A Comparative Study on the Effects of Aromatherapy with Rosa damascena, Lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and Citrus aurantium Essential Oils on the Severity of Premenstrual Syndrome Symptoms in Married Women at Reproductive Age

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.

2 Assistant Professor, Department of Midwifery, Reproductive and Population Health Research Center, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.

3 Associate Professor, Department of Midwifery, Faculty of Medicine, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.

4 M.Sc. of Biostatistics, Social Determinants of Health Research Center, School of Health, Gonabad University of Medical Sciences, Gonabad, Iran.

10.22038/ijogi.2025.81889.6170

Abstract

Introduction: Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) encompasses a range of distressing symptoms that can significantly disrupt women's daily functioning and contribute to various challenges. This study was conducted with aim to assess the effect of aromatherapy using essential oils of Rosa damascena, lavender (Lavandula stoechas), and Citrus aurantium in reducing the severity of PMS symptoms in women.
Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted in 2022-2023 on 128 married women of reproductive age experiencing PMS symptoms, who attended the comprehensive health service centers in Gonabad. Participants were randomly allocated to four groups, each consisting of 32 individuals. The intervention groups received treatment with 30% essential oils, and aromatherapy was administered over two consecutive menstrual cycles starting one week prior to menstruation and continuing until four days after its onset, twice daily for five minutes. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 26) and Kruskal-Wallis, one-way ANOVA, Wilcoxon, and chi-square tests. P<0.05 was considered significant.
Results: Lavender was found to be more effective in alleviating the overall symptoms of PMS compared to Rosa damascena and Citrus aurantium. Aromatherapy led to a significant reduction in mood-related, physical, and social symptoms across all intervention groups (p<0.05). Moreover, significant improvements in psychological and behavioral symptoms were observed in both the Rosa damascena (p<0.001) and lavender groups (p<0.001). No statistically significant changes were noted in the control group (p>0.05).
Conclusion: Although lavender demonstrated the higher efficacy in reducing PMS symptoms, aromatherapy with all three essential oils exerted positive effects on mood, psychological, and physical symptoms associated with PMS.

Keywords

Main Subjects

References

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The Iranian Journal of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Infertility
Volume 28, Issue 1
March 2025
Pages 58-69

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