I started using this on July 9th and by July 23 started with itchy hives from this formula. It took weeks to discover that it was the Amberen that was causing the hives, so I continued to take it, even in a double dosage, as recommended by the company, as it was not relieving the hot flashes very quickly. By the time I made my discovery, my heart was beating irregularly and I had hives all over by body and was not able to sleep due to the itching. It's seven weeks later, I am only now starting to make a recovery using a liver detoxification and acupuncture and after seeing four doctors. It has been hellish to say the least. The neurotoxin MSG fires the cells until the cell dies, it can accumulate in your body and you could become allergic, as I did. MSG is in all packaged foods, fast foods, vegetarian food and in over 25 hidden names. It is a toxin - a nerve poison. Google it for more information. I have never experienced ANY allergy from anything before this. It has been a long, torturous nightmare! If you decide to try it, be very careful. As for me the hot flashes no longer seem like a problem after this:)