Black Cohosh and Menopause
Black cohosh (scientifically known as actaea racemosa or cimicifuga racemosa) is a flowering perennial plant with fragrant white blooms on a stem, forming a spike-like structure of up to 5 feet tall. A member of the buttercup family, it grows in the woodlands of the eastern United States and Canada.
Black cohosh has a long history of use. The flowers and roots were used extensively by native North American tribes for a variety of disorders, including sore throat infections, bronchitis, rheumatism, musculoskeletal pain, fever, cough, pneumonia and menstrual irregularities.
Black cohosh can be a safe and effective way for women to find natural relief from their menopause symptoms, having a number of potential benefits.
What is the Menopause?
Technically ‘Menopause’ is the word to describe what happens to women’s bodies when they stop having periods– usually by the ages of 45-55. But, the word menopause is commonly used to describe the period of time leading up to the menopause, for which the proper term is perimenopause. Oestrogen and progesterone start to act differently during this process, rising and falling in an erratic way and causing often uncomfortable symptoms for women while they do so.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and symptoms vary with each individual but in the months or years leading up to menopause (perimenopause), you might experience some of these signs and symptoms:
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Irregular periods
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Vaginal dryness
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Hot flushes
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Chills
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Night sweats
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Sleep problems
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Mood changes
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Weight gain and slowed metabolism
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Thinning hair and dry skin
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Tinnitus
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Irritability
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Vertigo
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Heart palpitations
The benefits of black cohosh
Black cohosh is known to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and beneficial effects in the gastrointestinal system and against bone deterioration. However, today, alleviating menopause symptoms is the reason most people use black cohosh, the efficacy of which is supported by compelling evidence. It functions as a phytoestrogen, a plant-based compound that mimics the action of the hormone oestrogen.
Black cohosh also contains a number of other biologically active components such as triterpene glycosides (sugar compounds), isoferulic acids (substances with anti-inflammatory effects) Studies show that it reacts with your body’s opioid receptors, giving it a painkilling effect.
Available Forms
Preparations of black cohosh are made from its roots and rhizomes (underground stems). Available as dietary supplements in the form of capsules, tablets, liquid tincture, and extracts that can be mixed in water, and dried root for a tea.
Dosage recommendations vary widely between black cohosh brands. Typical doses are anywhere from 20–120 mg of standardised black cohosh extract or powder daily.
For menopausal symptoms, taking 20-40 milligram tablets of a standardised extract taken twice a day appears to be most effective.
Interactions
Black cohosh has the potential to interact with other medications and therapies. Here are its known interactions:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Black cohosh may have some effects on your hormone levels, particularly your oestrogen levels, which can have unexpected effects when paired with HRT.
Birth control pills. Most birth control pills are made of oestrogen and/or progesterone, so black cohosh, which may affect your hormone levels, may interfere with hormonal birth control.
A consultation with Claudia, your Health Care Professional at BioMed, can help you in determining what might be best for YOUR specific individual needs. BOOK NOW
