black cohosh

does anyone take black cohosh? i’ve taken it in small amounts to simulate estrogen in my body and hopefully bring on my period, as my period is super irregular and i prefer to get it regularly as that’s usually more convenient for me, so i just take the herbal stuff like 3-4 days after my period should have been if it’s late. i get the sense that it’s working as the first two times ive tried it i’ve almost immediately gotten cramps and then my period comes the next day. the only thing that’s weirding me out is that my cramps have been much worse these last two periods (when i’ve takes the black cohosh) than they usually are, although i’ve had severe cramps like these occasionally in the past so it could be a coincidence. also, my periods these past two times have been way thicker (sorry, TW if this grosses you out) and like more clotted than normal...? also this time day 1 of my period is accompanied by a pretty awful headache which isn’t one of my usual symptoms. i’m not sure if this is a result of taking the herbs or something else. from what i read black cohosh is also supposed to relieve some period symptoms (similar to dong quai and other herbs prescribed to people w severe pms symptoms), so i’m confused. has anyone else had any experience with this?

ALSO: these are my first 2 periods since quitting smoking and i’m not sure if that would affect things