During menopause, your body produces less estrogen. This lack of estrogen often produces symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings and sleep disturbances. If you are currently going through menopause, you may be intimately familiar with some of these symptoms. Cimicifuga racemosa, or black cohosh, is a perennial plant that medical practitioners and herbalists have used for centuries and still use for the treatment of many gynecological disorders, including symptoms associated with menopause. Always consult your physician before using black cohosh or any other herbal supplement.
History
Native Americans discovered black cohosh two centuries ago and began using the root of the plant to treat menstrual cramps and symptoms of menopause. People have used black cohosh for the treatment of menopause for the last 40 years in Europe, and Germany has approved black cohosh for the use of premenstrual discomfort, menopausal symptoms and painful menstruation, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Black Cohosh and Menopause
Black cohosh contains plant based estrogens, known as phytoestrogens, that many believe work in the human body the same as natural estrogen. These phytoestrogens purportedly help relieve menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, night sweats and mood swings. MayoClinic.com reveals that black cohosh improves menopausal symptoms in women for up to six months, though current evidence shows mixed results. If you are unable to take synthetic estrogen replacement supplements, you may find black cohosh an acceptable alternative. As with any alternative supplement, discuss the option with your physician first.
Pharmacology
The mechanism of action behind black cohosh is unclear, and research on the subject has produced mixed results. Researchers first postulated that the root of black cohosh activated estrogen receptors, producing an estrogen-like response within the body. The American Academy of Family Physicians explains that black cohosh sometimes produces a response similar to estrogen, but that some substances within black cohosh actually bind to estrogen receptors producing little estrogen effect. While the mechanism of action remains unclear, the majority of studies show that black cohosh does provide some relief of menopausal symptoms.
Warning
Women with a history of hormone related conditions, such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, cervical cancer or endometriosis, should avoid the use of black cohosh as it may increase tumor size. Black cohosh has also decreased the effectiveness of tamoxifen, a medication commonly used to treat breast cancer. In large doses, black cohosh may produce side effects such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, dizziness and giddiness. If you choose to use black cohosh during cancer treatment, always discuss the risks and benefits with your oncologist first.
Considerations
Consult a certified herbalist or holistic practitioner, and buy herbal supplements from a reputable dealer. Drugs.com states that some herbal supplements may contain traces of toxic metal. Consult your physician before using any herbal supplements.
