Alternatives to Conventional Hormone Replacement Therapy, Complimentary Therapies in Medicine, Vol. 23, No. 8, 1997, pp. 517-532
Author: Maida Taylor, M.D., M.P.H., FACOG

Very intelligent discussion on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), herbal remedies and cancer risk. Overviews beneficial herbs including black cohosh and other alternative treatments. Discussion of beneficial lifestyle changes and offers information to research alternative therapies.

Hormone Modulating Herbs: Implications for Womenıs Health, American Medical Womenıs Association, (JAMWA, Fall 1999; 54: pp. 181-183
Author: Fredi Kronenberg, Ph.D., et al

Discussion of menopausal women and the use of botanicals. References herbs including black cohosh and soy products. Emphasizes black cohosh as the most studied botanical for menopausal complaints and the vital need for further studies. This article considers the viability of black cohosh and its health implications for women.

Alternative Therapies for Menopause, Clinical Obstetrics and Gynecology Vol. 43, No. 1, March 2000, pp. 162-183,
Author: Barbara Kass-Annese, RNCNP, MSN

Good overall discussion of the benefits of lifestyle changes including diet, supplements and the use of botanicals including black cohosh. Great look at the make-up of black cohosh and its numerous chemical constituents which offer its beneficial use for menopausal women. Discusses chaste berry comprehensively for the reduction of PMS, noting that women who took this herbal therapy had a significant reduction of prolactin levels. Concludes that herbal alternative therapies can be quite effective when taken properly and have the benefit of being a safe option for women.

Womenıs Health Update: Premenstrual Syndrome, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, Vol. 203, June 2000
Author: Tori Hudson, N.D.

A review of natural approaches to PMS for women and a look at various theories why PMS symptoms vary so greatly from woman to woman. Hypothesizing that ovarian hormones affect the neurotransmitter, neuroendrocrine and circadian systems that influence mood and behavior for each one of us.

Chemicals and Menopause: Effects on Age at Menopause and on the Health Status in the Postmenopausal Period, Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 8, No. 2, 1999 pp. 227-233
Author: Ellen K. Silbergeld, Ph.D and Jodi A. Flaws, Ph.D.

Looks at toxicity in a woman's environment and provides statistics which demonstrate that chemicals which are toxic to the follicles can lower the age of menopause by depleting the ovary of oocytes. Women are exposed both in their homes and places of work, as well as by first and second hand smoke.

Menopause: When Hormone Replacement Therapy is Not an Option. Journal of Women's Health, Vol. 7, No. 5, 1998, pp. 559-565
Author: Taylor N. Waldman, M.S.N., C.R.N.P.

Discusses women who are faced with contraindications for Hormone Replacment Therapy (HRT). Covers different types of hormone replacement therapy, from oral, to patches and creams. Also examines the risks associated with HRT.

HRT: Pause for Thought & Black Cohosh the Women's Herb? Harvard Women's Health Watch, Vol. 7, No. 8, 2000)
Author: Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D.

This article weighs HRT's benefits and risks and looks at women's fears of breast cancer associated with HRT. Points out the shortcomings of many studies and sites Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) which concluded that a woman's relative risk for breast cancer increased by 8% per year on combined HRT therapy and 1% on estrogen alone. Conservative review of black cohosh.

Herbal Therapies for Perimenopausal and Menopausal Complaints, Pharmocotherapy 1997; Vol. 17, No. 5, pp. 970-984
Author: Debra Israel, Pharma.D. and Ellis Quinn Youngkin, Ph.D, R.N.C.

Looks at the rise in the use of botanicals to alleviate menopausal and perimenopausal symptoms. Looks at safety and efficacy and describes the various preparations of herbs, conditions of menopause and herbs which are used to alleviate common menopausal symptoms and accompanying scientific data. Women are urged to use herbal preparations that are recognized as having consistent dosages.

Alternative Treatments for Menopausal Symptoms, Systematic Review of Scientific and Lay Literature, Canadian Family Physician, Vol. 44, June 1998, pp. 1299-1307
Author: Maga M. Seidle, MHSC and Donna Stewart, MD, FRCPC

Review of scientific literature on common alternative remedies for treatment of symptoms attributed to menopause. Provides data on herbs commonly used for the relief of menopausal symptoms including black cohosh and chasteberry. Concluded that randomized controlled trials, standardization of dosage, safety measures and accurate labeling are required to ensure proper use of alternative remedies.