Black Cohosh

[Lily-Anne]

Is this supplement okay for surgical menopause? Can you take it during chemo? Any experience of these would be good.

LA

[Hidden]

Hi Lily-Anne,

If you go on the Cancer Research uk (CRUK) website it will give you information and advice on this.... best wishes love x G x

[LouiseOvacome My Ovacome Team]

Hi Lily-Anne,

I'm no expert, but I understand that Black Cohosh is only useful if you have ovaries still in; that it stimulates menopausal ovarian function, so not something I would be happy taking!

Louise

[iamstillme]

Hi Lily-Anne

I know my consultant recommended black Cohosh or red clover

I would ask your specialist first

Ally

[Pollywollydoodle]

Hi Lily-anne,

Was told not to take this or red clover by my consultant as i had tumour cell types influenced by oestrogen levels Also the oncologist advised against taking anything- even supplements -whilst on chemo as your liver has enough to deal with processing the chemo and any meds that go along with it. Better to be safe and I took mine back to Holland and Barret at the time !! Hope this helps.

Polly

[Hidden]

My onc also asked me to stop all supplements during chemo.

I would be cautious about anything with phyto-oestrogen properties in case your cancer is oestrogen-sensitive.

[wendydee]

Hi Lily-Anne

I would advise caution too. Ask your onc first, you could also ask about HRT implants (mine made me feel really well) I only had them for 18months. I felt great! They used to put them in while operating, to help a strong recovery. They were good for me, you can ask

All the best with all this

Love Wendy xx

[Whippit]

It's interesting - whether to take supplements or not. I think before we think of supplements it's worth considering our diet and exercise to see whether we're optimising those by eating really well and exercising.

Having said that I"m trying the Budwig Regime. Bab's posted about it last week. It has been poo-pooed by health-care professions but when I looked into it I thought it was just a sensible eating regime with lots of fruit, veg and roughage and that seemed like a sensible thing. It may well not have any effect on the cancer itself but a good balanced diet will certainly keep you as fit as possible and give your body a fighting chance.

If I'm honest I'm a bit sceptical about supplements unless you have a condition that causes the body not to absorb nutrients. They can cost a fortune.

xxxx