Is Maca Good For Menopause? The Best Maca For Menopause
Maca is a root plant that grows in the high Andes of Peru and has been used for centuries as food and supplement. Maca has gained popularity in recent years for its potential benefits for sexual health, fertility, and menopause. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Maca for menopause and which Maca is the best for menopause.
Before exploring further, please read the disclaimer located at the end of this webpage.
Is Maca Good For Menopause?
Maca is good for menopause because it may help balance hormone levels, reduce some of the common symptoms of menopause, including anxiety and depression, and lower measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women [1].
Some studies have shown that Maca may improve sexual function, libido, and quality of life in postmenopausal women [2].
What Are Benefits Of Maca For Menopause?
Here are some of the benefits of Maca powder for menopause:
Alleviating Menopausal Symptoms: Maca powder can help alleviate common menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness, and boost libido due to its nutrient content.
According to a conducted to assess the effects of Maca on menopausal symptoms in postmenopausal women, fourteen healthy postmenopausal women were given 3.5 g/day powdered maca for 6 weeks, and significant improvements in sexual function and psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression were observed after consumption [1].
Balancing Hormone Levels: Consuming Maca during menopause helps balance hormone levels [3].
Boosting Energy Levels: Maca is known for improving energy levels, which can be particularly beneficial during menopause when fatigue can be a common symptom.
A trial shows that after one month of taking Maca, women who participated in the trial already reported improvement in such characteristics as reduced nervousness, better concentration, and feeling more energetic [3].
Supporting Bone Health: Maca is rich in various essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, calcium,… [5]. These nutrients are crucial for maintaining overall health and supporting healthy bones during menopause.
Improving Sex Drive: Maca has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac [3]. It can improve sex drive in women, which can decrease during menopause.
How Much Maca To Take For Menopause
The optimal maca dosage for menopause may vary depending on the individual, the type and quality of Maca, and the desired outcome. However, some general guidelines can be followed based on the available research. For women with menopausal symptoms, most of them will need a minimum of three to four 500 mg capsules daily [6].
It may take several weeks or months to notice the full effects of Maca, so it is advisable to start with a suitable dose and gradually increase it as needed. Maca can be taken with food or water to avoid stomach upset.
Which Maca Is Best For Menopause?
Maca comes in different colors, such as yellow, red, and black. Each color may have different phytochemical profiles and effects on the body.
Red Maca is often recommended for women, particularly during menopause, due to its potential benefits in hormone balance and overall well-being [8].
However, there is no definitive answer to which Maca is best for menopause, as different types of Maca may have different benefits and drawbacks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Maca Powder Do To A Woman's Body?
Maca powder supports women's health by potentially balancing hormones, increasing energy levels, and improving sexual function. Maca powder is also considered for consumption because of its other benefits for women, such as preventing osteoporosis, thyroid health, skin health, and cognitive function.
Does Maca Increase Estrogen In Females?
Research shows that Maca does not increase estrogen in postmenopausal women, as indicated by the lack of change in plasma estradiol [1]. However, Maca was shown to be effective in reducing psychological symptoms, including anxiety and depression, along with sexual dysfunction associated with menopause.
When To Stop Taking Maca For Menopause?
They are regarding when to stop taking Maca for menopause based on symptom improvement, hormonal balance, and personal preferences. If menopausal symptoms have significantly improved or the hormonal balance feels stable, it may be considered that Maca supplementation should be gradually reduced or discontinued. Based on studies on women, maca users will see results in 1 to 3 months [3].
Conclusion
In conclusion, maca powder presents promising benefits for menopausal women, including symptom alleviation, hormone regulation, and energy enhancement.
Individual dosage and maca type preferences should be considered, as well as the following instructions for using the supplement.
Although Maca is generally safe, potential side effects such as mood changes and stomach discomfort should be monitored.
Maca's diverse advantages make it a valuable supplement in managing menopausal symptoms and promoting overall health and vitality.
References
- [1] Brooks, N. A., Wilcox, G., Karen Zell Walker, Ashton, J. F., Cox, M. B., & Stojanovska, L. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause, 15(6), 1157–1162. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e3181732953
- [2] Myeong Soo Lee, Shin, B.-C., Eun Jin Yang, Lim, H.-J., & Ernst, E. (2011). Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Maturitas, 70(3), 227–233. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.07.017
- [3] Meissner, H. O., Kapczynski, W., Mscisz, A., & Lutomski, J. (2005). Use of gelatinized maca (lepidium peruvianum) in early postmenopausal women. International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS, 1(1), 33–45. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614576/
- [4] Antoine, E., Sergiu Chirila, & Teodorescu, C. (2019). A Patented Blend Consisting of a Combination of Vitex agnus-castus Extract, Lepidium meyenii (Maca) Extract and Active Folate, a Nutritional Supplement for Improving Fertility in Women. PubMed, 14(3), 274–279. https://doi.org/10.26574/maedica.2019.14.3.274
- [5] Chen, R., Wei, J., & Gao, Y. (2021). A review of the study of active components and their pharmacology value in Lepidium meyenii (Maca). Phytotherapy Research, 35(12), 6706–6719. https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7257
- [6] Meissner, H. O., Reich-Bilinska, H., Mscisz, A., & Kedzia, B. (2006). Therapeutic Effects of Pre-Gelatinized Maca (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon) used as a Non-Hormonal Alternative to HRT in Perimenopausal Women - Clinical Pilot Study. International Journal of Biomedical Science : IJBS, 2(2), 143–159. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3614596/
- [7] Corazza, O., Martinotti, G., Santacroce, R., Chillemi, E., Massimo Di Giannantonio, Schifano, F., & Selim Cellek. (2014). Sexual Enhancement Products for Sale Online: Raising Awareness of the Psychoactive Effects of Yohimbine, Maca, Horny Goat Weed, andGinkgo biloba. BioMed Research International, 2014, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/841798
- [8] Gonzales, G. F. (2012). Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology ofLepidium meyenii(Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, 1–10. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/193496
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