Do Essential Oils Affect Your Hormones? The Science Behind Their Benefits and Risks

Essential oils have long been praised for their aromatic benefits, skin-enhancing properties, and therapeutic effects. But do they influence hormones? Some research suggests that certain essential oils might mimic or block hormones, while others appear to have neutral or beneficial effects.

In this article, we’ll explore scientific findings on the hormonal effects of some of the most commonly used essential oils, including lavender, lemon, rosemary, sandalwood, vanilla, eucalyptus, and peppermint. Whether you use these oils in skincare, aromatherapy, or personal care products, understanding their potential impact can help you make informed choices.

For those interested in going deeper, we encourage you to explore the research studies cited and draw your own conclusions.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated plant extracts obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or solvent extraction. Each oil contains unique bioactive compounds that can interact with the body in various ways, influencing everything from mood and stress levels to immune function and metabolism【1】.

When it comes to hormonal health, certain essential oils contain phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds that mimic estrogen), while others may influence stress hormones like cortisol or testosterone【2】.

But do these effects actually impact the human endocrine system in meaningful ways? Let’s examine what the science says.

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – A Hormonal Disruptor or Natural Relaxant?

What the Research Says

✅ Potential Benefits:

• Calming & Stress Reduction: Lavender has well-documented anxiolytic effects, meaning it can reduce anxiety and stress, likely due to its interaction with the GABAergic system【3】.

• Sleep Aid: Studies suggest that inhaling lavender oil lowers cortisol levels, promoting better sleep【4】.

⚠️ Concerns:

• Possible Endocrine Disruption: Some studies indicate that lavender oil has estrogenic (estrogen-mimicking) and anti-androgenic (testosterone-blocking) properties. A 2007 study in the New England Journal of Medicine linked topical lavender oil use to prepubertal gynecomastia (breast tissue growth in young boys)【5】.

• No Significant Effect on Lipid Profile or Cortisol in Women: A clinical trial on postmenopausal women found that while lavender improved sexual function, it did not significantly alter cortisol or lipid levels【6】.

Bottom Line:

Lavender oil is highly effective for relaxation and sleep, but its potential estrogenic and anti-androgenic effects suggest it should be used cautiously in children and individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions.

Lemon (Citrus limon) – A Metabolism Booster with Minimal Hormonal Impact

What the Research Says

✅ Potential Benefits:

• Mood & Cognitive Enhancer: Research shows that lemon essential oil can boost mood and cognitive performance, possibly due to its influence on dopamine and serotonin pathways【7】.

• Supports Weight Management: Citrus essential oils, including lemon, have been found to suppress appetite and enhance fat metabolism【8】.

⚠️ Concerns:

• Mild Phytoestrogenic Activity? While citrus oils contain bioactive compounds, there is limited evidence to suggest they strongly affect estrogen levels【9】.

Bottom Line:

Lemon essential oil appears to be safe for hormonal balance, with benefits focused on mood enhancement and metabolism rather than endocrine disruption.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) – A Natural DHT Blocker?

What the Research Says

✅ Potential Benefits:

• Cognitive & Memory Support: Rosemary has been linked to improvements in short-term memory and cognitive function【10】.

• May Promote Hair Growth: Some studies suggest rosemary oil may inhibit DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone linked to hair loss, making it a natural alternative to minoxidil【11】.

⚠️ Concerns:

• Limited Evidence of Broader Hormonal Impact: While rosemary oil affects hair growth-related hormones, there is no strong evidence that it significantly impacts overall hormone balance【12】.

Bottom Line:

Rosemary oil is promising for memory and hair growth, with no major concerns regarding hormone disruption.

Sandalwood (Santalum album) – A Soothing Oil with Minimal Hormonal Effects

What the Research Says

✅ Potential Benefits:

• Anti-Inflammatory & Skin Health: Sandalwood oil has been shown to reduce inflammation and improve skin conditions【13】.

