Most of the medical community considers the use of black cohosh for menopause to be controversial because studies done to determine its effectiveness at reducing troubling menopausal symptoms have been inconclusive. Studies have determined the ways in which the herb works are not as researchers first believed. They have shown, however, that many women seem to benefit when it is combined with other treatment methods. As with any medication or supplement, the effectiveness of using black cohosh for menopause treatment will vary widely based on the individual.
Despite what the scientific community once believed, black cohosh does not become or adhere to estrogen in the human body. Instead, it contains enzymes which may mimic estrogen and provide overall support for a woman’s endocrine system. The use of black cohosh for menopause is usually most effective when combined with a healthy eating plan tailored to the patient, along with dietary supplementation and an exercise program.
There have been some studies on the effectiveness of black cohosh for menopause which have shown that it was not any more effective at treating menopausal symptoms than a placebo. Many argue, however, that these studies were flawed and do not include benefits received with black cohosh combined with other treatments. Many also did studies with the false assumption that cohosh replaces the body’s estrogen, when in fact it is really mostly effective at helping existing hormones do their jobs better.
Even with the negative studies, most doctors agree that there are generally no risks in using black cohosh for menopausal support, and for many women it is far safer than more conventional methods of treatment. For instance, synthetic estrogen is often given to premenopausal women as a hormone replacement, but this can lead to serious conditions like breast cancer in women who are susceptible to the disease. Synthetic hormones may also put a woman at higher risk for heart attack or stroke.
Black cohosh may also be used for hormonal support during a woman’s menstrual cycle, even if she is not approaching menopause. It should not be used in pregnant women, because it may lead to premature labor. Patients should always discuss their use of black cohosh for menopause support and in the treatment of any other conditions with a physician, as well as any other medications or supplements being taken. Although generally considered safe, black cohosh may react with certain other treatments.