Black Cohosh and Hot Flashes

Welcome to MenopauseWize, where we empower women and healthcare providers with evidence-based knowledge to navigate the menopause journey with confidence. I’m Dr. Sukhpreet Patel, an MD Gynaecologist, menopause health advocate, postmenopausal woman, and the founder of MenopauseWize.
 
In this episode, we’re tackling a common yet complex topic: BLACK COHOSH —an herbal remedy widely used for managing menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:

What is Black Cohosh?: Learn about the origins of this plant, its traditional uses, and how it has evolved into a popular treatment for menopausal symptoms in modern times.
 
Does Black Cohosh Really Work?: We’ll explore the research, with some studies showing that black cohosh moderately reduces hot flashes, while others show little to no effect.

What Makes iCR Different?: Discover the benefits of iCR (isopropanolic black cohosh extract), a more standardized and studied form of black cohosh, which has been shown to be more effective than a placebo in treating hot flashes.

Why Standardization Matters: Not all black cohosh supplements are the same. We’ll dive into how differences in extraction methods and active compounds can lead to varying results, and why you should look for standardized iCR supplements, especially those containing triterpene glycosides (TG).

Safety Concerns: We’ll address some of the safety concerns surrounding black cohosh, particularly liver health. The U.S. Pharmacopeia requires a warning label on black cohosh products due to reports of liver toxicity, but clinical trials on iCR suggest it may be safer than other forms of black cohosh.

Breast Cancer and Black Cohosh: For women with a history of hormone-sensitive cancers, we’ll explore the concerns around black cohosh. While no studies have conclusively linked black cohosh to increased cancer risk, we’ll emphasize the importance of consulting your healthcare provider if you’re considering using it.

Why This Matters:
It’s easy to focus solely on symptoms like hot flashes during menopause, but remember, your health needs go beyond that. As we discuss, hot flashes are just one visible symptom, but menopause affects your bones, heart, and more. Silent killers like hypertension and osteoporosis often creep in during this phase of life, so it’s crucial to look beyond the immediate symptoms.

Medical Disclaimer:
The information shared in this podcast is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment, including herbal supplements like black cohosh, especially if you have underlying health conditions such as l

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