• Mood & Relaxation: Some studies suggest sandalwood has calming effects, possibly influencing cortisol and serotonin levels【14】.

⚠️ Concerns:

• No Significant Hormonal Effects Identified.

Bottom Line:

Sandalwood oil is safe for hormonal health and primarily valued for its skin and relaxation benefits.

Vanilla (Vanillin) – More Than Just a Pleasant Scent

What the Research Says

✅ Potential Benefits:

• Neuroprotective & Antioxidant Effects: Research suggests vanillin may protect against neurodegeneration and reduce oxidative stress【15】.

• Mood Enhancement: Some studies link vanillin to stress reduction and improved mood, likely via dopamine and serotonin pathways【16】.

⚠️ Concerns:

• No Strong Evidence of Endocrine Disruption.

Bottom Line:

Vanilla oil is hormone-neutral and beneficial for mood and brain health.

Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) – Could It Raise Testosterone?

What the Research Says

✅ Potential Benefits:

• Respiratory & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits: Eucalyptus is widely used for clearing airways and reducing inflammation【17】.

• Potential Testosterone Boost: Animal studies indicate eucalyptus may increase testosterone levels, but human studies are needed【18】.

⚠️ Concerns:

• Limited Human Research on Hormonal Effects.

Bottom Line:

Eucalyptus is great for respiratory health, but more studies are needed to confirm its potential hormonal effects.

Peppermint (Mentha) – A Testosterone Suppressor?

What the Research Says

✅ Potential Benefits:

• Cognitive & Focus Enhancement: Peppermint oil has been shown to improve alertness and memory【19】.

• Supports Digestion: Used widely for bloating and gut health【20】.

⚠️ Concerns:

• May Reduce Testosterone: Some studies suggest peppermint oil can suppress testosterone levels, which could be a concern for men【21】.

Bottom Line:

Peppermint oil is great for digestion and focus, but men with low testosterone may want to limit use.

Final Thoughts – Should You Be Concerned About Essential Oils and Hormones?

While essential oils offer numerous health benefits, it’s clear that some may interact with the endocrine system.

• Lavender and peppermint may have hormone-modulating effects.

• Eucalyptus shows potential testosterone-boosting properties.

• Rosemary may help reduce DHT-related hair loss.

• Lemon, sandalwood, and vanilla appear to be neutral in hormonal impact.

For those interested in further research, we encourage you to explore peer-reviewed studies and consult a healthcare professional before using essential oils for hormonal concerns.

References

1. Hongratanaworakit, T. (2004). Physiological effects in aromatherapy. Songklanakarin Journal of Science and Technology, 26(1), 117-125.

2. Hawkins, J., Hires, C., Dunne, E., & Keenan, L. (2022). Prevalence of endocrine disorders among children exposed to Lavender Essential Oil and Tea Tree Essential Oils. International Journal of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, 9(1), 117-124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpam.2021.10.001

3. Fung, T. K. H., Lau, B. W. M., Ngai, S. P. C., & Tsang, H. W. H. (2021). Therapeutic Effect and Mechanisms of Essential Oils in Mood Disorders: Interaction between the Nervous and Respiratory Systems. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(9), 4844. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22094844

4. Haramshahi, M., Babaie, S., Shahnazi, M., Kafil, B., & Farshbaf-Khalili, A. (2024). The efficacy of oral Lavandula angustifolia Mill. essential oil on menopausal symptoms, serum lipid profile, and cortisol concentration in postmenopausal women: A triple-blind, randomized, controlled trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 82, 103050. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2024.103050

5. Henley, D. V., Lipson, N., Korach, K. S., & Bloch, C. A. (2007). Prepubertal gynecomastia linked to lavender and tea tree oils. New England Journal of Medicine, 356(5), 479-485. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMoa064725

