herbal remedy, is it safe?

[kat2206]

I had a full hysterectomy in January this year, I refused to go on to HRT after the research that I carried out on it. I went to a herbal shop and have started taking BLACK COHOSH, they seem to be ok but I have read recently that it can seriously affect your liver/cause liver failure and damage. Can anyone here let me know if they have used this vitamin and if so had any problems or has it improved their life at all? Many thanks in advance for replies....

[daisy48]

Hi kat, I've used black cohosh for 7 years,that when I started "the change". Speaking for myself I think they're marvellous they really eased my flushes. Daisy.

[Ethel]

How old are you?

This is not a replacement for HRT, which postpones the menopause, but is only a menopause reliever.

The earlier you go through the menopause the higher the chance of osteoporosis, so I hope you take plenty of calcium.

I would not take Black Cohosh personally - and in any case it is only recommended for six months to relieve menopausal symptoms.

One of the side effects is a loss of bone mass - a very serious concern for all women past the menopause. Make sure you have plenty of calcium.

Australia insists that this remedy carries a warning about liver damage.

[wolf63]

my doctor was supportive when I decided to try it. NHS doctors are usually cautious when it comes to herbal medicines - but Black Cohosh has been well tested.

[shaneystar2]

Perfectly alright to take .I took it for ages after trying HRT and finding that the HRT made me put on weight and gave me moodier swings than I was having already !! It relieved the horrible hot flushes for which I was forever grateful.
I went through an early menopause at 39 after a hysterectomy but have no signs of osteoporosis as yet and am now pushing 60 so don't worry .
Just because you have had a hysterectomy at any age doesn't mean to say you going to get osteoporosis .I wish people wouldn't scare monger.
Just eat sensibly ,watch your weight gentle exercise and things will be fine.

[funkymoped]

excuse my ignorance...

HRT... dont these drugs replace the natural drugs the body would produce if the hysterectomy hadnt been needed ??

in my way of thinking, its like not taking INSULIN if you were diagnosed with diabetes....

[shaneystar2]

Your body doesn't produce drugs ..it produces hormones and HRT treatment involves a series of drugs designed to artificially boost hormone levels. The main types of hormones involved are estrogens, progesterone or progestins, and sometimes testosterone.Lots of women take it both pre and post menopausal for various conditions. It's immaterial whether you have had a hysterectomy or not. You still go through the menopause.When you find some HRT is made using horses urine it puts you off .So lots of women choose alternative therapy.

[daisy48]

shaney, You've said it all. I chose not to take HRT as my GP advised me of the increased risk of breast cancer and I did'nt fancy the idea of having horses pee inside me anyway. I dont have flushes as much as I used to more like constantly hot now! Thats where the BC come in handy. Im 58 so you're not the only one pushing 60:-))

[shaneystar2]

One of the reasons I came off it daisy ..after I realised how some of it is produced and the cruel treatment of the animals it made me think .I felt rotten taking it anyway. The natural methods worked for me and after all said and done our mothers and grandmothers got through the change without drugs.
You won't die of the menopause but you may die of diabetes if you don't take insulin !

[kat2206]

FUNKYMOPED - you must be a male with that kind of answer, please read up about HRT before expressing an opinion as to whether it can be beneficial. However, I will admit that some women who do take it absolutely have had no problems BUT the odds are against this. I also am not into putting drugs into my body for the rest of my life, I am only 38 and had my hysterectomy at a relative early age so herbal (for me) is the best option.

[shaneystar2]

Quite right too kat2206....when they put me on it getting on for twenty years ago it was a relatively new thing and I was so desperate for anything to relieve the horrible things I was going through .Only after a bit of research and the fact that it made me feel worse did I decide to ditch it and go down the natural route.Best thing I ever did.
One thing I did take for a long time was Menopace which I can highly recommend .Good luck to you and I hope you sail through it with no problems.

[funkymoped]

STEADY on kat !!!

yes im a bloke, but my answer wasnt intended to offend.
i was just asking a question to your question..

if it offended you then "im sorry".....

i didnt voice an opinion about HRT or anything else.

CHILL GIRL...