Vaginal dryness often develops in women going through menopause because of the hormone changes it entails. Because the symptoms of menopause can be so bothersome, women often turn to herbal remedies to improve the condition. Black cohosh is one of the commonly used supplements recommended for women bothered by vaginal dryness and other menopause symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. However, you should always speak with a trusted medical professional before using black cohosh or any other supplements to improve your health.
Plant Description
Black cohosh is a flowering plant that can be found mainly in the eastern regions of the United States, according to the USDA. It reaches heights of 8 feet and can be as wide as 2 feet, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The flowers on the plant are small and are generally whitish or greenish in color. Only the parts of the plant that grow underground---the rhizomes and roots---are used to make herbal supplements. Black cohosh is not the same as blue cohosh; blue cohosh works differently in the body and should not be used interchangeably because of potential risks, according to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Chemical Constituents
The reason black cohosh is believed to be beneficial for women with vaginal dryness is because of chemicals in the plant called isoflavones that are thought to work similar to estrogen in the body, according to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. The precise means by which these isoflavones work in the body is not fully understood, but study continues into the effectiveness of black cohosh is alleviating menopause symptoms. Do not take the herb without first consulting with a knowledgeable medical professional.
Recommended Dosage
Black cohosh can be taken in many forms, includes capsules and tablets. The recommended dose for women who have vaginal dryness is between 40 and 80 mg per day, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Depending on the supplement you use, one or two tablets or capsules typically meets this dosage. Do not use black cohosh to treat vaginal dryness unless you have consulted with a health practitioner about a safe and effective dose.
Side Effects
Clinical trials on the safety of black cohosh in women using it to treat menopausal symptoms have not uncovered any serious side effects, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine reports. Some women, however, may experience side effects such as rash, headache and stomach discomfort. The herb is more likely to cause side effects when taken in high doses, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Those side effects can include slowed heart rate, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, joint pain and muscle tremors. Before taking black cohosh, speak with your doctor about possible side effects.
Safety Precautions
Although black cohosh is a common herbal remedy for vaginal dryness and other menopause symptoms, it is not safe for women with certain medical conditions. First, it should never be taken by women with a history of hormone-related conditions such as breast cancer or ovarian cancer because there is a chance it could stimulate cancer cell growth. Numerous cases of liver failure and hepatitis have been linked to black cohosh, so report signs of liver trouble---jaundice, dark urine, abdominal pain---to your doctor immediate, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine warns. Always discuss your full medical history with your doctor before taking supplement containing black cohosh.
