Maca root, derived from a plant cultivated in the Andes mountains, is a popular dietary supplement for supporting hormonal balance and reproductive health. Many people hope it will naturally influence sex hormone levels, such as progesterone. The central question is whether consuming Maca root directly leads to an increase in serum progesterone.
Maca Root: Origin and Traditional Use
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a vegetable belonging to the Brassicaceae family, which also includes broccoli and cabbage. This hardy plant is native to the high-altitude plateaus of the Peruvian Andes, cultivated between 3,500 and 5,000 meters above sea level. The root, or hypocotyl, is the part traditionally consumed and occurs in several color phenotypes, including yellow, red, and black. For thousands of years, indigenous Andean people have used Maca as a nutrient-dense food staple and traditional remedy, enhancing energy, stamina, and fertility.
The Function of Progesterone
Progesterone is a steroid hormone crucial for the female reproductive system, regulating the menstrual cycle and supporting gestation. After ovulation, the corpus luteum in the ovary produces this hormone. Its primary function is to prepare the endometrium, the lining of the uterus, for the potential implantation of a fertilized egg. If conception does not occur, progesterone levels drop, triggering the shedding of the uterine lining and resulting in menstruation. Low progesterone levels can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, anxiety, headaches, or difficulty maintaining a pregnancy.
Maca’s Mechanism of Action on the Endocrine System
Maca is generally categorized as an adaptogen, helping the body manage and adapt to various stressors. Its influence on the body is indirect; Maca compounds, such as macamides, do not contain plant hormones like phytoestrogens or phytoprogesterones. Instead, Maca is theorized to modulate the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis, which is the body’s central stress response system. By supporting the HPA axis, Maca may help regulate the overall stress response and lower circulating levels of stress hormones, such as cortisol. This balancing effect on the neuroendocrine system is believed to improve mood and energy by allowing the endocrine glands to function more efficiently.
Clinical Trials: Does Maca Directly Affect Progesterone Levels?
Scientific investigation into Maca’s effect on measurable hormone levels provides a clear answer. Multiple controlled clinical studies have assessed whether Maca supplementation directly alters serum reproductive hormones. The consistent finding across trials involving both men and women is that Maca does not significantly change measured hormone levels, including progesterone, luteinizing hormone, or follicle-stimulating hormone. For instance, studies showed no significant alterations in 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone in men, nor did Maca increase serum progesterone levels in postmenopausal women, despite reducing symptoms like hot flashes and anxiety. This evidence suggests that Maca’s positive outcomes stem from its indirect action on the HPA axis and overall well-being, rather than directly elevating progesterone in the bloodstream.