Black cohosh and Weight Gain: What Users Say

• Bet...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 8, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I began taking black cohosh about 2 months ago for hot flashes. I just stopped taking it today. I have figured out that it must be the black cohosh making me sick. At one point, I thought I had COVID-19! I was tested and was negative. I have been suffering from cramps, diarrhea, headache, constipation, rash, nausea, extreme feeling of heaviness, dizziness, and weight gain! I had no idea black cohosh had horrible side effects for many. I’ll take the hot flashes any day over these side effects. I am probably going to go back on an estrogen patch or cream. I came off of the patch about 4 years ago for safety and health reasons."

• Ksg...
• May 7, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I tried Black Cohosh after four different hormonal therapy therapies caused severe heart palpitations and other negative side effects. I don't recall how long I've been taking it but estimate it to be 12+ months. Recent lab work indicated severe inflammation of my liver. Per discussion with a new physician and research, I now believe this herbal supplement to be the cause as well as why I've been experiencing headaches, weight gain, severe tiredness, and brain fog. I stopped taking it a week ago and already feel much better. I so wish I could have figured out the cause earlier as I haven't felt well for the past year. Black Cohosh did eliminate the hot flashes for me, but not worth the other side effects. My doctor did lecture me on taking supplements that are not FDA-approved - lesson learned."

• Huc...
• October 26, 2020

For Herbal Supplementation "I have been taking 40 mg of black cohosh for two months. It has worked very well for night sweats and slight moodiness. The only side effect could be weight gain. I am up a couple of pounds with no changes other than taking black cohosh. However, the weight gain could just be menopause. I did try a stronger dose at first, 940 mg, because that is all I could find. Within a month, I had severe dizziness, so I went down to my current dosage. Seems to be working just fine. To me, this is a lifesaver."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 29, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I had bought Estroven weight management. It did help with moods and hot flashes. But I was noticing my weight going up, I had gained 7 lbs in one week. My diet had not changed. I started looking into the side effects of black cohosh, and weight gain/water retention were possible side effects. For me, it's not worth taking. Excess weight for me causes pain in my hips and back. I've stopped taking this product."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 9, 2021

For Herbal Supplementation "I began taking a compound supplement with black cohosh because of a recent PCOS diagnosis and hot flashes. I immediately noticed the lack of hot flashes and night sweats, but the side effects were too intense to continue use. After 1 month, my weight increased significantly, I felt heavy and tired, I was constantly bloated, and my usual constipation worsened. I would not recommend taking black cohosh unless it is prescribed to you. For reference, I am 31 and have never had issues with weight gain in the past."

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 15, 2023

"I figured I would try these as they say they are helpful in balancing hormones. I am not in menopause but am 48. It took me less than a month and a half to realize these pills were causing me weight gain. My whole body just puffed up and I looked super bloated, everywhere. This is not something I'm used to. I stopped taking them about 2-3 weeks ago, and I have lost that unexpected bloat and extra weight gain. I'm not taking these anymore. I need it to work with me, not against me."