Maca root is one of my all-time favorite tools for balancing and supporting perimenopausal and menopausal hormones. It’s fantastic for restoring energy levels, sex drive, and mood. But Maca’s benefits don’t end there. Let’s explore the maca root benefits for women and how to use it properly to achieve the best results.
I personally encountered maca root when I was traveling in Peru, and it’s used by pretty much everyone for everything there. And once I added maca to my life, I never looked back.
Ready to learn all about the maca root benefits for females and how this herb can make your menopause experience so much smoother? Let’s go.
What Is Maca Root?
Maca root, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a plant native to the high Andes mountains of Peru. For over 2,000 years, it has been traditionally used by the indigenous people of the region as a natural remedy to enhance endurance, stamina, and overall vitality. Maca is often referred to as a "superfood" due to its rich nutrient profile, which includes essential vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidants.
Nutrient Profile
Maca is packed with nutrients that are especially beneficial for women's health. It contains significant amounts of vitamin C, copper, iron, potassium, and calcium, which all contribute to bone health, immune function, and energy production. Additionally, maca is rich in plant compounds like flavonoids, which are believed to positively impact health and even cognitive function. (1)
Different Types of Maca
Maca root comes in several varieties, but there are three main types, each with its own unique properties:
Red Maca Root: This type of maca is often associated with hormone balance and bone health. Some studies suggest that red maca can help reduce the symptoms of menopause and support the body during hormonal transitions.
Black Maca Root: Known for its potential benefits in enhancing memory, focus, and stress management, black maca is also believed to support stamina and athletic performance.
Yellow Maca Root: The most commonly available variety, yellow maca is considered a general all-rounder. It’s widely revered for improving overall vitality and energy levels.
What Are The Benefits Of Maca Root For Women
One of the most compelling reasons women turn to maca root is its potential to help balance hormones naturally, especially in perimenopause and menopause.
Maca root works as an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stressors. Maca also encourages balance within the endocrine system, which controls hormone production.
Maca has a special affinity for your adrenal glands and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.
You see, your adrenals have two basic functions. They can either pump out cortisol (the stress hormone that can make you tired and gain weight) or they can pump out beneficial hormones like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) which your body can use to turn into sex hormones.
Maca helps your adrenals choose DHEA production mode. This is one of the major benefits of maca root for women, especially in peri+menopause. Maca helps your adrenals serve as a backup generator for your hormones when production in the ovaries declines.
That means way fewer hot flashes, less PMS (if you’re still cycling), and fewer mood swings.
It also means the restoration of your libido, too. This is why maca is often called the female Viagra.
If you’re still cycling, maca may also help support ovulation. Which is a really big deal, because your ovaries only produce meaningful amounts of progesterone after ovulation. Progesterone is the hormone that helps counteract estrogen, and when you have more of it in your body, you feel calmer and have fewer menopause symptoms.
One of the coolest things about maca is that it helps balance hormones without raising estrogen levels. (2)
In addition to supporting hormonal balance, maca root is famous for its ability to support energy levels, lift mood, and sharpen mental clarity. Maca helps the body manage stress more effectively, which can certainly lead to better overall energy levels and emotional well-being.
Maca is an ideal energy helper because it provides a steady, natural boost without being stimulating like caffeine. Menopause can make you tired, and maca root can be a valuable, natural option to help restore energy levels. Many of my patients who take maca regularly report feeling more awake, alert, and physically capable throughout the day.
Maca could also help regulate the mood swings that many women experience due to PMS and menopause. Several animal studies have shown that maca can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, likely due to its ability to regulate hormones like cortisol. (3) Additionally, maca is rich in flavonoids, compounds that could be linked to a reduction in depression and an overall improvement in mood, especially in women. (4)
Maca Root also has a reputation for sharpening focus and supporting mental clarity. Many women report feeling more clear-headed and able to concentrate after incorporating maca into their routine. For women who experience menopause brain fog, maca could be a powerful ally in improving cognitive function. (5)
As hormonal levels shift in menopause, many women experience a slowdown in their metabolism, insulin resistance, increased fat storage (especially around the abdomen), and reduced muscle mass. It’s a perfect storm that usually ends in weight gain. The kind that packs 20 pounds on your frame before you even know what happened.
