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Effectiveness of Black Cohosh on Perimenopausal Symptoms

Native Americans have used the herb black cohosh for centuries as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments in men and women. The herb is popular with many women who seek relief from menopausal or perimenopausal complaints. Black cohosh products come in the form of tablets, tinctures, capsules, solutions or powders.

  1. Gynecology

    • Black cohosh is an alternative treatment for menopause sufferers for the relief of hot flashes, cramps, premenstrual symptoms and other "change of life" complaints. There is not enough scientific research to recommend use of the herb, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), but preliminary evidence suggests that black cohosh may be effective at relieving menopausal symptoms.

    History

    • Historically, North American Indians used black cohosh root to treat gynecological problems and to bring on breast milk production in women. During the 1800s, early American colonists used the herb for women's health issues including menstrual complaints, uterine and ovarian swelling, infertility and risk of miscarriage. It was also used to cause a menstrual cycle to start or to relieve the pain of labor and childbirth.

    Theories/Speculation

    • Few long-term studies have been conducted on the full impact black cohosh has on perimenopausal symptoms, and for this reason, NIH's National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine is conducting a "rigorous study" on the herb and its success or failure in reducing the frequency and severity of hot flashes and other menopause symptoms.

    Effects

    • Possible negative effects of using black cohosh include vomiting, nausea and upset stomach. Excessive doses can cause cramps, slower heart rate, dizziness, tremors, headache, joint pain or light-headedness. In a small number of cases black cohosh users have developed liver disease, and for that reason, individuals with liver conditions are discouraged from using the herb.

    Expert Insight

    • Mary Tagliaferri, author of "The New Menopause Book," regularly uses black cohosh to treat menopausal symptoms and says the herb apparently supports and maintains female hormone levels and contributes to lessening the severity of hot flashes. She places stock in studies that have shown the herbal remedy achieves results equal to those achieved when hormone replacement therapy is used to treat perimenopausal complaints.

    Considerations

    • The adverse results that have been reported about black cohosh all stem from use of herbal dietary supplements and not from use of the natural plant, suggests Mary Tagliaferri. She indicates that black cohosh root is getting a bad rap based on medical studies that have largely based their findings on use of Remifemin, the leading prepared brand, which in addition to containing pure black cohosh extract also contains cellulose, lactose, magnesium stearate, potato starch and peppermint flavor.

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