Q: My pharmacist told me Black cohosh is estrogenic and I should avoid it but my naturopath says it isn’t. Who is correct?
A: Black cohosh is not estrogenic. Research published
in November 2003 in the International Journal of
Oncology evaluated Black cohosh in all of the assay
systems currently known to ascertain whether it was
estrogenic, carcinogenic or had potential toxicity.
Black cohosh was found NOT to demonstrate any
estrogenic action whatsoever. It was deemed safe and
not carcinogenic. Further research, reported in the most
respected gynecological journal Maturitas in March of
2003, gave young premenopausal breast cancer survivors
Black cohosh along with Tamoxifen. Tamoxifen is an
estrogen-blocking chemotherapy drug given to women
who are being treated for estrogen-receptor positive
breast cancer. Women taking Tamoxifen have terrible hot
flashes. In the past, women on this therapy were told to
live with the hot flashes as there was no other safe option.
In this 12 month trial Black cohosh was given along with
Tamoxifen to 136 breast cancer survivors aged 35-52
years of age after chemotherapy, radiation, mastectomy
and other chemotherapy drugs. Researchers reported
a significant reduction in the number and severity of
hot flashes in the group using Black cohosh along with
Tamoxifen, compared to the group using Tamoxifen
alone. A recent study in Breast Cancer Research and
Treatment, March 2004, found Black cohosh kills
estrogen-receptor positive cancer cells by apoptosis
(programmed cell death). It is unfortunate that these
very well-done, positive research studies do not make
national newspaper headlines.
Black cohosh is safe and effective. Women need to remember that Black cohosh
works over time. Maximum reduction in hot flashes and
night sweats are achieved by 12 weeks. MenoSense
contains a combination of Black cohosh, Vitex (a
progesterone-enhancing herb), Gamma-oryzanol and
Hesperidin.
- Take 2 MenoSense at breakfast and 2 at bedtime for optimal relief.
- Cut back on red meat, dairy products and fried or fast food, eat plenty of vegetables.
- Walk everyday – 30 minutes of exercise cuts hot flashes
by 50 percent.
Read more about menopause in my book
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