As our estrogen levels waver, so do our moods, outlook, body temperature, sexual desire, and general feeling of well being. Estrogen is the key ingredient to these swings, from pre-adolescence all the way to maturing female. Estrogen is also the key ingredient to our youth, which is why most of us try to hang on to it for as long as possible.

Research has proven that the effects of Black Cohosh, or Cimicifuga racemosa, mimic the effects of Estriol, the less active, degraded form of estrogen. "In converting estrogen into Estriol, the body actually turns a carcinogenic compound into a harmless chemical, ultimately excreted."[1] Consequently, in almost every remedy being suggested for the mature woman, Black Cohosh is a key ingredient. "It is theorized that many of the effects of Black Cohosh on the female Sexual System occur as a result of components of Black Cohosh acting as a Phytoestrogen - specific substances in Black Cohosh (especially 27-Deoxyacteine) are believed to mimic the actions of Estriol (the most beneficial of the Estrogen)."[2]

As an herbal remedy, Black Cohosh has been known for many years for its therapeutic positive effect on other systems as well, including cardiovascular, immune, metabolic, muscular-skeletal, nervous, and respiratory to name a few. Most recently it has achieved popularity in the help it provides in regulating periods, assisting with PMS, preventing breast cancer, and in our general sense of self.

Unlike many other supplements, however, there are some specific guidelines that need to be followed when using this herb. Like all substances we use to enhance our well being, we must also use good common sense as to our own particular needs. Black Cohosh can be toxic to a person who already suffers from chronic disease. It also can cause nausea, vomiting, vertigo, or a miscarriage if used incorrectly and is also connected to liver disease in some rare cases. Your healthcare professional needs to be consulted before trying this herb for relief of menstrual symptoms, or for any other reason.

Black Cohosh and Menopause

Now, back to the good stuff. In recent studies, Black Cohosh has been found to be a "safe, effective alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for those patients in whom estrogen replacement therapy is either refused or contraindicated."[3]

Further, Black Cohosh acts similarly to "Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), but without harmful side effects. Of 629 women suffering from severe menopausal symptoms, more than 80% obtained relief within 8 weeks of commencing black Cohosh treatment."[4]

In another study involving 36 women who could not tolerate traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), those who took 40 drops of Black Cohosh extract twice daily for twelve weeks experienced "significant improvement [. . .] in all scales of menopause symptoms."[5] It's also been proven that Black Cohosh can help alleviate depression, hot flashes, and vaginal atrophy that often occur during menopause.[6]

In what has become increasingly obvious in the world of medicine, HRT as a treatment for menopause has taken quite a hit. What was once considered to be the only way to treat these life-changing symptoms, HRT is now in question. As an alternative physician, I have always looked at other approaches that might be more helpful for a woman going through this natural change of life. For me personally, Black Cohosh was an obvious choice. This herb has been effective in the reduction of many irritating menopausal symptoms.

Black Cohosh and PMS

As with menopause, PMS symptoms are related to our estrogen/progesterone balance. Black Cohosh is fairly widespread for its help with many of our complaints and is prescribed by many herbalists for the treatment of Pre-Menstrual Syndrome (PMS).[7] And it has been found by some professionals that "Black Cohosh alleviates both amenorrhea (suppressed Menstruation) and dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps)."[2]

Conclusion

As with the use of EPO, the focus of the herb Black Cohosh is how it regulates our estrogen. And as mentioned earlier in this article, care needs to be used in adding this herb to your regime. When in doubt, always check with your health professional before embarking on a new health regime.

Specific doses and means available are found abundantly in your local health store. If your doctor agrees that Black Cohosh is a good course of action for your specific health-related problem, then Remifemin® is a convenient source for this herb. The tablets are easy to take and the supply is abundant.

Bibliography and Notes

[1] Carlton Fredericks, Ph.D., Breast Cancer: A Nutritional Approach, Grosset & Dunlap, NY, 1977.

[2] In-Tele-Health © 2002 (from Hyperhealth Pro CD-ROM).

[3] Lieberman, S. "A review of the effectiveness of Cimicifuga racemosa (Black Cohosh) for the symptoms of menopause." J. Women's Health. 7(5):525-529, 1998.

[4] Duker, E. M., et al. "Effects of extract from Cimicifuga racemosa on gonadotropin release in menopausal women and ovariectomized rats." Planta Medica. 57:420-424, 1991.

[5] Daibler. Aerztl Prax. 35(65):1946-1947, 1983.

[6] Dean, W. "The female reproductive hemostat: The neuroendocrine theory of aging - part V." Vitamin Research News, February 2000; and Murray, Michael T. The Healing Power of Herbs (2nd Edition)." Prima Publishing, Rocklin, California, USA. 1993:375.

[7] Blumenthal, M., et al. "The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines." American Botanical Council and Boston: Integrative Medicine Communications, Austin, Texas, USA. 1998:90.

Please Note: As always, it's essential that you check with your healthcare professional before making any changes in your daily health regimen.

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