October is Breast Health Month

Beyond fall color and crisp temperatures, October also marks an important time – a national recognition of breast health awareness.

For many women, this isn't about just the routine hassle of mammograms and scheduling appointments. It's a critical issue. It is the time to return to routines or start good health practices such as breast self-examinations. The American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends that women begin monthly breast self-examination at the age of 20. Click here for more recommendations.

Certainty and Peace of Mind - Black Cohosh

Natural supplements – including black cohosh – have been in the news quite a lot over the years.

Much of the information seems confusing or contradictory. For women who can't take estrogen for the relief of menopausal symptoms, a natural approach may be the preferred route. But questions may still remain. Click here for more information about black cohosh.

A recent study about the safety of black cohosh may help put some anxieties to rest.

The New Study

Documenting the safety of black cohosh, for postmenopausal women with and without a history of breast cancer, who cannot take estrogen, this new study, headed by Nadio Obi, is titled, "Herbal Preparation Use and Postmenopausal Breast Cancer," was published just this last August.¹

It reinforces two earlier studies and evidence of safety - Rebbeck's and Hirschberg's – both published in 2007. ^2,3

Rebbeck's study showed that black cohosh had strong antioxidant properties and that it didn't promote increased breast cell proliferation.

Hirschberg's study showed that black cohosh doesn't promote endometrial thickening, increased breast density or breast cell proliferation, and that it's safe for women who shouldn't take estrogen.

Obi's new study – just published this August – showed even more.

A Protective Effect.

It demonstrated that the herb might actually exert a protective effect. Among women taking black cohosh, the research showed a 26 percent improvement in breast health. Interestingly, lifestyle factors, including exercise and diet, didn't affect the results. (Of course, these things still matter a lot - just in the context of this study, they weren't a factor.)

1. Obi, et al. The use of herbal preparations to alleviate climacteric disorders and risk of postmenopausal breast cancer in a German case-control study. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 2009;18(8):2207-13.
2. Rebbeck, et al. A retrospective case-control study of the use of hormone-related supplements and association with breast cancer. Int J Cancer. 2007;120(7):1523-8.
3. Hirschberg, et al. An isopropanolic extract of black cohosh does not increase mammographic breast density or breast cell proliferation in postmenopausal women. Menopause. 2007;14(1):89-96.