Black Cohosh: Menopausal Women Should Take a Look

 

An Herb With a Long History

Black cohosh is an herb that is native to North American and was used by natives in Mexico, America and Canada as a general aid for women with menstrual discomfort and menopausal distress. As well, it was used for other gynecological infections and issues. Another significant early use of black cohosh was for rheumatism and muscle pain with some good results.

Women who are in the throes of a difficult menopause, complete with mood swings, hot flashes, insomnia are probably ready to try most anything. American physicians typically prescribe low doses of hormones, despite the rather definitive research results that such treatment certainly raises the risk for cancer. Women who do not wish to take this risk often subject themselves to living with the symptoms and being less happy and less productive during this time of life.

For younger women who suffer from pre-menstrual syndrome, experiencing the same mood swings and discomfort prior to the onset of a period, find that they must just “suck it up” and deal with it as best they can.

Natural Alternatives to Hormone Therapy

The underground part of black cohosh, specifically the stems and roots can be used fresh or dried to make a strong tea. As well, it can be put into capsule form, or in both solid and liquid extracts. The efficacy of the supplement does not seem to be altered in any of the forms.

The specific symptoms which appear to be addressed successfully by black cohosh are as follows:

  1. Women report that hot flashes are reduced by the use of black cohosh, even more when combined with soy extract.
  2. Women report that the mood swings which accompany the hormonal alterations of menopause are reduced by this natural supplement, and even more when combined with St. John’s Wort
  3. Younger women report reduced pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms through the use of black cohosh and reduced menstrual pain and cramping.

An Important Side Benefit of Black Cohosh

Because of the number of studies already conducted on the use of black cohosh, researchers have noticed other effects of its use as well. One important side effect which was at first not predicted is the reduced occurrence of breast cancer in women who were on a regular regimen of black cohosh ingestion. This is great news for women who face that risk with traditional hormone replacement therapy.

Other Side Effects of Black Cohosh

There are some negative side effects associated with black cohosh as well. These are as follows:
  1. Black cohosh is sometimes confused with blue cohosh which was used to induce labor. Blue cohosh has negative effects on newborns and should never be used.
  2. Black cohosh can cause headaches and some stomach discomfort, some “heaviness” discomfort in legs
  3. No studies exist which determine whether black cohosh should be used by women who have had breast cancer or are pregnant. There are studies planned, but they may be risky to implement.
  4. Some interactions with other medication may occur. If black cohosh is begun and the woman is on other prescription medications, it is important to check carefully with one’s physician.
  5. In rare instances, black cohosh caused some liver difficulties. Anyone taking black cohosh should stop immediately if they experience blood in urine, pain in the lower stomach, or develop jaundice. If there is any doubt, check with a physican immediately.
  6. As with any medication or herbal supplement, there can be allergic reactions to black cohosh. Rashes, vaginal itching, and headache have all been observed

Dosage

Recommended dosage ranges between twenty and forty milligrams, once or twice daily, preferably before meals. It is also recommended that black cohosh treatment occur for six months at a time, followed by a few month breaks before resumption of the regimen.

Summary

Nothing can be more irritating than menopause. The hormonal changes taking place in a woman’s body affect her moods, her sleep, her sexual abilities, and she often suffers hot flashes and night sweats which are horribly uncomfortable. Hormone therapy, with it potentially negative risks, really need to be carefully considered. Black cohosh by itself or in conjunction with St. John’s Wart and/or soy can provide an efficient alternative to the riskier traditional treatments.