The herb black cohosh is widely used to treat menopausal symptoms and menstrual irregularities. Black cohosh is a phytoestrogen, a naturally occurring plant substance that is very similar to natural estrogen. When taken for menopausal symptoms, black cohosh acts much like estrogen and alleviates hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness caused by decreasing levels of the natural hormone. According to the American Family Physician at www.aafp.org, adverse effects from using black cohosh are extremely uncommon, as are adverse interactions   with other pharmaceutical agents. However, according to www.breastcancer.org , research is limited and some findings suggest that black cohosh is no more effective in treating hot flashes than a placebo. This is why use of black cohosh is somewhat controversial in some medical arenas.

What type of adverse health effects can occur with prolonged use? As with many substances adverse effects can occur with long term usage, but there may not yet be enough data available on black cohosh to make a decision either for or against its use. Using black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms is still relatively new, and since menopause can take place over a number of years, it may be awhile before any definitive research is available. One study featured on www.breastcancer.org , discusses the link between breast cancer and black cohosh. The conclusion suggests that black cohosh may not contribute to breast cancer, but if it is taken by a woman who actively has the cancer, the black cohosh can actually make the breast cancer more aggressive and likely to spread to other organs and tissues. The results of this study were based on data obtained from mice given the black cohosh herb, and cannot definitively be related to humans, because the data is not as reliable as it would have been had the study been conducted on female subjects. Another article found on www.webmd.com discusses the link between black cohosh and liver disease, also known as autoimmune hepatitis, in which the liver basically attacks itself.

As you can see, when reviewing information from different sources about the use of black cohosh, opinions vary and swing to opposite ends of the spectrum. If you are currently on some type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), and are considering trying black cohosh, consult your health care provider first. You should stick with whatever works, and has the least amount of side effects. Menopause doesn’t have to be unpleasant, and whether you choose black cohosh or some other type of herbal treatment, get the facts first and know everything there is to know. It’s your body after all, take care of it!

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