By Bonnie Jenkins, Advanced Natural Wellness
Hot flashes, which are thought to be caused by rapidly fluctuating levels of estrogen, are experienced by up to 85 percent of American women as they head into menopause. I’m one of those. If you are, too, you know that it’s one of the most unpleasant aspects of this hormonal transition. And, since hormone replacement therapy is off the table for many of us, it’s important to find safe and effective options.
Fortunatley, we don’t have to look far. For years, doctors in Germany have treated hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause with black cohosh. More than 20 clinical trials involving at least 3,000 women show that it’s effective for up to 95 percent of the women who have tried it, usually within four to eight weeks. Researchers find it also relieves vaginal dryness, mood swings and sleep disturbances.
Unlike many other natural remedies like soy and red clover, black cohosh isn’t a source of estrogen. Instead, the herb influences the brain’s temperature-control mechanisms. One study found that it affects serotonin receptors that influence body temperature. Another study found that black cohosh may act on the brain’s opiate receptors, which affect levels of sex hormones and regulate pain, temperature and appetite. Because of this mechanism, black cohosh provides relief without the risks of conventional hormone therapy, which include higher odds of female cancers, heart attack and stroke.
In a study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology, 304 women experiencing menopausal symptoms were given either black cohosh or a placebo for 12 weeks. The herb was more effective than the placebo and provided relief comparable to hormone replacement therapy. Black cohosh was most effective when taken early, just after the onset of symptoms.
In another study by Italian researchers, 64 women were given either black cohosh or an estrogen patch for three months. Improvement in hot flashes, anxiety and depression was comparable for both types of treatment. But unlike the women using the estrogen patch, those taking the herb also experienced increased HDL (good) cholesterol. Both treatments reduced LDL (bad) cholesterol.
There are no known interactions between black cohosh and medications. Most herbalists recommend taking 20–40 mg. of a standardized supplement twice per day. According to the German Commission E Monographs, black cohosh can be taken for up to six months, and then it should be discontinued. To maximize benefits of the herb, eat a diet low in sugar and rich in natural foods. It’s also a good idea to get in plenty of regular exercise.
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You can also combine black cohosh with a natural progesterone cream. As you approach menopause, progesterone is the first hormone to decline, followed by fluctuating estrogen levels. After menopause, your ovaries stop producing progesterone altogether. Studies show that natural progesterone cream reduces hot flashes. Applied topically, the cream is absorbed into the bloodstream through the skin. Just be aware that, since the hormone builds up in the body gradually, relief may be several months in coming.
Luckily, hot flashes don’t last forever. There is an end to the symptoms of menopause. In the meantime, cooling off with these natural solutions just might help you keep your sanity during this time of change.
References:
Nappi RE. Efficacy of Cimicifuga racemosa on climacteric complaints: a randomized study versus low-dose transdermal estradiol. Gynecological Endocrinology. 2005;20:30-35.
Osmers R. Efficacy and Safety of Isopropanolic Black Cohosh Extract for Climacteric Symptoms. Obstetrics & Gynecology. 2005;105:1074-1083.
Shams T. Efficacy of black cohosh-containing preparations on menopausal symptoms: a meta-analysis. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. 2010;16:36-44
