What if one scoop a day could help balance hormones, lift your mood, and fuel your energy?
When I first heard about maca years ago, I was skeptical. But as I navigated my own hormone challenges and then started using maca clinically with thousands of women, I saw something remarkable: steady, non-jittery energy; brighter mood; fewer afternoon crashes; and a renewed sense of vitality. If you’ve been searching “maca root benefits for women over 40,” you’re in the right place.
In this guide, I’ll explain what maca is, how it works with your body (not against it), and how to use it safely and effectively—on its own and as part of my physician-formulated blend, Mighty Maca® Plus. My goal is to help you feel strong, clear, and balanced through perimenopause and menopause—without relying on quick fixes.
In this article, you’ll learn
- What maca root is and how it supports hormone balance and energy
- The top evidence-informed benefits of maca for women over 40
How to choose a high-quality maca (and why gelatinized matters)
Exactly how to use maca: dose, timing, and simple daily rituals
Why I created Mighty Maca® Plus to go beyond maca for total vitality
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a hardy, cruciferous root vegetable—think cousin to broccoli and kale—grown high in the Peruvian Andes. Traditionally, maca has been used for stamina, fertility, and resilience in demanding environments. It’s a food first, which I love. And unlike hormone therapy, maca doesn’t contain hormones. Instead, it appears to support the endocrine system—helping your body better regulate its own production and signaling of estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and more.
Most women experience maca as an “even keel” kind of support: calmer stress responses, more steady daytime energy, and better workout recovery. That’s a powerful trio in perimenopause, when cortisol can run high, sleep gets choppy, and insulin sensitivity shifts.
How maca works (the adaptogen advantage)
Maca is considered an adaptogen—a class of botanicals that help your body adapt to stress and restore balance. Here’s what that can mean in real life:
HPA axis support: Your hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal axis is your stress thermostat. By gently supporting this system, maca can help smooth cortisol spikes and valleys, reducing that wired-but-tired feeling.
Neurotransmitter harmony: Early research suggests maca may influence serotonin and dopamine pathways, which can lighten mood and sharpen focus.
Nutrient density: Maca provides plant compounds (polyphenols), amino acids, and minerals that support energy metabolism and resilience.
Translation: maca helps you respond to stress more gracefully while supporting the hormones that regulate energy, mood, and metabolism.
5 benefits of maca root for women over 40
Perimenopause and menopause bring shifting levels of estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, and testosterone. Small clinical studies and decades of traditional use suggest maca can help ease hormonal transition by supporting your body’s own regulatory systems—rather than forcing a specific hormone level. Many women report fewer ups and downs and a more grounded sense of well-being after several weeks of consistent use.
Pro tip: Consistency beats intensity. Most women feel best using maca daily for at least 2–4 weeks to notice steady benefits.
If you rely on an extra coffee to push through the afternoon, maca can be a game-changer. By nourishing your adrenals and smoothing cortisol, maca tends to lift energy without jitters or crashes. Many of my community members tell me they feel “even” through the day—less dragged down by stress and more motivated to move their bodies.
Try this: Replace your second coffee with a scoop of Mighty Maca® Plus in water or a smoothie. Notice how you feel over one to two weeks.
Perimenopause can bring mood swings, irritability, and brain fog. Maca’s gentle influence on neurotransmitters may help stabilize mood and sharpen focus. In my own life and with clients, I’ve seen less 3 p.m. fuzziness and a greater ability to “switch gears” between tasks, especially when maca is combined with solid sleep and protein-forward meals.
Desire often shifts in midlife, and that’s normal. Several studies suggest maca may support sexual desire and satisfaction, particularly in postmenopausal women, without directly changing hormone levels in blood tests. In practice, I see that when stress drops and energy rises, intimacy often follows—maca can be one helpful piece of that puzzle.
Because maca works on the stress axis, it can indirectly help with cortisol balance—important for managing midlife belly fat. It also contains fiber that supports regularity and a happier gut. Pair maca with daily movement and protein at every meal to notice the biggest difference.
Raw vs. gelatinized maca (and why quality matters)
Not all maca is created equal. Here’s how to choose well:
Gelatinized vs. raw: Raw maca can be tougher on digestion. Gelatinized maca is pre-heated to break down starch, making it easier to absorb and gentler on the gut. It’s my preferred form.
Organic and 3rd-party tested: Choose organic sourcing and products that are tested for identity, potency, and purity (heavy metals, microbes).
Full-spectrum blend: Traditional use includes multiple maca phenotypes (often yellow, red, and black). A balanced blend mirrors that approach.
Transparent supply chain: Look for companies that honor sustainable Andean farming practices.
Is maca safe? Who should use caution?
Maca is generally well-tolerated for most healthy adults. That said, I recommend the following precautions:
Pregnant or breastfeeding: Consult your healthcare provider.
Hormone-sensitive conditions or therapies: Talk with your clinician to personalize a plan.
Thyroid concerns: Choose gelatinized maca and ensure adequate iodine/selenium; discuss with your provider.
New supplements: Introduce one at a time so you can assess response.
As always, this article is educational and not a substitute for medical advice.
Why I created Mighty Maca® Plus (it’s more than just maca)
After seeing what maca could do, I wanted a daily ritual that supported the whole woman—hormones, metabolism, mood, gut, and detox. Mighty Maca® Plus blends organic gelatinized maca with 30+ superfoods, herbs, and enzymes to create synergistic support.
