Black Cohosh--Can we take?

morgaine109

HI. This is Morgaine. I've had mastectomies/reconstruction to both breasts. I had DCIS. My sister passed away from BC in January 2011 and my aunt in 2006. 

I think i'm in premenopause. I've been taking black cohosh which seems to help the mood swings. Is this safe? Can I do this? What are people taking? 

Angelfalls

I was told not to take black cohosh with ER+ BC.

cinnamonsmiles

DCIS is a little different than IDC in that DCIS is contained within the milk ducts and IDC is outside the milk ducts. So I would think someone with IDC Etrogen positive cancer, Black Cohosh would never be acceptable.

Howevere, I was told by my medical team that since I had DCIS and all my milk ducts were gone after the BMX, and I had clear margins with no nodes involved, it would be ok for me to take Black Cohosh, since my cancer was gone when the milk ducts were removed (although we know that there is always a chance of a stray cell or two left behind and we are really NED).

Given that I had DCIS, my nodes and margins were clear after my BMX, I was the lowest grade, I choose to take Black Cohosh and feel fine about it. Had I had IDC or unclean margins after the BMX and estrogen positive, I would not be taking it.

I would ask your breast surgeon or your oncologist if you have one or saw one. I wonder if the cancer in your sisters and the severity of it makes a difference. In my case, there are few females that can be counted (one living grandmother, my mom, and I. amd two cousins). So far, I am the only with cancer.

I am no doctor, but if I were you, I probably wouldn't due to the fact that your aunt and sister died from bc, but that decision is best for you and your medical team to decided. My situation is a little different than yours. 

Moderators

Here is what we have on Black Cohash:

http://www.breastcancer.org/tips/nutrition/supplements/known/black_cohosh.jsp

It may be helpful.

Best,

Your Mods