How does black cohosh work?
Scientific research on the specific chemistry of black cohosh has established that this natural medicine suppresses secretion of a substance called luteinizing hormone (LH).8 One function of estrogen is to suppress the effects of LH. Menopause results in high levels of LH in the blood, which in turn causes lots of uncomfortable symptoms including, hot flashes, night sweats,headaches, heart palpitations, and vaginal dryness.3,6,7 While no one knows for sure how black cohosh exactly works to suppress LH activity, researchers believe that several chemical compounds may be involved in its beneficial activity.8 Clinical studies have shown without any uncertainty, however, the effectiveness of the herb in treating menopausal symptoms. In 1982, a German study collected data on 629 patients treated with black cohosh from 131 health care practitioners and gynecologists. The researchers found that after six to eight weeks of treatment, 80% of patients experienced beneficial effects.9 A 1987 doub
