Black Cohosh, A Menopause Treatment With Proven ResultsSince the 2004 findings that traditional hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) carried unacceptable risks for those who were undergoing them, women have been turning more and more to alternative methods of managing perimenopause and menopause symptoms. One of these alternatives commonly used is the black cohosh menopause treatment. Black cohosh is a perennial plant that grows in North America. Its scientific name is Actaea racemosa but it is also alternatively known as Cimicifuga racemosa. Common names include bugbane and bugwort (because insects avoid it) as well as rattleweed and black snakeroot. Alternative practitioners refer to it as “macrotys.” It is part of the buttercup family and has been used by Native Americans as a cure all. It is used to treat:
In alternative medicine, however, the focus of black cohosh usage is on gynecological conditions, such as menstrual problems, infertility or delicate pregnancies. It is however more popular as a herbal menopause treatment. Several studies have been conducted on the efficacy of black cohosh in treating menopause symptoms. While some are placebo-controlled and used the double-blind method, they are all of short duration (maximum of 6 months) and thus provide little information on the long-term effects of black cohosh. Black cohosh has however shown little effect (even in the short term) in alleviating the symptoms of menopause. One study recorded a slight reduction in the number of hot flashes episodes experienced by women but results still remain inconclusive overall and require more stringent and long-term study. Even the active ingredient in black cohosh, which is said to exhibit estrogenic properties, is as yet unidentified. Studies on the effect of luteinizing hormones (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the body (the increase of which contributes to menopausal discomfort) appear to be unaffected by black cohosh. However, one study involving women with breast cancer found a lowering of LH due to the use of Remifemin, which is the most widely-used brand of cohosh preparations. Overall, results of the various studies are contradictory. The same results are true for studies on the effect of black cohosh on the vaginal and uterine tissues. Black cohosh is currently not covered by the Food and Drug Administration regulations because it is classified as a food supplement. However, black cohosh is said to cause the following:
There are also some indications that some minimal risks are associated with intake of the preparation, including liver damage. But because of the dearth of long-term studies on the effects of black cohosh, these have yet to be proven. Pregnant women are warned against taking black cohosh unless under the direction of a health care provider because of some incidents of neurological damage to neonates that may involve black cohosh. Because the effects of black cohosh on breast tissue have yet to be studied, this herb remedy is contraindicated for women with breast cancer. A recent Herbal Alternatives for Menopause trial reported that the use of black cohosh alone and in combination with botanical supplements exacerbated the symptoms of menopause. The study further strengthened the belief that the best remedy for menopause symptoms is avoidance of certain foods, a healthy lifestyle, sufficient sleep and appropriate clothing. As per the study, there is no reason to believe that black cohosh menopause therapy will help in any significant way to alleviate the discomfort of menopause vasomotor symptoms. |