What’s inside
- Organic gelatinized maca
- Turmeric and quercetin for antioxidant and inflammation balance
Greens like chlorella, spirulina, and barley grass for micronutrients and gentle detox support
Flax, resveratrol, and milk thistle for hormone metabolism and liver support
Digestive enzymes and probiotics to support gut function and regularity
How it helps together: The blend aims to support alkalinity, reduce everyday inflammation, stabilize energy, and help your body process hormones and environmental exposures more efficiently. That’s the “feel steady” effect so many women describe.
How to use it (simple daily rituals)
- Mix: Stir 1 scoop into water, nut milk, or a smoothie. I love it with my Keto-Green® Shake for a protein-forward breakfast.
- Flavor: Mildly sweet and earthy with a hint of spice. Add cinnamon, lemon, or a few berries if you like.
Travel tip: Pre-portion single servings in a shaker bottle for work or workouts.
14-day Maca Reset (start here)
Use this gentle plan to feel a meaningful shift quickly.
Daily: 1 scoop Mighty Maca® Plus (morning or mid-day), 10–15 minute outdoor walk, and 7–8 hours of sleep.
Meals: Anchor each meal with protein (25–35 g), healthy fats, and fiber-rich veggies. Limit grazing.
Hydrate: Start the day with mineralized water (pinch of sea salt + lemon if appropriate).
Stress offload: 5 minutes of 4-7-8 breathing or journaling.
Reflect: Track energy, mood, cravings, and sleep. Adjust as needed.
Mighty Maca® Plus vs. single-ingredient maca
- If you want simplicity: Pure gelatinized maca can be a great intro.
- If you want whole-body support: Mighty Maca® Plus adds greens, antioxidants, fiber, and digestive support for a broader nutrition upgrade in one scoop.
Real-world results (from my community)
- “I replaced my second coffee with Mighty Maca and felt steady clarity within days.”
- “My afternoon sugar cravings dropped, and my workouts feel easier to recover from.”
“It became my non-negotiable—especially during perimenopause—because I feel more like myself.”
Everyone is different, of course. Your best results come from consistency and pairing maca with the foundations: sleep, stress support, and protein-forward eating.
Smart pairings for even better results
Keto-Green® Shake: Protein + fiber + greens to anchor breakfast and crush afternoon crashes.
Daily movement: Post-meal walks and 2–3 strength sessions weekly.
Evening wind-down: Dim lights, warm shower, and a paperback to protect your sleep (and tomorrow’s energy).
Is maca good for menopause?
For many women, yes. As an adaptogen, maca may support smoother stress responses, steadier energy, and improved mood and libido during perimenopause and menopause.
How much maca should I take daily?
Common amounts are 1.5–3 g/day of maca powder. With Mighty Maca® Plus, most women use 1 scoop daily; start with 1/2 scoop if sensitive.
Does maca increase estrogen levels?
Maca doesn’t contain estrogen. Research suggests benefits without significant changes in blood estrogen; it seems to support overall hormonal balance.
How long until I feel a difference?
Some notice improved energy within days; mood and resilience typically improve over 2–4 weeks of consistent use.
Can I take maca with hormone therapy?
Many women do. Maca works by supporting balance rather than adding hormones. If you’re on HRT or bioidenticals, talk with your provider to personalize dosing.
Is maca safe for long-term use?
Generally yes for healthy adults. I have women who use Mighty Maca® Plus daily for years. Check with your clinician if you have medical conditions or take prescription medications.
What does maca taste like?
Mildly sweet, earthy, and slightly nutty. It blends beautifully with smoothies, lemon water, or almond milk.
Can maca help with belly fat?
Indirectly, by supporting stress resilience and energy so you can move more consistently and keep blood sugar steady. Combine maca with strength training, protein-forward meals, and quality sleep for best results.
What time of day is best?
Morning or early afternoon works well for most. If you’re sensitive to energizing herbs, avoid close to bedtime.
Raw or gelatinized?
Gelatinized maca (my choice) is easier to digest and absorb. It’s what I use in Mighty Maca® Plus.
Any side effects?
Most people tolerate maca well. Occasionally, some notice mild digestive changes when starting—hence my “start low” approach. Discontinue and consult your provider with any concerning symptoms.
Q: What are the biggest maca root benefits for women over 40?
A: Steadier energy, improved mood and focus, better stress resilience, support for libido, and gentle help during hormonal transition.
Q: Is maca good for menopause symptoms?
A: Many women report fewer energy dips and mood swings, with benefits building over 2–4 weeks of daily use.
Q: How much maca should a woman take daily?
A: 1.5–3 g/day is common; with Mighty Maca® Plus, most use 1 scoop daily (start with 1/2 scoop if sensitive).
Q: Does maca increase estrogen?
A: Maca doesn’t supply estrogen. Studies show benefits without significant changes in blood estrogen levels.
Q: When will I feel a difference?
A: Often within days for energy; mood, focus, and resilience typically improve in 2–4 weeks.
Q: Who should avoid maca?
A: If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or have hormone-sensitive conditions, talk with your clinician before use.
This article is for educational purposes only and not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting new supplements, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have medical conditions, or take prescription medications.
