1. Take the Menopause Quiz
2. Menopause and Perimenopause Slideshow
3. Osteoporosis Slideshow Pictures

Medical Author:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• What are hot flashes?
• What causes hot flashes?
• What are the symptoms of hot flashes?
• How are hot flashes diagnosed?
• What is the treatment for hot flashes?
• Hormone therapy
• Bioidentical hormone therapy
• Other drug treatments
• Complementary and alternative treatments
• Phytoestrogens
• Black cohosh
• Other alternative therapies
• Can hot flashes be prevented?
• Hot Flashes At A Glance
• Patient Comments: Hot Flashes - Describe Your Experience
• Patient Comments: Hot Flashes - Causes
• Patient Comments: Hot Flashes - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Hot Flashes - Symptoms
• Find a local Endocrinologist in your town
• Hot Flashes Index

Black cohosh is an herbal preparation that is becoming more and more popular in the U.S., and the North American Menopause Society does support the short-term use of black cohosh for treating menopausal symptoms, for a period of up to six months (because of its relatively low incidence of side effects when used over the short-term).

Some studies have shown that black cohosh can reduce hot flashes, but most of the studies have not been considered to be rigorous enough in their design to firmly prove any benefit. There also have not been scientific studies done to establish the long-term benefits and safety of this product. Research is ongoing to further determine the effectiveness and safety of black cohosh.

There are many other supplements and substances that have been used as treatments for symptoms of menopause, including:

• vitamin E,
  
  
• licorice,
  
  
• evening primrose oil,
  
  
• dong quai,
  
  
• chasteberry, and
  
  
• wild yam.

Scientific studies to prove the safety and effectiveness of these products in relieving hot flashes have not been adequately performed.

While the development of hot flashes cannot be prevented, the treatment methods as described in the above section may be able to reduce their incidence and severity.