Treatment Options for Menopausal Symptoms

The use of the herb, black cohosh, is gaining popularity to relieve menopausal symptoms. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists advises women to limit their use of black cohosh to six months or less. In the United States, black cohosh is sold as a dietary supplement. Preparations are made from the roots and rhizomes of the plant. Rigorous scientific research is being conducted by the National Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine to determine the efficiency of black cohosh in reducing the frequency and intensity of hot flashes and other menopausal symptoms. Black cohosh can cause stomach discomfort, headaches and in rare cases, liver damage.

Article by Maryann Gromisch

Sources:

The North American Menopause Society WomensHealth.gov: Menopause

FDA: Bio-Identicals: Sorting Myths from Facts

OBGYN.net: Transitional Management: The Use of Oral Contraceptives in Perimenopause

JAMA: Efficacy of Escitalopram for Hot Flashes in Healthy Menopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Isoflavones.info: Isoflavones

Office of Dietary Supplements: Black Cohosh