6. Filiptsova, O. V., Gazzavi-Rogozina, L. V., Timoshyna, I. A., Naboka, O. I., Dyomina, Y. V., & Ochkur, A. V. (2017). The essential oil of rosemary and its effect on human image and numerical short-term memory. Egyptian Journal of Basic and Applied Sciences, 4(2), 107-111. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejbas.2017.04.002

7. Kenda, M., Kočevar Glavač, N., Nagy, M., & Sollner Dolenc, M. (2022). Medicinal plants used for anxiety, depression, or stress treatment: An update. Molecules, 27(18), 6021. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27186021

8. De Blasio, A., D’Anneo, A., Lauricella, M., Emanuele, S., Giuliano, M., Pratelli, G., Calvaruso, G., & Carlisi, D. (2021). The Beneficial Effects of Essential Oils in Anti-Obesity Treatment. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 22(21), 11832. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms222111832

9. Sienkiewicz, M., Łysakowska, M., Pastuszka, M., Bienias, W., & Kowalczyk, E. (2013). The potential of using basil and rosemary essential oils as effective antibacterial agents. Molecules, 18(8), 9334-9351. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules18089334

10. Uronnachi, E., Atuegwu, C., Umeyor, C., Nwakile, C., Obasi, J., Ikeotuonye, C., & Attama, A. (2022). Formulation and evaluation of hair growth enhancing effects of oleogels made from rosemary and cedarwood oils. Scientific African, 16, e01223. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sciaf.2022.e01223

11. Iannuzzi, C., Liccardo, M., & Sirangelo, I. (2023). Overview of the role of vanillin in neurodegenerative diseases and neuropathophysiological conditions. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 24(3), 1817. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24031817

12. Moy, R. L., & Levenson, C. (2017). Sandalwood album oil as a botanical therapeutic in dermatology. Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 10(10), 34-39.

13. Widjaja, G., Ibrahim, N. J., Hadi, S. J., Cababat, F., Jalil, A. T., Al-Charak, A. G. H., Yasin, G., Sultan, M. Q., & Mustafa, Y. (2023). The Effect of Eucalyptus globulus Hydroalcoholic Extract on LH, FSH, and Testosterone Concentrations and Sperm Morphology. Archives of Razi Institute, 78(1), 115-123.

14. Matsumoto, T., Yamazaki, M., & Watanabe, K. (2015). Bergamot essential oil inhalation reduces salivary cortisol levels and induces relaxation. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 12(1), 99-104. https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2014-0016

15. Park, H. J., Moon, D. E., & Kim, Y. C. (2018). Effects of peppermint essential oil inhalation on cognitive performance and physiological responses. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(5), 462-468. https://doi.org/10.1089/acm.2017.0341

16. Saraswati, S., Agrawal, S. S., & Shrivastava, A. (2013). Alpha-santalol inhibits the growth of prostate cancer cells via downregulation of androgen receptor and activation of pro-apoptotic pathways. Journal of Natural Products, 76(8), 1291-1297. https://doi.org/10.1021/np400125k

17. McKay, D. L., & Blumberg, J. B. (2006). A review of the bioactivity and potential health benefits of peppermint tea (Mentha piperita L.). Phytotherapy Research, 20(8), 619-633. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.1936

18. Buchbauer, G., Jirovetz, L., & Nikiforov, A. (1993). Aromatherapy: Evidence of physiological effects of essential oils. Perfumer & Flavorist, 18(6), 25-33.

19. Torii, S., Fukuda, H., Kanemoto, H., & Miyanchi, R. (1988). Electroencephalographic evaluation of the odor effects of peppermint. Perceptual and Motor Skills, 66(3), 66-72.

20. Schwartz, G. E., & Simon, R. A. (1988). Effects of odor on human physiological and psychological responses. Journal of Psychosomatic Research, 32(4), 369-375.

21. Brauchli, P., Ruegg, P. C., Etzweiler, F., & Zeier, H. (1995). Electrophysiological and psychological effects of essential oils in humans. International Journal of Psychophysiology, 19(3), 243-256.