Menopause can be a time of new awakenings, challenges, and opportunities, but few women want to deal with the hot flushes that are so commonly a part of this time of transition. Because of the risks of hormone replacement therapy, many women are seeking other options for relieving menopausal symptoms. One treatment that has gained in popularity is use of the medication Remifemin. Is Remifemin for hot flushes safe and effective?

Does it Work?

While Remifemin sounds like a synthetic prescription medication, it’s actually an herbal supplement with black cohosh as the active ingredient. It has a history of being used in Europe to treat hot flushes for over forty years. Clinical trials have shown that Remifemin for hot flushes helps to reduce the night sweats, temperature intolerance, insomnia, and mood swings associated with menopause. One study showed these symptoms were reduced by up to seventy percent after taking Remifemin for twelve weeks. Studies have even suggested that it works as well as Premarin for treating the mood and temperature changes associated with menopause.

What are the Side Effects?

While Remifemin appears to be effective for reducing hot flushes and mood swings, what are the side effects? The most common side effect is mild gastrointestinal upset and headache. Some patients taking it experience heaviness in the legs, weight gain, and mild sedation. There have been rare reports of liver toxicity as a result of using black cohosh, but most women have little difficulty tolerating this herb.

What About Long-Term Safety?

One area of concern with use of Remifemin for hot flushes is the estrogenic effect. Black cohosh has been shown to have weak estrogenic properties which raise the concern as to whether it could increase the risk of breast or uterine cancer. A study carried out on mice failed to show an increase in uterus size as a result of exposure to black cohosh. Interestingly, studies looking at the effects of black cohosh on breast cancer risk have been a mixed bag. One study showed that it decreased the risk of breast cancer by half, but other studies have shown that it may increase the risk of spread of already established breast cancers. More studies are needed in this area and it’s probably wise for anyone with a history or who’s at high risk for breast cancer to avoid it.

The Bottom Line?

Most studies suggest that Remifemin for hot flushes is effective for reducing the uncomfortable symptoms of menopause. One area of concern remains its potential estrogenic effect on the breast and uterus. For this reason, it shouldn’t be used in women at high risk for breast cancer and shouldn’t be taken for longer than six months except under the care of a doctor.