Ease menopause symptoms naturally with black cohosh
Added 24.09.2009
Going through menopause can be daunting; hot flashes, mood swings, water rentention, low sexual drive, fatigue, depression and insomnia - made worse by night sweats - is a lot to put up with. Menopause is an inevitable natural process, but that doesn't mean you should suffer with the bothersome symptoms. What are your options?
Phyto-estrogens versus hormone replacement therapy
One alternative, which fortunately is losing popularity as women are seeking more information, is hormone replacement therapy (HRT). HRT consists of a group of pharmaceutical treatments intended to synthetically enhance hormone levels and counteract menopause symptoms. The problem is HRT has been shown in many studies to cause certain types of cancer, particularly breast cancer, as well as increase the risk of cerebral haemorrhage and stroke, not to mention a host of unpleasant side effects.But why would you even consider HRT if you could take phyto-estrogens that are just as effective at easing menopause symptoms AND have no side effects. Phyto-estrogens are natural plant-based substances that have estrogen-like effects. The most researched phyto-estrogens today are isoflavones, found in red clover (trifolium pratense) and black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosa). These phtyo-estrogens are contained in Doctor's Natural menopause treatment, Femivital.
The Scientific Study
Background information
Fifty pre and postmenopausal women aged 44 to 65 years participated in a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. One group received various standardised extracts of phyto nutrients including black cohosh and red clover.
Results
The women taking the phyto nutrients experienced a 73% reduction in hot flashes (in 47% of women, hot flashes stopped completely), a 69% reduction in night sweats and a significant improvement in quality of sleep.
References:
Liske, E. & all. "Physiological investigation of a unique extract of black cohosh (cimicifuga racemosae rhizoma): a 6-month clinical study demonstrates no systematic estrogenic effect." Journal of Women's Health and Gender-Based Medicine. 2002.
Rotem, C. & all. "Phyto-Female Complex for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and quality of sleep: randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study." Journal of Gynecological Endocrinology. 2007.
Pockaj, B.A. & all. "Pilot evaluation of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes in women." Cancer Investigation. 2004.
Tamimi, R. & all. "Endogenous hormone levels, mammographic density and subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women." Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007.
Rotem, C. & all. "Phyto-Female Complex for the relief of hot flushes, night sweats and quality of sleep: randomized, controlled, double-blind pilot study." Journal of Gynecological Endocrinology. 2007.
Pockaj, B.A. & all. "Pilot evaluation of black cohosh for the treatment of hot flashes in women." Cancer Investigation. 2004.
Tamimi, R. & all. "Endogenous hormone levels, mammographic density and subsequent risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women." Journal of the National Cancer Institute. 2007.
