Menopause marks the end of menstruation and usually happens when a women is in her early 50s. In the lead up to menopause, the ovaries stop producing the hormone, estrogen, which leads to the development of symptoms that may include night sweats, hot flashes, weight gain and sleep problems. According to the U.K. National Health Service's website, NHS Choices, most women reach menopause without needing medical help. However, some women find its effects so distressing that they may be offered hormonal replacement therapy to help alleviate symptoms. The herb, black cohosh, is also sometimes used as an alternative treatment for the menopause. Get medical advice before taking it.
Properties
Black cohosh, also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, is a member of the buttercup family of plants and is commonly used to relieve symptoms of menopause and dysmenorrhea. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it may possess estrogenic effects and may also help enhance bone formation.
Dose and Administration
The rhizomes and roots of the black cohosh plant are used to make teas and liquid extracts. This herb is also available in capsules and pills for people who may not like the taste of black cohosh. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 20mg twice daily to relieve menopausal symptoms. However, this is only a guideline. Ask a qualified medical practitioner how much you should take.
Efficacy
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that results are mixed concerning the efficacy of black cohosh to relieve symptoms of menopause. For example, the results of a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial published in the June 2006 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Oncology" found that black cohosh was no more effective than placebo in alleviating hot flashes. In contrast, an analysis of clinical trial data published in the January 2010 issue of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" states that, overall, black cohosh improved menopausal symptoms by 26 percent.
Side Effects
Black cohosh has been linked with liver problems, according to NCCAM, although it is unclear whether black cohosh caused these effects. Other side effects may include rash, stomach discomfort, dizziness and headache. It may also increase blood coagulation and cause fluid retention.
Contraindications
Do not take black cohosh if you have a hormone-sensitive condition such as breast or ovarian cancer. This herb may interact with a number of drugs including tamoxifen, chemotherapeutic drugs and medicines that are modified by the liver. Get medical advice before using any herbal supplements.
References
- NHS Choices: Menopause
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Black Cohosh
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Black Cohosh
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- PubMed: Phase III Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Crossover Trial of Black Cohosh in the Management of Hot Flashes: NCCTG Trial N01CC1.
- PubMed: Efficacy of Black Cohosh-Containing Preparations on Menopausal Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis
