Herbal supplements such as black cohosh and red clover have become popular remedies for symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes. What many don’t know is that the negative side effects of these supplements may far outweigh any positive results. The Chicago Flame reports the findings of two studies conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois at Chicago and Northwestern University. This four-arm, randomized, double-blind clinical trial compared black cohosh and red clover to hormone replacement (the standard treatment of menopause) and a placebo for the treatment of hot flashes.

For the trial, 89 women experiencing severe to moderate hot flashes were asked to keep a diary of the number of hot flashes they had a day as well as the intensity for 12 months.

“When the data was completed the researchers found that the average number of hot flashes per week decreased over time across all groups, black cohosh decreased 34 percent, red clover 57 percent, placebo 63 percent and hormone therapy 94 percent.”

The National Center of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) warns consumers of the side effects common with the use of these herbal supplements. These side effects may include “abdominal pain, dark urine or jaundice. There have been several case reports of hepatitis (inflammation of the liver), as well as liver failure (although rare), in women who were taking black cohosh.” 

Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) is vying for the most effective and safe treament against symptoms of menopause.  For more info. on BHRT and how it can help you, click here.

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