During menopause, a woman's body progressively produces less estrogen and progesterone -- two crucial sex hormones responsible for inducing monthly menstrual periods. Typically, menopause begins when a woman is 45 to 55 years old, though younger women who undergo a full hysterectomy will also enter menopause. Menopause can cause a number of uncomfortable symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal changes, night sweats, difficulty sleeping and bone loss. Though hormone therapy may help alleviate these symptoms, you may also experience symptom relief following treatment with a natural herb called black cohosh. Black cohosh is derived from the Actaea racemosa plant and may possess estrogen-like activity. However, the purported medicinal uses of black cohosh require further research. Talk to your physician before using black cohosh to ensure your safety.
Warning
The amount of black cohosh you should take each day depends upon a variety of factors, including your weight, age and health status. Only your doctor can tell you how much black cohosh you should take to relieve your menopause symptoms. For personalized black cohosh dosage recommendations, consult your medical provider.
Common Preparations
Black cohosh is available over the counter in a number of preparations, including capsules, tablets, tincture and tea. Your recommended dosage of black cohosh may vary depending upon the herbal preparation you choose to take.
Recommended Dosage
Health professionals with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center recommend menopausal women take one to two 20 mg tablets or capsules of standardized black cohosh extract twice daily. Alternatively, menopausal women can take 2 to 3 mL of black cohosh tincture three times each day. Black cohosh tea is prepared by boiling 20 g of dried black cohosh root in 34 oz. of water for at least 20 to 30 minutes. After straining the dried herbal remnants from the liquid, you can drink one cup of tea up to three times daily, the University of Maryland Medical Center explains. Once prepared, you can store black cohosh tea in your refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Potential Side Effects
When used as directed, black cohosh usually doesn't cause side effects. However, you may experience mild stomach discomfort, skin rash or headache after taking this herbal supplement. Rarely, black cohosh may cause liver toxicity -- a condition called hepatotoxicity. If you develop liver toxicity symptoms, such as jaundice, severe abdominal pain or unusually dark urine, stop taking black cohosh and contact your medical provider immediately to ensure you receive prompt and appropriate care.
References
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Black Cohosh; Nov. 21, 2008
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine; Black Cohosh; July 2005
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Black Cohosh; Steven D. Ehrlich; Dec. 14, 2009
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center; Black Cohosh; February 2011
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Women's Reproductive Health: Menopause; July 1, 2009
- "Menopause"; Black Cohosh and Suspected Hepatotoxicity...; R. Teschke; March 2010
