Lee Swanson Research Update

Black Cohosh Helps Temper Those Menopausal Hot Flashes

January 2006

black cohosh

Black cohosh extract is helpful for relieving symptoms associated with menopause, according to a German study published in Obstetrics & Gynecolog. Researchers initiated the study hoping to confirm the positive findings of previous black cohosh studies.

A woman is considered post-menopausal if one year has elapsed since her last menstrual period, which typically occurs at about age 52. With the approach of menopause, the ovaries begin to produce fewer hormones, particularly estrogen and progesterone. Lower levels of circulating estrogen and progesterone can lead to symptoms that include hot flashes, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, urinary incontinence, joint or muscle aches, nervousness, anxiety, depression, and more.

In the study, 268 women were assigned to receive either 5 mg of an extract of black cohosh (equivalent to 40 mg of dried herb) per day or placebo for 12 weeks. Symptoms were assessed at the beginning of the study and again after four and 12 weeks of treatment using the Menopause Rating Scale. The scale measures the intensity of symptoms such as hot flashes, mental and emotional dysfunction, cardiac symptoms, joint and muscle complaints, and disorders related to urination and vaginal dryness. Liver enzyme levels were also measured.

Compared with placebo, black cohosh significantly relieved menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes. The effects of black cohosh were most pronounced among women who had gone through menopause more recently, compared with those who had been in menopause for longer periods of time. There were no significant differences between the groups with respect to adverse events, and no serious side-effects were noted. The use of black cohosh was not associated with elevations in liver enzymes.

Obstetrics & Gynecology 105(5):1074-1083, 2005

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