Roman Testosterone Support supplements. You read right: maca was traditionally taken as an aphrodisiac. And science backs up the practice. The herbal supplement successfully increased self-reported sexual desire in men after eight weeks in one clinical study Gonzales, The researchers even had the men take tests to rate their depression and anxiety as well and tested their testosterone and estrogen levels throughout the study.
They found that maca increased sexual desire independent of these other factors that could have affected libido. And it may not just be men that can get a boost from the medicinal root. A meta-analysis that looked at four clinical trials found that maca supplements boost libido in two trials featuring adult men and menopausal women Shin, One trial looking at healthy cyclists found no effect, and the final trial found that maca supplementation significantly helped men with erectile dysfunction.
There were few studies, and they were small, however, so researchers say we need further testing to be sure of the results. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database does not currently recognize maca as an effective treatment for sexual performance or dysfunction or sex drive Medline Plus, Despite the traditional use, this is where maca is gaining a reputation in modern alternative medicine.
Maca is rich in carbohydrates, a primary fuel source for our bodies, particularly our brain and muscles. But researchers believe this medicinal herb may help boost energy beyond replenishing our glycogen stores. Rats were able to swim longer when given maca supplements, one study found Choi, Researchers believe maca may lessen the effects of oxidative stress caused by exercise.
One small study has been done in humans, however. Researchers gave trained male cyclists maca extract for 14 days and found that at the end of the period, they could complete a 40 km cycling time trial faster than before supplementation Stone, More work needs to be done to see if the results found in multiple animal studies possibly hold true in humans. Maca root may also hold promise for people with different types of sexual dysfunction.
One study on healthy adult men found that maca improved sperm concentration and motility compared to placebo even though hormone levels did not change Melnikovova, And other clinical trials have reported similar findings.
Another study confirmed that while hormone levels did not change, the sperm motility, seminal volume, sperm count per ejaculation, and motile sperm count all increased in participants after four months of supplementation Gonzales, Thus, fertility was increased without affecting testosterone levels. A meta-analysis of the available research concluded that while the results of several clinical trials are promising and suggest maca may improve sperm quality, all of these studies were limited in their size, so more research needs to be done to confirm their findings Lee, Maca contains plant compounds called flavonoids, which have been suggested to be at least partly responsible for these psychological benefits Maca may improve your mental well-being and mood by reducing depression and anxiety, especially in menopausal women.
It has been claimed to help gain muscle, increase strength, boost energy, and improve exercise performance. Also, some animal studies indicate that it enhances endurance performance 18 , 19 , 20 , Moreover, one small pilot study in eight male cyclists found that they improved the time it took them to complete a nearly mile km bike ride after 14 days of supplementing with maca extract Currently, there is no scientific evidence to confirm that maca offers any benefits for muscle mass or strength.
Supplementing with maca may improve exercise performance, particularly during endurance events. However, its effects on muscle mass and strength have yet to be studied. Over time, UV radiation can cause wrinkles and increase your risk of skin cancer There is some evidence that applying maca extract, a concentrated form of the plant, to your skin may help protect it from UV radiation 24 , One study found that maca extract applied to the skin of five rats over a 3-week period prevented skin damage from UV exposure The protective effect was attributed to the polyphenol antioxidants and glucosinolates found in maca Keep in mind that maca extract cannot replace conventional sunscreen.
Also, it only protects the skin when applied to the skin, not when eaten. Maca may improve brain function In animal studies, maca has improved learning and memory in rodents that have memory impairment 28 , 29 , 30 , In this regard, black maca appears to be more effective than other varieties Some evidence indicates that maca, in particular the black variety, can improve learning and memory. Enlargement of the prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH , is common in aging men A larger prostate can cause various problems with passing urine, as it surrounds the tube through which urine is removed from the body.
Interestingly, a few studies in rodents suggest that red maca reduces the prostate size 33 , 34 , It has been proposed that the effect of red maca on the prostate is linked to its high amount of glucosinolates. These substances are also associated with a reduced risk of prostate cancer 36 , An enlarged prostate is common among older men and can cause issues with urination.
