I just heard on our evening news that it was good for hot flashes. I will be looking it up on web sites, but I also would like to hear from anyone with any firsthand experience. Lord knows I don't need any more drugs if I can help it.

Give me your best shot. Kathryn

Hi Kathryn:

Due to a history of cancer in the female members of my family I was absolutely opposed to the idea of using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) when I became menopauseal. I experienced hot flushes about every 45 mins and the night sweats were causing many sleepless nights, not to mention the mood swings my family had to endure. I was not going to bend - I would try the natural route or suffer. The health store in my neighbourhood recommended that I tried Cohosh in conjunction with Soy - WHAT A DIFFERENCE!!!!! http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/cool.gif I currently take one capsule (150 mg) twice daily of "SISU Cool It" (Black Cohosh). The Soy powder I mix with skim milk once a day is called SoyOne by Interactive in the form of a shake - it's absolutely delicious - I sometimes jazz it up with fruit for variety. My flushes are so minimal that I almost feel normal and even like myself again. If you try it - I hope you get the same results as I did.

Hi Phylrob... I've just started taking it. But, I've been taking the Soy in pill form. Do you think that is the same in effect as the Soy Powder that you mix with Skim Milk? I would be curious to find out.

Thanks for your wonderful response. I probably prefer to take the natural route myself. I have been taking calcium supplements to help with bone loss.

Thank you soooo much, Kathryn

I just started taking Remifemin which is black cohosh and it has really helped. I used to get hot flashes mainly at night which disturbed my sleep, but now they are not so bad. I am also taking a soy supplement as well. I exercise everyday by either walking or some sort of toning alternating every other day. I am also trying the natural route and am trying to ride it out. Has anyone tried progesterone cream?

Phylrob, You've answered my questions, I'm new to menapause since October, but hot flashed and mood swings are getting worse, My husband calls me ME, Myself and I. I too have family history. SOOOOOOOO scared, my mom died pre-menapausal from breast cancer so HRT is out for me..per me and my Doc. I drink soy milk in a malted or shake form and take calcium supplements. Is This Black Cohosh safe for me with the family history.
Thanks, Mag

Hi Maggiewiggie: I'm glad my comments were able to help - as far as cohosh being safe considering your family history - the health food store I visited were aware of my family history and were happy that I opted for the natural route which leads me to believe that it's safe to take - anyway, it's definitely the better route to go. Try it and let me know how it goes. Good Luck - tell your family "they are welcome" ;o)

Hi Kathryn: I myself had stated taking soy in pill form, but I take so many vitamin supplements (calcium, glucosamine sulphate, B, C, E) that I found the shake form much more enjoyable. If I have a full lunch, then I would substitute dinner with a soy shake, together with a salad (and homemade dressing) - it is quite satisfying.

To answer your question, it was the same health store that suggested I switched if I wanted an alternative to the pill form, so I imagine that the benefits of both are similar. Gosh, I can't remember the last time I had a hot flush. I take my pills dilligently. Let me know what happens.

Phylrob,

Thanks for your response. I am also taking many supplements, vitamans and calcium. I looked at the soy powders this past weekend and they all sounded tempting to the taste. They even had a chocolate one. I think I will give it a try. Come to think of it. I haven't has the hot flashes as bad as I usually do. Even in the winter I have to layer my clothes so I can start peeling off to a comfortable temperature. The real test will be this summer. I couldn't even enjoy last summer running as Hot as I was.

Sounds like I need a new thermostat.. just like a car... LOL

Thanks, Kathryn

What do you ladies think about his sight that I found on another post regarding Soy..
http://thyroid.about.com/health/thyroid/cs/soysdownsides/index.htm

I'm a little concerned...

Hi again Kathryn: Thank you for providing the website on soy use. I did hear about these concerns before and also did some research on it. I guess it came down to weighing the odds - chemical -vs- natural products. The way I see it, side effects from natural products are the lesser of the two evils. I firmly believe that everything in excess is bad for you. We have to try to find the right balance (as hard as it is) that works for us, taking everyting into consideration, such as medical history/condition. I also know that isoflavones found in soy are great cancer and/or tumour fighters. The following is an excerpt I took from a search I did on 'genistein' which seems to be one of the concerns on the website you suggested. Read on.

"Isoflavones are chemically similar to the drug tamoxiphen. They reduce the risk of breast cancer by binding to the estrogen receptor sites on the chromosomal material in mammary gland cells and preventing the dangerous C-16 form of estrogen from binding. Soy products (soybeans or tofu) are particularly abundant in isoflavones, and they have been observed to reduce the incidence of experimental tumors in experimental mammals. Asian women usually consume more than 35 grams of soybeans or soy-derived food per day as opposed to the American woman who may only get 1-2 grams per day. One particular isoflavone is called genestein. This substance not only inhibits two enzymes necessary for tumor growth, but there is recently discovered evidence that it will reduce the blood supply to tumors.

The intake, as well as serum and urinary concentrations, of phytoestrogens is high in countries where incidence of prostate cancer is low, suggesting a chemopreventive role for phytoestrogens. Their significance could be explained by the ability to antagonize the action of more potent endogenous estrogens in initiation or promotion of tumor formation."

We all have choices to make - the results from my use of cohosh and soy is remarkable. Whether it's the cohosh or the soy, or a combination of both is anyone's guess, but it's the old saying "if it isn't broke........"

Thanks for making everyone aware of the website - this way, we can all make the choices we think will benefit us.

Hi Phylrob... I took quite an interest to the references you made and we both read on that website. I was wondering about the Thyroid thing. So far, I really shouldn't worry. I am taking very small dose of Levoxyl for Hypothyroid. No problems whatsover with it... I guess I will keep an eye on it and see what happens. Personally, I want to continue my Black Cohosh and my Soy. I am at the point that I firmly believe it is doing good...

Your right, it's not broke, so I won't fix it.

I guess everything has some controversy to it. Compared to the meds I'm already taking, this is easier on my body, I'm sure.

Thanks... Kathryn