Hormonal changes are a normal part of a woman’s life, but the symptoms they bring can sometimes be difficult to manage. Mood changes, low energy, poor sleep, hot flashes, and reduced libido can become more noticeable during ovulation, perimenopause, and menopause.
This is where maca root has gained attention. Traditionally used in Peru for energy, reproductive health, and sexual well-being, maca is now being studied for its potential role in supporting women through hormonal and reproductive changes. Let’s discuss its science-backed benefits.
Key Highlights
- Maca may support hormonal health by working with the body’s natural hormone-regulating systems rather than adding hormones.
- It may help with menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep problems.
- Maca can support fertility and ovulation, although more research is needed to confirm its effects.
- It may improve libido, energy, and mood, with sexual desire being one of the better-supported benefits.
- Choose maca based on your needs: red maca is commonly studied for women’s hormonal health, while yellow maca is a simpler option for general use.
Maca Root: A Traditional Supplement for Women’s Reproductive Health
Maca root is an extreme-altitude cruciferous vegetable that survives in harsh, freezing weather where almost no other crops can grow.
What Does Maca Root Contain?
Along with plant-based protein and dietary fibre, Maca root naturally contains:
- Complex carbohydrates
- Iron
- Calcium
- Copper
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Zinc
- Vitamin C
- B vitamins, including B1 and B2
- Macamides and macaenes, unique plant compounds found in maca
- Glucosinolates, naturally occurring sulfur-containing compounds
- Polyphenols and other antioxidant plant compounds
Also Read: Benefits of Maca Root for Men & Women
Yellow vs Red vs Black Maca For Women
Maca naturally comes in different colours, including yellow, red, and black.
| Factors | Yellow Maca | Red Maca | Black Maca |
|---|---|---|---|
| Availability | Most common | Moderate | Rare |
| Taste | Mild, neutral | Slightly sweet | Earthy, strong |
| Best known for | General energy and stress support; good starting point | Women's hormonal health, mood, bone health; also studied for prostate health in men | More effective for Men’s fertility, stamina, and mental focus |
How Does Maca Root Help in Hormonal Balance
Rather than adding hormones to the body, maca root may support hormonal health by working with the body's natural systems. Its potential effects are linked to the way it interacts with the brain, stress response, and reproductive function.
1. Supports the body's hormone-regulating system
Maca root has gained attention for its potential to support hormonal balance naturally. Maca may influence the communication between the HPA axis, the connection between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, and helps regulate the body’s hormone production.
2. May Help in Ovulation
The strongest evidence for fertility comes from an 18-month study of 189 women averaging about 31 years old who had ovulatory dysfunction (irregular or absent ovulation, which affects roughly a quarter of infertile women).
They took a daily natural supplement containing maca and tracked ovulation with kits. By the end:
- Ovulation rates increased from 10% to 42% of women.
- 37% of participants became pregnant.
- No side effects were reported.
3. Helps the body handle stress
Maca is traditionally considered an adaptogenic herb, meaning it may help the body manage physical and emotional stress. Maca root may help lower the secretion of cortisol during unprecedented events, thus helping your body cope with stress.
How Maca Root Helps in Menopausal Symptom Relief
As per some clinical studies, maca root may help reduce common menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and sleep disruptions in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women. These symptoms are mainly caused by fluctuating or declining estrogen levels. Red maca is the variety most often used in research on menopause symptoms.
Maca Root vs Black Cohosh in Menopause
Maca root and black cohosh can both support women during menopause, but they are generally chosen for different concerns.
| Maca Root | Black Cohosh |
|---|---|
| Better suited to low energy, reduced stamina and fatigue | Commonly used for overall menopausal symptoms |
| May support mood, stress resilience and emotional well-being | May help manage temperature-related menopausal discomfort |
| More focused on libido and sexual well-being | More focused on vasomotor (hot flushes) symptoms |
| Does not appear to increase estrogen levels directly | Its precise mechanism is not fully understood but may mimic mild estrogen pathways |
Other Benefits of Maca Root
Sexual Desire and Libido
Out of everything studied on maca, this has the most consistent support across trials. Maca can improve sexual desire in men and women, including in people with no underlying health condition. This effect shows up more reliably than the hormonal-balance claims above.
Everyday Energy and Mood
Maca's B vitamins and complex carbohydrates support steady energy, and its adaptogenic effect on stress may help mood stay more stable day to day, separate from any hormonal or menopause-specific benefit.
Also Read: How Maca Root Boosts Libido in Women
May Help in Cognitive Function
Some studies even suggest maca may have neuroprotective effects, potentially supporting cognitive function and memory, an invaluable asset for learning and survival across generations.
There are other benefits of maca root. Modern-day supplements are using it to explore the benefits in new-age preventive health practices.
How Maca Root is Used in Supplements
The most common forms of maca root available in the market as supplements are powder, gelatinised maca, capsules, and extracts.
At ZeroHarm, in our maca root supplements, we use the extracts made through an aqueous extraction method, using water instead of chemical solvents, helping maintain purity without chemical solvent residues.
When to Be Cautious While Using Maca Root
Maca root is generally well tolerated, but some people should use caution. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a hormone-sensitive condition, thyroid concerns, or take hormone-related medications, consult a healthcare professional before using maca. Stop use if you experience unusual or persistent side effects.
Conclusion
Maca root has a long history of traditional use and may support hormonal balance, reproductive health, energy, and mood. However, research is still developing for both men and women.
When choosing maca:
- Select the type and form based on your needs.
- Start with a moderate dose, such as around 1,500 mg daily.
- Choose a quality, authentic maca product.
- Consult a healthcare professional if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a hormone-sensitive condition, or take medications.
Understanding its potential benefits and limitations can help you make a more informed health choice about adding maca root to your routine.
Whatsapp us