A more recent study found that taking a similar dose also appeared to improve symptoms of depression and blood pressure in postmenopausal women, but more research is needed. If you're really struggling, you may want to get in touch with your doctor, who can prescribe treatments for specific signs and symptoms. Maca does not contain any caffeine you may be thinking of matcha , the Japanese green tea powder and there's also no scientific evidence suggesting that it boosts energy levels or improves stamina.
That said, if you're drinking maca coffee every morning, the beans will certainly give you a jolt — just not the powder itself. Start with just a half teaspoon or so — the nutty, caramel flavor can taste pretty overpowering if you overdo it. Product Reviews. Home Ideas. United States. Thank you for the reply. I did order pills and I will check dosage and follow your recommendation. Fingers crossed. HI Camille, We are all bio-individuals, so Maca works for some people better than other, like many herbs.
Adaptagens dampen the stress response in overactive adrenals and increase the response in under active adrenal glands. If you want to explore more about herbs for hormone balance join one of the workshops next week. Maca does not stimulate the body to produce more estrogen. It helps your body to regulate the estrogen your body already produces, which the very reason it works differently for every person. Thank you in advance. I started taking it and my uterine lining increased from 2.
I was told to stop it immediately. I am post menopausal. I was curious about the slow estrogen metabolizer. It states this can be confirmed with 23andme testing. Also, does anyone hav a good test for checking estrogen levels? I believe my levels are high. Hi D, The 23 and me test is in the genetic health risks and is in the liver genetic testing area.
This test will tell you if you have slow estrogen metabolizer genetics. To test estrogen levels in the body you can do a urinary or salivary test. Hi — what test through 23andme indicated that you were a slow estrogen metabolizer? Hi Magdalena! Noting the ability of Maca to balance various hormones, is taking it contraindicated when you are taking the birth control pill? Will it cause any adverse affects, or reduced efficacy of the pill at all?
Hi i hve pcod problm can i take macca bt m scared it it will increase my weight i dntwant my weight to b increased pls help. Reema, Try the Maca for a week or so and see how it goes. Let your body tell you how it feels. Hi, is Maca okay to take if you have a history of oestrogen dominance breast cancer?
I tried taking this for a month and noticed marvellous results. Then I heard it might not be good to take this after having breast cancer. I would like to know when you think? I am very hesitant to start taking this supplement for that very reason. Be careful. On the contrary. Click on the links provided — most of them go to medical studies. This article was written with no bias, to help women decide for themselves depending on how they feel.
I am 64 years old. I had lots of fibroids and had surgery scheduled 12 years ago. Just as the doctor and I were finishing up up our pre-op consult, she said , Oh by the way, when I do surgery, I take out all the female organs. I was so miserable that I let her. I still cry about it sometimes. Needless to say, my body is out of wack with no hormones. What do you think Maca would do for me?
Hi Mayda — thanks for your comment. What we suggest is you take advantage of our free webinar to understand a broader perspective on hormones. Hi, Thank you for a great article! I have started seeing signs of low estrogen at 36 years old. I took maca for a month or so and it worked perfectly. After a while I realized it is not working so I stopped taking it. After reading your article, it makes sense that I need to cycle on and off.
What is your recommendation for the duration of off cycle? Does it takes a couple of days or a week? Samira, It is good to use it for a month or so and then go off for a couple of weeks and then start again Listen to your body and how it responds and you will get into a good rhythm. I tried taking maca when it first became readily available.
I noticed that I became very aggressive while on it. Would you recommend a smaller dose, a different form, or do you think it might just not be right for me?
Hi Cindy, we need to be careful when we dispense advice like this, esp to women with estrogen problems which is also the leading cause of breast cancers. Maca can be problematic for some women, even if they take the right phenotype, form gelatinized and dose.
We tend to advise based on what works for us but unfortunately, not all women will get the benefits you got. The best maca gives me horrendously tender breasts. Donna Connors, Per my acupuncturist, Lemongrass is a traditional Ancient Chinese Medicine treatment for fertility issues in women. Taken in tea form every evening it makes you sleepy , I can personally testify to an increase in estrogen levels.
