Black Cohosh in Treating Hot Flashes in Women Who Have or Who Are At Risk of Developing Breast Cancer

DISEASE CHARACTERISTICS: History of breast cancer OR concern about taking hormones because of fear of breast cancer No current active disease No current evidence of malignant disease Bothersome hot flashes Patient-reported occurrence at least 14 times per week and of sufficient severity to make the patient desire therapeutic intervention Hormone receptor status: PATIENT CHARACTERISTICS: Age 18 and over Sex Female Performance status ECOG 0-1 Life expectancy At least 6 months Other Not pregnant or nursing Negative pregnancy test Fertile patients must use effective contraception Able to complete questionnaires alone or with assistance PRIOR CONCURRENT THERAPY: Chemotherapy More than 4 weeks since prior antineoplastic chemotherapy No concurrent antineoplastic chemotherapy during the double-blind portion of the study Endocrine therapy More than 4 weeks since prior androgens, estrogens, or progestational agents More than 2 weeks since prior dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) for hot flashes No concurrent androgens, estrogens, or progestational agents during the double-blind portion of the study No concurrent DHEA for hot flashes Concurrent tamoxifen, raloxifene, or an aromatase inhibitor is allowed provided the patient started the drug at least 4 weeks prior to study entry and plans to continue the drug throughout the double-blind portion of the study Other More than 2 weeks since prior antidepressants More than 2 weeks since other prior agents for treating hot flashes (e.g., clonidine or Bellergal-s) No prior black cohosh No concurrent antidepressants during the double-blind portion of the study No other concurrent agents for treating hot flashes (e.g., clonidine or Bellergal-s) Concurrent vitamin E and/or soy allowed provided patient is on a stable dose for at least 1 month prior to study entry and plans to continue the same dose throughout study duration No concurrent oral herbal therapies or therapeutic herbal teas or tinctures except beverage teas (e.g., chamomile, ginger, peppermint, lemongrass, and fruit-based tea)