Menopause is a transition between two stages in women. Menopause is a natural phenomenon in women indicating cessation of reproductive ability. In menopause, menses stops due to changes in hormones in the body. It naturally occurs in women when they are between 45 and 50. This is accompanied by health effects like hot flashes, irritable mood, etc. Interestingly, many women show no ill effects during the menopause phase.
 

Hot flashes refer to a hot sensation felt over the facial, chest, and neck regions. Severity of hot flashes in menopause varies among women. Hot flashes may occur many times in a day or can affect only a few times in a week. Hot flashes can also disturb a woman’s sleep. It is advisable to undergo treatment for hot flashes early when the severity is mild. Hot flashes may be associated with chilling after they subside. Hormone replacement treatment is recommended for menopausal women to alleviate these symptoms. Many women now prefer natural remedies over hormone replacement treatment.
 

Black cohosh, botanically known as Actaea recemosa, is an effective natural treatment in reducing hot flashes in menopause. Many remedies use black cohosh and other natural remedies like ginseng and evening primrose oil to manage menopause effects. Black cohosh is commonly known as black snake root. Powder and tincture of black cohosh root are used medicinally in herbal treatment. Scientific evidence for treatment with black cohosh is not available, but symptoms do improve with it.  
 

Apart from reducing hot flashes,  black cohosh remedies have been used for pain relief, sleep problems, and swelling as well. Many supplements of black cohosh are available in tablet, capsule, and liquid dosage form in the market. These non-hormonal treatments of menopause are free from side effects. Hence, they are the preferred form of treatment. Some women prefer to go for black cohosh and other remedies under medical supervision. 
 

Many other effects of menopause are also managed with natural remedies. The most positive point with natural remedies is that they are totally safe and effective. Apart from herbal remedies, other natural treatments like acupuncture and massage are also practiced.

Hormone replacement treatments are linked with heart diseases, blood clots, and stroke. Though estrogen is a very effective treatment in managing hot flashes, it is full of many side effects.
 

Many natural remedies like red clover and soy have plant estrogen called phytoestrogen, which has no side effects. One should start with black cohosh, ginseng, soy, evening primrose oil, and other natural remedies to manage menopausal syndrome and consider hormone replacement treatment only if extremely necessary.