Black Cohosh for symptoms of perimenopause .?

Question

I am not having hot flashes but my periods have become irregular and heavy. I am having Memory problems,Anxiety weight gain and insomnia.Will black cohosh help relieve any or these symptoms? Have you taken it? If so any side effects?

Answer 1

Research about Black Cohosh shows:
* It is no more effective in reducing hot flashes than a sugar pill.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2006-12-18-cohash_x.htm
* It may be linked to liver damage.
* Can be fatal for women with breast cancer.

Black Cohosh is a plant estrogen that stimulates our own estrogen. BUT...if a woman is already estrogen dominant, she does NOT want to use a product that is going to make her estrogen level go even higher.

ALSO...the verdict is still out as to whether Black Cohosh stimulates the estradiol which is the hormone responsible for stimulating breast cancer cells. So...if a woman has breast cancer and does not know it and she uses Black Cohosh, she could be putting her life in danger. Also if breast cancer runs in her family, she is at high risk of getting it herself and Black Cohosh would NOT be a good choice.


You actually sound like a good candidate for natural progesterone supplementation. It can help with heavy / irregular periods, brain fog, anxiety, weight gain (due to estrogen), and insomnia.

Answer 2

I took Black Cohosh at the end of my pregnancy when I was just about to give birth. I wanted something natural that will help speed things a long after my plug came out... and yes it worked.

MMM, i am not sure if it's going to help you. I think we get hung up on all the symptoms that we take a back seat and look for a pill. Note many pills you take will have side effects.

First you should consult your doctor. But I really think you should have a new outlook on life and start a regular work out routine and a healthy diet. Instead of looking for natural herbs, look to make real changes that will help you such as good diet and regular exercise.

Answer 3

I take it in the form of medicine called Estroven. Walmart has a version which is called Estrablend. It is designed for the menopausal woman, helps with irritability, hot flashes, night sweats. It definately helps me and I don't know of any side effects. Valerian helps you sleep better, and relaxes muscles. You need to dedicate 8hours sleep though, otherwise you will be groggy through the morning hours. I wish I knew a way to stop the weight gain, I packed on 40lbs and I am having a real hard time getting rid of it. If you know a way to stop that, you call me write back with that info! LOL. Anyway, enjoy the journey and don't ever look back.

Answer 4

been there, done that. No it did not help for me as black cohosh has a natural form of estrogen. What you need or what I needed with similar symptoms was progesterone. I used Prosperin, went on vitamins with iron. no side effects and it worked excellent. Good luck to you also check out if you are deficient in iodine. see source.

Answer 5

What It Is Used For * Black cohosh has a history of use for rheumatism (arthritis and muscle pain), but has been used more recently to treat hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that can occur during menopause. * Black cohosh has also been used for menstrual irregularities and premenstrual syndrome, and to induce labor. How It Is Used The underground stems and roots of black cohosh are commonly used fresh or dried to make strong teas (infusions), capsules, solid extracts used in pills, or liquid extracts (tinctures). Top What the Science Says * Study results are mixed on whether black cohosh effectively relieves menopausal symptoms. * Studies to date have been less than 6 months long, so long-term safety data are not currently available.1 * NCCAM is funding studies to determine whether black cohosh reduces the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. * There are not enough reliable data to determine whether black cohosh is effective for rheumatism or other uses. Side Effects and Cautions * Black cohosh can cause headaches and stomach discomfort. In clinical trials comparing the effects of the herb and those of estrogens, a low number of side effects were reported, such as headaches, gastric complaints, heaviness in the legs, and weight problems. * No interactions have been reported between black cohosh and prescription medicines. * Black cohosh has recently been linked to a few cases of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), but it is not clear whether black cohosh caused the problem. * It is not clear if black cohosh is safe for women who have had breast cancer or for pregnant women. * Black cohosh should not be confused with blue cohosh (Caulophyllum thalictroides), which has different properties, treatment uses, and side effects than black cohosh. Black cohosh is sometimes used with blue cohosh to stimulate labor, but this therapy has caused adverse effects in newborns, which appear to be due to blue cohosh. * It is important to inform your health care providers about any herb or dietary supplementA product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements. you are using, including black cohosh. This helps to ensure safe and coordinated care.

Answer 6

I had to do a paper in college on menopause and I heard about that stuff when doing research for the paper. It supposidly helps relieve hot flashes. It was considered one of many natural alternatives to taking estrogen, yet there are no scientific studies that have proven that it really helps with menopause.
You should go to webmd.com they have a lot of helpful information on there.

Answer 7

I tried it when I wanted to get off hormonal treatment and it didn't work for me.
I had severe hot flashes and anxiety attacks.

About all you can do is try it and see if it works for you.

I would tend to think that if it works for someone, it's because their body isn't having a harsh menopause.

Answer 8

O DEBBIE,
I FEEL YOUR PAIN. I JUST DECIDED TO TAKE THE ESTROGEN. I WAS JUST SICK OF BEING A CRABBY,HOT,COLD,FAT WIFE AND MOTHER.I HAD MY THROID PANEL DONE AND IT WAS WHACKED TOO.LOL
I FEEL MUCH BETTER I DONT CARE IF I DO GET CANCER.(OK I WON'T SAY THAT........)
AT LEAST I AM HAPPY AND SEXY AND NICE NOW LOL