Black Cohosh Side Effects

Although black cohosh possesses many good qualities there are some side effects which cannot be ignored. The very fact that black cohosh herb introduces its own type of plant hormone into the body, means that it is also introducing new chemicals, and this in itself is potentially dangerous. As more medical research is needed regarding these chemicals, many medical professionals encourage patients to use other supplements that help to kick-start the body�s own estrogen production instead.

Keep reading to learn about the serious warnings that come with the consumption of black cohosh.

Warnings about Black Cohosh

There are several warnings about black cohosh and its use. The most important warnings are:

Breast Cancer Risk - One of the most dangerous and possibly deadly side effects of black cohosh is its impact on cancer cells. Research has shown that breast cancer, in particular, can be encouraged and its growth accelerated by the plant hormones which black cohosh contains. Because cancer is a life-threatening disease, many women decide not to take black cohosh despite its other benefits.

Aspirin - Another cohosh side effect which can be detrimental to a person's health is the effect the herb has on people who are allergic to aspirin. Research shows that these two components should not be mixed.

Pregnancy - Black cohosh was not thought to harm the unborn child, but it is important to check with a doctor before taking this herb during pregnancy. As little research has been undertaken into use during pregnancy, it is best to avoid taking black cohosh during this time.

Keep reading below to learn about less serious black cohosh effects.

Side Effects of Black Cohosh

Below are some examples of the effects of black cohosh which are potentially harmful to the body. It's important to seek professional medical advice prior to introducing black cohosh into the diet, in order to ensure that none of the following problems occur.

Nausea, dizziness and headaches: can occur if too much is ingested at any one time. A doctor should be consulted if this happens.

Hormonal reactions: Black cohosh interactions with birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are known to be harmful. In fact, some patients may find that black cohosh affects this type of medication in such a way that the medication becomes ineffective. Due to increased amounts of phytoestrogens in the body, other hormone medication becomes unproductive. Birth control medication may stop working, resulting in unplanned pregnancy. Furthermore, hormone levels steadied by HRT may become even more erratic than before the HRT program was started, causing more acute menopausal symptoms.

It is always advisable to consult professional medical advice when embarking upon a new course of supplements or drugs. Dependant on a person's general health and any other medication they may be taking, black cohosh side effects can be extremely harmful.

Now that the side effects of black cohosh have been explained. Click the following link to read more about the relationship between black cohosh and menopause.

Black Cohosh Substitutes

Other alternative treatments are just as effective as black cohosh, but without the side effects. Non-estrogenic herbs, for example, are a great option for treating menopause symptoms. Read more in the following article.