Medications and Drugs
Brand Names: Menopause SupportGeneric Name: black cohosh (Pronunciation: BLACK KOE hawsh)
What is black cohosh (Menopause Support)?The use of black cohosh in cultural and traditional settings may differ from concepts accepted by current Western medicine. When considering the use of herbal supplements, consultation with a primary health care professional is advisable. Additionally, consultation with a practitioner trained in the uses of herbal/health supplements may be beneficial, and coordination of treatment among all health care providers involved may be advantageous. Black cohosh is also known as Cimicifuga racemosa, baneberry, bugbane, black snake root, rattleroot, bugwort, and richweed. Black cohosh has been used to ease the symptoms of menopause and menstrual discomfort. Black cohosh has also been used for rheumatism, cough, high cholesterol levels, and hardening of the arteries. Black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. Black cohosh may also have uses other than those listed in this medication guide. What are the possible side effects of black cohosh (Menopause Support)?Although rare, allergic reactions to black cohosh may occur. Stop taking black cohosh and seek emergency medical attention if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives. Large doses of black cohosh have been reported to cause
Stomach upset has been reported as a common side effect with the use of therapeutic doses of black cohosh. Other side effects may also occur with the use of black cohosh. Tell your doctor, pharmacist, herbalist, or other healthcare provider about any unusual or bothersome side effect. What is the most important information I should know about black cohosh (Menopause Support)?Do not confuse black cohosh with blue cohosh, a very different herbal supplement with potentially damaging effects on the heart. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor if you have ever been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is unknown whether black cohosh can stimulate breast cancer cell growth. Do not take black cohosh without first talking to your doctor or health care provider if you are pregnant or could become pregnant. It is not known whether black cohosh will harm an unborn baby. Black cohosh has been reported to cause uterine stimulation, and may induce miscarriage or premature birth in large doses. Black cohosh has not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or purity. All potential risks and/or advantages of black cohosh may not be known. Additionally, there are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for these compounds. There have been instances where herbal/health supplements have been sold which were contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination. |
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Menopause Overview
Menopause, the time when a woman stops having menstrual periods, is not a disease or an illness. It is a transition between two phases of a woman's life.
Many women experience a variety of symptoms as a result of the hormonal changes associated with the transition through menopause. Around the time of menopause, women often lose bone density and their blood cholesterol levels may worsen, increasing their risk of heart disease.
Premature menopause: The average age of US women at the time of menopause is 51 years. The most common age range at which women experience menopause is 48-55 years. If menopause occurs in a woman younger than 40 years, it is considered to be premature. Menopause is considered late if it occurs in a woman older than 55 years. For most women, menopause is a normal occurrence.
- Menopause is more likely to occur at a slightly earlier age in women who smoke, have never been pregnant, or live at ...
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