The claim that maca root, or Lepidium meyenii, can balance hormones has made this Peruvian plant a highly sought-after supplement. Maca is a cruciferous vegetable, related to broccoli and cabbage, cultivated for over 2,000 years in the high Andes mountains of Peru for its nutritional and medicinal properties. Traditionally used to enhance fertility and stamina, modern interest focuses on its use for addressing symptoms of hormonal changes, particularly those associated with menopause and sexual function. This article explores the scientific evidence behind maca’s reputation and its effect on the body’s complex hormonal systems.
The Unique Nutritional Profile of Maca
Maca is a nutritional powerhouse, containing significant carbohydrates, protein, fiber, and low fat content, along with a rich supply of minerals like calcium, iron, copper, and zinc. The root is also abundant in amino acids, including seven of the nine essential ones. However, the compounds that set maca apart are its secondary metabolites, thought to be responsible for its biological activities.
These phytochemicals include Macaene and Macamides, bioactive fatty acid compounds found almost exclusively in Lepidium meyenii. Macaenes are unsaturated fatty acids, and Macamides are their amide derivatives. These compounds are signature markers of maca’s pharmacological effects. Maca also contains specific alkaloids and plant sterols, believed to stimulate the endocrine system, though the exact mechanism remains under investigation. Importantly, maca does not contain phytoestrogens or other plant hormones that directly mimic human hormones.
Maca’s Proposed Action on Hormone Regulation
Maca is primarily classified as an adaptogen, a substance thought to help the body adapt to stress and maintain equilibrium. Rather than introducing external hormones, maca is theorized to act on the body’s central control systems for hormone production, influencing the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis.
The HPA axis controls the stress response by modulating cortisol levels. By managing stress, maca indirectly supports hormonal balance, as high stress can disrupt reproductive and thyroid hormone production. The alkaloids and macamides are proposed to act on the hypothalamus and pituitary gland—the signaling centers for the HPG axis.
The core concept is that maca optimizes endocrine gland function rather than providing a hormonal substitute. This modulatory effect allows the body to self-regulate hormone levels, explaining why its effects are often described as balancing.
Clinical Evidence Regarding Specific Hormonal Conditions
Clinical trials investigating maca often focus on symptom relief, particularly in postmenopausal women and those experiencing sexual dysfunction. Studies indicate that maca can alleviate menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. Women taking maca have reported significant decreases in depression and anxiety, along with improvements in overall quality of life during the transition to menopause.
The evidence for maca’s effect on libido and sexual function is consistent across different populations. Studies show that maca can increase sexual desire in healthy men and women, and it has demonstrated a positive effect in women experiencing sexual dysfunction caused by antidepressant medications. This improvement in sexual function is one of the most frequently reported uses of the supplement.
However, when researchers objectively measure circulating hormone levels in healthy adults, the results are often minimal or inconclusive. While some trials in early postmenopausal women show a decrease in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and an increase in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and estradiol, these findings are not universally replicated across all studies, particularly in premenopausal women or men. The consistent improvement in symptoms like libido and mood without significant changes in objective sex hormone levels suggests maca’s action may be on the neuroendocrine system or through its adaptogenic effect on stress, rather than a direct hormonal impact. Limited data is available regarding maca’s effect on thyroid hormones, though some animal studies suggest a balancing effect on TSH.
Safe Consumption and Potential Interactions
Maca is generally considered safe for most people when consumed in typical medicinal amounts for short periods, usually up to four months. The common dosage range used in clinical trials for hormonal symptoms and sexual function is between 1.5 to 3.5 grams of powdered root daily. It is widely available in various forms, including powder, capsules, and liquid extracts.
Many users prefer gelatinized maca, which is cooked to remove starch, making it easier to digest and potentially enhancing the bioavailability of active compounds like macamides. It is recommended to start with a minimal dose to assess tolerance. As a cruciferous vegetable, maca contains glucosinolates, which, when consumed in excess and combined with a low-iodine diet, could potentially contribute to goiter.
Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions, such as breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids, should exercise caution and avoid maca extracts. Although maca does not contain human hormones, some extracts might exhibit estrogen-like activity, potentially worsening these conditions. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals are also advised to avoid consumption due to a lack of reliable safety information. Caution is also warranted for those on hormone-altering medications, such as thyroid replacement therapy or birth control, as maca may unpredictably affect endocrine function, and separating the consumption time from prescription drugs is generally recommended.