It boosted my estrogen enough to allow me to decrease my estrogen pill dosage. I have had hormone positive breast cancer… DCIS. Should i not use it? Hi Cathy, Maca is an adaptogen so it works with your body and what it needs. It is not estrogenic in nature. I was having inumerable hot flashes. About 30 plus a day. I took 1 pill and the rest of that day, I only had maybe 7 hot flashes.
The 2nd morning I took 1 pill and had no hot flashes the rest of the day. I occassionally get a hot flash if I eat gluten becasue it causes an autoimmune reaction to attack my thyroid and the thyroid regulates hormones. Other than that, I am hot flash free.
By the second day I was having tons of hot flashes. I ordered it quickly and paid overnight shipping. The raw does not work as well. Be extremely careful when taking maca. In some women like myself it works too well. In a matter of 2 months I went from having low estrogen to having very high estrogen. I was taking it 5 days a week. Now i am off completely in the hopes my estrogen goes down. Make sure you get tested to check your levels while taking this maca.
Hi Natalie, If you do decide to take it, maca is something that one can tell rather quickly if it is helpful or not. We advise that you tune into your body and the signals it is sending. Follow the guidelines that Magdalena suggested and listen to your body. Or whomever knows. Hi Katherine, She breaks it down in the article about different options to consider. There really is no one right answer for everyone.
Because of bio0individuality, you may have to try one of the choices first to see how your body responds and go from there. How much maca o you take a day for HotFlashes? I have started taking maca, I put it in a shake, Cant stand the taste. But these hot flashes, night sweats and so on are killing me. Please help. I have tried various brands of maca and can honestly say I have noticed zero improvement taking it. What would you attribute this to? Is this common? Hi Sandra, what we were trying to paint in the article is that maca is not for everyone.
Small doses always help but you should just feel nothing, only then dose up and see how it works for you. If you are not feeling well even with small doses, maca is not for you. Me and my wife became constipated since we started to take maca , we take only one tea spoon a day , is this normal?
Interesting article! I have a question! Can maca increase levels of estrogen? I started a regimen with maca and ashwagandha 2 months ago; the first half of my period maca and the next ashwagandha. What I experienced is swallowing legs fluid retention I guess which I never had before, and my skin became smoother… It is possible that maca causes this reaction?
Your email address will not be published. Why is Maca so constipating? I want to love Maca — but its constipating even at 1tsp day. Can maca stop acne from taking Plan B? Healthy Regards, HB team Reply.
Is maca safe for breast cancer there are mixed reports on the negative can you clarify Reply. Hi Sarah Can someone with cervical dysplasia take maca root? Hi May, Did you ever find an answer to this?
Hi May. This is a great question to discuss with your functional medicine practitioner! Healthy regards, HB Team Reply. Hey Denise! I only get a yeast infection when I take this is there anything I can do to stop this from happening so I can continue Maca Reply. Hey Mel, Maca may just not be the herb for you! I have high prolactin.. Can I ingest Maca powder to balance my hormones while on birth control Reply. For further support, you may consider making an appointment with a clinical herbalist.
Julia Reply. Hi Julia, It may be a good idea to meet with a clinical herbalist who can help you explore these thoughts more fully. Thanks Reply. HB Support Reply. Hi Ky! Hey KR, I personally take Maca every day for a month or a couple days a week for a couple months and then take a week break.
Hey Norhan, I actually recommend checking out this blog article for more information regarding birth control. Hi Francesca, It is best to consult with your medical professional regarding drug interactions. Hi Magdelena is the organic traditions maca for women good to take? Can you take Maca if your on hormone replacement therapy Reply.
