Why Maca is my Favorite Perimenopause Supplement

Attribution: Whole World Botanicals

I'm finally spilling the tea on my secret perimenopause weapon—Maca. This supplement has changed my entire perimenopause experience. The fascinating thing about Maca is that it helps to naturally increase hormone levels, alleviating numerous symptoms instead of targeting just one or two. As one of my clients once said, "Maca is a gift." 

What the heck is Maca?

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Andes Mountains of Peru. It belongs to the Brassicaceae family and is a cousin to cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. The root comes in various colors, including yellow, red, and black, and has a unique earthy, nutty flavor with notes of butterscotch. Maca is known for its adaptogenic properties and has been used for centuries to enhance energy, stamina, and overall vitality.

Maca comes in three colors, with each color targeting specific needs:

• The most common type, yellow Maca, is recommended daily to support long-term hormonal balance, stress relief, and mental cognition.

• Red Maca is known for its "feminine" properties. It helps alleviate peri-menopausal symptoms, improve libido, and support bone density. It is also calming and stabilizing.

• Black Maca is considered the "masculine" type and supports muscle strength, athletic performance, and mental focus. It is also beneficial for male reproductive health.

Hormonal Balance

Hormonal fluctuations are the cause of perimenopause and menopause, symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Maca helps support the body's natural hormone production without introducing external hormones, making it a powerful non-hormonal alternative to hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It can stimulate the body's production of estrogen and progesterone, helping to alleviate many symptoms. 

Mental Health and Mood Stabilization

Hormonal changes during perimenopause can impact mental health, leading to heightened anxiety, stress, and depression. Maca is rich in flavonoids, plant compounds that have been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood. These flavonoids also have neuroprotective effects, promoting memory, learning, and cognitive function. Studies have found that Maca supplementation in menopausal women can reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, contributing to improved mental well-being.

Boosting Libido and Sexual Health

One of the most common symptoms of perimenopause is loss of libido and sexual dysfunction due to declining estrogen levels. Maca has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac, earning the nickname "Peruvian Viagra." Studies show that Maca can enhance sexual desire and improve sexual function in peri/postmenopausal women. It may also alleviate anxiety and depression, which can further enhance sexual health and intimacy.

Energy and Stamina

Fatigue and low energy levels are common during perimenopause and menopause. Historically, warriors consumed Maca root to boost stamina and strength before battles. In modern times, Maca is known to enhance energy levels, support endurance, and reduce feelings of fatigue.

Bone Health Support

As women age and estrogen levels decline, the risk of osteoporosis increases. Maca contains essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorus, which support bone health and strength. Red and black varieties of Maca are particularly beneficial for bone density. A study involving menopausal women found that Maca consumption increased bone density after just four months, helping to reduce the risk of osteoporosis.

Adrenal Support and Stress Management

Maca is classified as an adaptogen, a plant that helps regulate hormones and supports the body's ability to cope with stress. Maca has been linked to decreased production of cortisol, the stress hormone. It nourishes the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, which are key regulators of the endocrine system. This support can help balance the adrenal glands, thyroid, and pancreas, promoting overall hormonal balance and reducing chronic stress.

Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Properties

Loaded with fatty acids, Maca is a rich source of antioxidants. It promotes the production of natural antioxidants like glutathione and superoxide dismutase, which protect the body from free radicals and oxidative stress. This can reduce the risk of chronic diseases and support brain health, enhancing memory and cognitive function.

How to Incorporate Maca into Your Diet

Maca is available in powder, capsule, liquid, and extract forms:

Powder Form: Add Maca powder to smoothies, coffee, tea, oatmeal, or yogurt. Its nutty flavor pairs well with various dishes, including no-bake treats and baked goods.

Supplement Form: If you prefer not to taste Maca, you can take it in capsule form. This option also helps retain nutrient value as it is less exposed to oxygen. I take it as a supplement every morning.

Maca Dosage

Maca has no standardized dosage, but studies suggest that 1.5-3 grams per day can promote positive health outcomes. Start with the lowest recommended dose and gradually increase until you get your desired result (the brand I use recommends 4-12 capsules daily, and I find that 8 works perfectly). Since Maca has energy-boosting properties, it is best taken in the morning or early afternoon.

Safety and Precautions

As with all supplements, always check with your healthcare provider before adding Maca to your regimen, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medication. Maca is generally considered safe for most people. However, its high vitamin K content may not be suitable for individuals taking blood thinners. Maca also contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function, so those with thyroid conditions should exercise caution. 

My experience with Maca has been so positive that I sing its praises everywhere I go. And that's not an understatement. I've found it helps where other supplements have failed to provide relief. As with all supplements, everyone will have their own reaction to Maca. It's essential to ensure you purchase pure Maca from Peru with no additional additives. In recent years, China has started exporting Maca, it’s often a synthetic version or grown in polluted soil. I get all my Maca from The Maca Team. I am not affiliated with them, but I highly recommend them. They're a family-run business that works with cooperative farms in Peru. I love supporting them - they provide so much info about Maca and its benefits. Here is exactly what I order from the Maca Team.

If you've ever tried Maca, let me know in the comments.