I love using herbs and spices to help the body heal itself, and maca root is one of my favorites. It’s great for supporting the body’s hormone production, which is key since hormones play a huge role in many bodily processes. Maca is a fantastic natural supplement for supporting female hormones.
Maca root, known scientifically as Lepidium meyenii, is a tuber similar in size and shape to a radish and grows only in the Andes mountains of Peru. It typically has white or yellow roots but can also be found in pink, purple, gray, and black hues. It has a nutty, somewhat sweet flavor that some liken to butterscotch, which makes it a nice addition to sweet treats—though some folks might find the taste a bit earthy.
Maca is more than just its nutritional benefits. It’s also an adaptogen, which means it helps the body handle stress. This quality, along with its beneficial compounds, makes it an effective natural remedy for supporting hormone production. Hormones influence thyroid health, fertility, libido, and more, and maca can positively impact all these areas, as research supports.
Maca has built a reputation for balancing hormones and even reversing hypothyroidism. It’s called an endocrine adaptogen because it doesn’t contain hormones itself but provides nutrients necessary for normal hormone production. Often recommended for those with adrenal fatigue, maca helps nourish these glands and reduce stress hormones. As an adaptogen, it supports the adrenals when they’re overworked, as often happens during stress.
Research from 2006 indicates that maca contains alkaloids that affect the ovaries and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis), potentially supporting adrenal health and other hormone-dependent functions. It’s believed to work by nourishing and activating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. When these “master glands” function better, they help balance the adrenal, thyroid, pancreas, ovarian, and testicular glands.
Traditionally used as an aphrodisiac to boost libido and sexual health, maca is backed by science for this purpose too. A small 2006 study showed improvements in men with mild erectile dysfunction using maca, earning it the nickname “nature’s Viagra.” A 2010 Korean review found that taking maca for at least six weeks increased sexual desire in some participants. Although more research is needed, the evidence suggests a link between maca and sexual desire.
In an Australian study, postmenopausal women with sexual dysfunction found relief from menopause symptoms like hot flashes and increased sexual function after taking maca, without impacting sex hormone production. This indicates that maca supports hormone health without directly affecting hormone levels.
I’ve personally observed couples incorporating maca into their routine and conceiving easily after struggling with infertility, though it’s not advised during pregnancy. Scientific support includes a 2016 review showing maca improved sperm quality and count in both infertile and healthy men, suggesting maca’s positive effect on fertility. Women may also benefit. A Polish study found that maca toned hormonal processes along the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian axis, balancing hormones and easing menopausal symptoms.
Maca is rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, and zinc, along with essential fatty acids, all of which help in hormone production. Hormones significantly affect mood during life stages such as puberty, pregnancy, or menopause, and since maca may aid hormone health, it could also improve mood.
A 2015 pilot study on postmenopausal women showed that taking maca for six weeks supported healthy blood pressure and mood, reducing depression symptoms, and improving diastolic blood pressure. However, it had no measurable hormone effects, indicating maca might support hormone health through other mechanisms.
Maca root is generally considered safe for most people, but it’s not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s best to take it between menstrual cycles and ovulation to avoid use during pregnancy. If you have hormone-related health issues like breast cancer or endometriosis, consult your doctor before using maca.
Maca, a root vegetable in the radish family, can safely be consumed daily in small amounts. It’s available as a powder, which is the more economical choice, or in capsules, which are a bit more costly. If you choose the powder form, it’s easy to mix into smoothies or coffee.
This article was reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is general information, and you should discuss it with your doctor. Have you tried maca? Did you notice any changes? Feel free to share your experience!
