PURPOSE: This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) and St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) in women with climacteric symptoms, and to assess their effects on vaginal atrophy, hormone levels, and lipid profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter study, 89 peri- or postmenopausal women experiencing climacteric symptoms were treated with St. John's wort and black cohosh extract (Gynoplus
Plant Extracts/*therapeutic use ; Placebos ; *Phytotherapy ; *Perimenopause ; Middle Aged ; *Hypericum ; Humans ; Hot Flashes/*prevention & control ; Female ; Estrogens/blood ; Double-Blind Method ; *Cimicifuga

Estradiol ; blood ; Female ; Hot Flashes ; prevention & control ; Humans ; Isoflavones ; therapeutic use ; Luteinizing Hormone ; blood ; Middle Aged ; Phytotherapy ; Postmenopause ; blood ; drug effects ; Prospective Studies ; Soybean Proteins ; therapeutic use ; Soybeans ; chemistry ; Sweating ; drug effects ; Syndrome