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Monday 16 February 2015

Black cohosh, hot flushes, and breast cancer

Cancer and Society

Black cohosh, hot flushes, and breast cancer


Commonly used treatments for breast cancer are known to induce premature menopause. These include chemotherapy and endocrine (hormone) therapy such as tamoxifen. Such treatments cause suppression of ovarian function. In post-menopausal women, the use of other hormonal drugs—eg, aromatase inhibitors—leads to decreased circulating oestrogen concentrations, that can, in turn, also induce menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, vaginal dryness, night sweats, depression, fatigue, and altered sexual function.