While maca root is not a magic bullet for weight loss, it can help support weight management during menopause by addressing some of the underlying factors and hormone imbalances that contribute to this weight gain. (6)
One of the challenges many menopausal women face is a drop in energy levels, which can make it harder to stay active. As I mentioned earlier, maca root is a natural energy booster, which can help increase motivation to exercise and stay physically active. Regular exercise plays a crucial role in managing weight, and the additional energy from maca could help you stick to a fitness routine, which will boost your metabolism and calorie burn.
Stress is another common contributor to weight gain, especially during menopause. As cortisol levels rise due to stress, it can lead to increased cravings, overeating, and fat storage, particularly in the abdominal area. Maca’s adaptogenic properties help regulate cortisol, reducing the effects of stress and potentially curbing stress-related weight gain. With less emotional eating and fewer cravings, maintaining a healthy diet becomes easier.
How Much Maca Should I Take For Menopause Symptoms?
Adding maca root to your daily routine is so simple.
Because it’s available in both powdered and capsule form, you can choose which kind you like best.
Powdered maca is the most popular form because maca powder is easy to mix into smoothies, coffee, or teas. It has a slightly nutty, earthy flavor that blends well with other foods.
When it comes to dosing maca for menopause symptoms, I typically recommend starting with a smaller amount and gradually increasing your intake.
For menopause support, I recommend 1 scoop of Mighty Maca Plus 1-3 times per day or six capsules of Mighty Maca Menopause Caps for balancing hormones and supporting symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and fatigue. I always say that it’s best to start at a lower dose to see how your body responds, and then increase the amount as needed.
Consistency is key — taking maca regularly over several weeks is often necessary to notice significant benefits, but once you notice, you will be blown away. And many women notice a big difference in as little as 10 days. Check out our thousands of reviews here.
How To Use Maca Powder
Maca powder is so easy to use. It’s got a lovely, nutty flavor that blends easily into your favorite foods and beverages.
Some of my favorite ways to enjoy maca powder include:
Smoothies: Blend a teaspoon or two of maca powder into your favorite smoothie for a nutritional boost.
Teas or Coffee: Stir maca into your tea or coffee for a mild energy lift without the jitters.
Oatmeal or Yogurt: Sprinkle maca over your oatmeal, yogurt, or even mix it into your baking recipes.
Maca Root Side Effects
Maca root is generally well-tolerated by most women. Some report mild digestive discomfort, such as gas or bloating, when they first start using it. So, to minimize any digestive issues, it’s best to start with a smaller dose and gradually increase your intake.
Because maca is an adaptogen, you might feel an initial burst of energy that could make it harder to sleep if you take it too late in the day. I like to use Mighty Maca in the morning or afternoon at the latest.
Before starting any sort of supplement, be sure to check in with your doctor first. Women with certain health conditions should take additional precautions before using maca root:
Thyroid Disorders: Maca contains goitrogens, substances that can interfere with thyroid function, especially for those with existing thyroid conditions. If you have hypothyroidism or any other thyroid-related issues, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider before taking maca root regularly.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: While maca is considered safe for most people, there is limited research on its effects during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to talk to your doctor before adding maca to your routine.
Maca Root Benefits For Women
I’m so passionate about maca because I’ve seen firsthand the incredible way it restores women and supports your body during menopause.
I’m so honored that thousands of women the world over rely on my Mighty Maca Plus formula to help them get through the worst of menopause. I personally created this formulation to include your daily dose of greens, hormone-helping fiber, and even blood sugar support. Be sure to check it out here and let me know how it makes you feel!
