Do alternative remedies (like soy and black cohosh) help with menopause symptoms?
Some studies have shown that soy may help with hot flashes and night sweats in the short term. But soy could be dangerous for women at risk for estrogen-related breast, uterus, or ovarian cancer. Black cohosh may help some women control hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and insomnia — but not all. Studies on the effectiveness of black cohosh in treating hot flashes have shown mixed results. There have been reports linking black cohosh to liver problems. Other natural remedies include red clover, dong quai, kava, and evening prime rose. Your doctor can help you decide whether any alternative treatments are right for you.