Hi Filitsa, Its best to talk to your health practitioner and make sure Maca root is a good fit for you. Hey Filitsa, Typically we do not speak on other brands of supplements. Otherwise, one of the brand I enjoy is Mighty Maca. Can someone that have hypertension take black maca pills? Would the macca cause my hear to fall? Hi Jan, I am not sure what you mean. I am 46 years of aged woman Vijaya Reply. Healthy Regards, Sarah Reply. You may be interested in giving the Mighty Maca ,referenced in the article, a try.
Rashida B. Hi, if you take Mighty Maca with water only will it break your fast? Hi Rashida, Yes, it is a food. Can you take this Maca if you are currently on Bioidentical Hormone Pellet therapy? Horrible body odor? Can some one from HB please answer my question?
Hi Julie! Let us know how it works for you. HB Team Reply. I had this same question. It is best to speak to your doctor regarding an drug interactions. Hi Jennifer! Can you take Maca with a simple fluid filled breast cyst?
Thank you Reply. Jen HB Support Reply. Also after taking the break, do you restart again at the previous dose or build back up again? Very good questions! Unfortunately, they did not provide answers. You may want to try the free 4-day trial, to see how it works with your body, before purchasing. Makes sense to me! Seems that Maca which increases estrogen would make this worse and would totally mess with your period Reply. Thank you for sharing this with us, Carolyn. I am also wondering about this question… Reply.
Is it only available by ordering it, or where can I find it. How much is it? Hi Hilary, Thank you for sharing your experience. Hi Rusidah, Have you tried it yet? Hi Bella, how long did it take for the side effects to subside. I am having the same reaction: Reply. Consult your physician or a holistic doctor before continuing usage Reply. Hi Penny, We do not know your medical history nor dosing. Which genetic mutation do you have that caused maca not to work well with your body?
Hi Laura, If you are suspecting a possible issue with metabolizing maca related to genes, please speak to a practitioner about this concern. Hi Kirsty, The imbalance that the implanted contraception is causing is something that you will want to look further into. I live in London, UK, and am unable to purchase the three maca powders you recommended.
Can you think of any others? Thank you ever so much. I would really appreciate some insight as it has been driving me crazy Reply. Thank you so much for this post, it is so instructive!
How many MG should you start taking when your taking the Maca pills?? Hi Valeska, We recommend following the dosing on the bottle. Can i take maca if im taking birth control pills? Hi Johannes, We recommend looking for one in your area that is gelatinized, organic and grown in Peru. Liz G. Thanks you! Thank you for any information, Sam Reply. Hi Sam, Magdalena recommends Gelatinized, organic and from Peru. Good points Reply. Thank you for that great informative article!
Hi Nita, Are you grinding the flaxseed or taking it whole? Knowledge is a gift…xoxo Reply. Thanks so much for really informative article. You are right, Catherine. Thanks for pointing that out. We will correct the article. I forgot to tell you I have Hashimoto thyroid. Hi Viviane, How are you doing now? Can I take Maca? How much and how long? Do you sell the right Maca?
Thanking you in advance Viviane Reply. Hi Viviane, Maca is one of the supplements that one can tell rather quickly if it is helpful or not.
Bye Reply. The wish is to replace the pharmaceutical drug with natural Reply. Becky how are you now? Yes Becky, very good. Angela HB Team Reply. Ever thanks, God bless! Hi there, I get hormonal acne on my chin and sometimes above my lip. Hey Jen, While Maca root is a wonderfully healing herbal ally, you may want to also look into nutrition and sugar balance in regards to hormonal acne.
What is the recommended length of time to take a break from maca, for the cycling on and off? Great article — really appreciate the extensive information. Hi, I had a question. Thanks in advance. Angela, Hormones Balance Team Reply. Tassone recommends the following approach: Start with a dose of 1 teaspoon and if you are tolerating that well, without side effects, increase the dose up to 1 tablespoon.
Thank you!!!! Hi Jade, knowing the traditional use for maca most say it is contraindicated for use with birth control. Hi i hve pcod problm can i take macca bt m scared it it will increase my weight i dntwant my weight to b increased pls help Reply.
Mayda B. Yes, smaller dose, gelatinized form and the phenotype we mentioned in the article Great article.
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