Lee Swanson Research Update

Frequency Of Hot Flashes Decreases With Black Cohosh

January 2006

Black Cohosh

Using two methods of measurement, researchers in the Northwest have found that supplementing with black cohosh helps reduce the frequency of hot flashes.

In the Herbal Alternatives for Menopause (HALT) study, 351 women between the ages of 45 and 55 were enrolled. One of the aspects of the study compared the use of black cohosh for menopausal symptoms with placebo.

The participants kept diaries, recording the frequency and intensity of their hot flashes at the start of the trial and at three, six and 12 months.

Researchers found at three months that the frequency of hot flashes decreased 35% with black cohosh, compared to 21% with placebo. The findings were similar at six and 12 months. The same pattern was found when researchers used a menopause symptom score. At three months, the frequency of flashes decreased 27% with black cohosh and 15% with placebo. The findings were also similar at six and 12 months.

Maturitas 52(2):134-146, 2005

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