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Black Cohosh

This entry is being reviewed. We could not yet check its doses and interactions against independent sources, so read it as a record of what was said, not as guidance.

What Huberman said

Discussing compounds that may ease menopause symptoms, Huberman says black cohosh has been promoted to increase estrogen and that its effects across studies were consistent but fairly minor.

Cautions he mentions

  • In the same menopause discussion he says to talk to your doctor, because any hormone-related compound is a serious consideration given the relationship to breast cancers.[1]

Safety notes from independent sources

  • Cases of liver damage, some very serious, have been reported in people taking products labelled as black cohosh. NCCIH says these problems are rare and it is uncertain whether black cohosh was responsible. NCCIH: Black cohosh
  • LiverTox rates products sold as black cohosh as a well-established cause of clinically apparent liver injury, including cases that needed a liver transplant or were fatal. LiverTox: Black cohosh
  • The US Pharmacopeia advises people with a liver disorder to avoid black cohosh, and anyone who develops abdominal pain, dark urine or jaundice while taking it to stop and contact their doctor. NIH ODS: Black cohosh

Where he said it

  1. 1
    “Turns out that the effects are consistent but are fairly minor.”

    The Science of How to Optimize Testosterone & Estrogen

    Episode · 01:24:41 · 2021

Related

This page reports what Andrew Huberman has said. It isn’t medical advice and NSDR.co isn’t affiliated with Huberman Lab. Talk to a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or have a health condition. Safety information