Women who are having bothersome hot flashes and are looking for a non-estrogen based treatment can participate in a research study at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor.

The study will help determine whether black cohosh, an herb that is available over-the-counter, is helpful in lessening or stopping hot flashes in women. The study will also help to determine if side effects are possible from regular use of this herb.

"Hot flashes are experienced by many women," explained Philip Stella, M.D., medical director, Saint Joseph Mercy Cancer Care Center. "Recent information regarding the increased risks of developing breast cancer with hormone replacement therapy leave women and their doctors with fewer options to treat these often debilitating hot flashes. This research is necessary to see if a popular but unstudied herb, black cohosh, is a good option for women. We hope this research will help us find safe and effective alternatives to reduce or eliminate hot flashes."

The black cohosh study is available at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor, the leading research institution of the Michigan Cancer Research Consortium Community Clinical Oncology Program which includes six other southeast Michigan hospitals. It is the only program in Michigan offering this study. The study is being sponsored by the North Central Cancer Treatment Group out of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Mn.

St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Ann Arbor participates in more than 100 cancer treatment and prevention trials. For more information about this study, other cancer studies or other participating hospitals, please call Saint Joseph Mercy Cancer Care Center toll-free at 888-474-HOPE.