Although menopause is a natural process that affects all women, rather than a medical condition, menopausal symptoms, which may include hot flashes, night sweats, depression, mood swings and weight gain, may make some women feel unwell. Menopause occurs when the ovaries stop producing the hormone estrogen. Some women may seek hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, to help alleviate their symptoms, but the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that HRT may increase the risk of cancer and stroke. The herb black cohosh is sometimes used as a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms, although evidence to prove that it works is mixed. Talk to your doctor before using black cohosh.
Properties
Black cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, is a member of the buttercup family. It contains a number of biologically active compounds including triterpene glycosides, isoflavones, salicylic acid and phytosterols. Although it is primarily used as a treatment for menopausal symptoms, it is also sometimes used as an alternative medicine for osteoporosis, premenstrual syndrome and dysmenorrhea. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that it may have estrogen-like effects, although evidence to prove this is mixed.
Administration
Black cohosh may be taken as a tea or herbal tincture, or in capsules or tablets. The UMMC website suggests taking 20mg of this herb twice daily to alleviate menopausal symptoms. However, bear in mind that this is only a guideline. An appropriate dose for you may depend on a variety of factors including other medicines you are taking for your general health. Check with your doctor or pharmacist that this is a safe and appropriate dose for you.
Scientific Evidence
Evidence supporting the use of black cohosh as a treatment for menopausal symptoms is mixed. An analysis of data from clinical trials published in the January 2010 issue of "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" concludes that, overall, black cohosh improves menopausal symptoms by 26 percent. However, an analysis of data from 16 clinical studies, published in "Drugs and Aging" in 2009, surmises that since most studies have produced conflicting results, the benefits of black cohosh remain unproven.
Safety Considerations
The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center notes that black cohosh may cause a number of side effects, including headache, nausea, vomiting and skin rashes. Its use has been linked with several cases of hepatitis; however, it is not clear whether black cohosh was responsible. Black cohosh is not suitable for everyone. Do not take this herb if you have a hormone-sensitive cancer. It may interact with the drug tamoxifen and may increase the toxicity of some chemotherapeutic drugs.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Menopause
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Black Cohosh
- "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine"; Efficacy of Black Cohosh-Containing Preparations on Menopausal Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis; T. Shams et al.; January 2010
- "Drugs and Aging"; Black Cohosh for the Management of Menopausal Symptoms : A Systematic Review of Clinical Trials; C.Palacio et al.; 2009
