Anti-hormonal therapy of breast cancer patients with the anti-estrogen tamoxifen (Nolvadex) often induces or aggravates menopausal complaints.

Researchers at the University Hospital, in Zurich, Switzerland measured the response to black cohosh.

First, the details.

• 50 breast cancer patients taking tamoxifen were treated with an isopropanolic extract of black cohosh (1-4 tablets, 2.5 mg) for 6 months.
• Patients recorded their complaints before and after 1, 3, and 6 months of therapy using the menopause rating scale (MRS II).
• All patients had surgery, most had undergone radiation therapy (87%), and approximately 50% had received chemotherapy.

And, the results.

• The reduction of the total MRS II score under black cohosh treatment from 18 to 14 was statistically significant.
• Hot flashes, sweating, sleep problems, and anxiety improved.
• Urogenital and musculoskeletal complaints did not change.
• 90% reported the tolerability of the black cohosh extract as very good or good.

The bottom line?

The authors concluded, “Black cohosh extract seems to be a reasonable treatment approach in tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients with predominantly psychovegetative (eg, sleep) symptoms.”

Too bad they didn’t include a placebo group.

1/25/11 21:34 JR