opinion!
    Thanks so much 🙂
    Beckah

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      April 4, 2019 at 5:31 AM

      Beckah – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey. <3 I understand how hard this is. I am not able to advise on whether the progestin or another supplement would be better for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor. I believe that everyone needs a practitioner that will let him/her be a part of the healthcare team. You want someone that can guide you, that will also listen to you and your concerns. You want someone that’s open to thinking outside of the box and who understands that you may not fit in with the standard of care. It's a good idea to ask some standard questions when contacting a new doctor for the first time. Something else to consider is you can work with a functional doctor remotely, via Skype. You could also contact your local pharmacist or compounding pharmacy, who may be able to point you to a local doctor who has a natural functional approach. But I encourage you to keep looking for the right one for you! Here are some resources you might find helpful.
      CLINICIAN DATABASE
      https://thyroidpharmacist.com/database-recommended-clinicians/

      FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
      https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/

      COMPOUNDING PHARMACIES
      http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/recommended-compounding-pharmacies.html

      Reply
  4. Lori Wuebker says

    July 27, 2019 at 5:04 PM

    Dr Wentz~ do you recommend Vetiver essential oil for people with hypothyroid condition? ~I appreciate any response on this subject. 🙂

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella says

      August 8, 2019 at 7:19 AM

      Lori – thank you for reaching out! That is a very interesting question. I haven’t seen any papers on the benefits for Vetiver oil yet but I will add it to my research list <3

      Reply
  5. Chasity says

    February 25, 2022 at 11:40 AM

    Hi, I have been trying to learn more about oils and food to help with my Hashimotos. I enjoyed your article. One aromatherapist told me to avoid citrus oils because they can stimulate the immune system and aggravate an autoimmune disease, but I saw that you recommended wild orange. Is there a danger in it causing my body to attack my thyroid further? I really enjoy orange so would enjoy keeping it around, but don’t want to do damage.

    Reply
    • Dr. Izabella Wentz says

      March 10, 2022 at 6:59 AM

      Chasity – thank you for following!❤️ While I recommend interventions that I have researched, everybody is different and everybody will react differently, and therefore it would be best to speak with a practitioner, especially if you have concerns about wild orange being too stimulating to your immune system.

      Reply

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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.


Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.


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