Benefits of Maca Root for Females: Research-Based Guide
Curious about maca root benefits for women? Learn the evidence, safety, and how it may support hormone balance and menopause symptoms backed by trusted sources.
Written by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 17th Dec, 2025
Introduction
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a Peruvian root that has become increasingly popular within women’s health and wellness communities. Many individuals use it for energy, libido, mood support, and the often-marketed concept of “hormone balance.” However, the scientific evidence varies, and much of the publicity surrounding maca is based on tradition rather than robust clinical research. This guide provides a clear, evidence-based overview of what maca can and cannot do, how it may support women’s health, how to use it safely, and when to speak with a clinician.
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What Is Maca?
- A cruciferous vegetable native to the Andes, belonging to the same botanical family as broccoli and cabbage.
- Consumed traditionally as food in Peru and now widely available as powders, capsules, and extracts.
- Contains carbohydrates, fibre, minerals, and unique plant compounds such as macamides that are thought to contribute to its effects.
- Does not act as a hormone and does not contain phytoestrogens or oestrogen-like substances.
Key point: Supplement regulation is variable. Product purity and potency differ significantly between brands, making
reputable, third-party tested supplements the safest choice. Always review supplement use with your healthcare provider, particularly if you have underlying medical conditions.
What The Research Says About Maca For Women?
Human research on maca remains limited, with most studies being small, short-term, and often not widely replicated. Even so, preliminary findings suggest potential benefits in areas such as libido, menopause symptoms, and general well-being.
Potential Areas Of Benefit
- Sexual desire and libido: A small number of randomised trials have shown modest improvements in sexual desire after 6–12 weeks of maca use compared with placebo. These findings are encouraging but not definitive due to small sample sizes.
- Menopause symptoms: Some studies in perimenopausal and postmenopausal women have reported reductions in hot
flushes and improvements in mood or subjective well-being. The evidence, however, is inconsistent and varies in quality. - Mood and energy: Several participants in research trials have reported enhanced energy or improved mood. While
these observations are of interest, the underlying mechanisms are unclear and more rigorous studies are required. - Fertility: Evidence for fertility benefits in women is insufficient. While some studies in men suggest improvements in semen parameters, this cannot be assumed to extend to female fertility.
- Athletic performance: Claims relating to strength, endurance, or muscle gain are not supported by adequate human research.
Hormone Levels And The Reality Behind “Hormone Balance”
The concept of “hormone balance” is frequently used in marketing but has no specific medical definition. Clinical studies do not show that maca increases or decreases oestrogen, progesterone, testosterone, LH, or FSH in a meaningful way. Reported improvements in libido or hot flushes may arise from indirect mechanisms rather than shifts in hormone levels.
Women experiencing issues such as PCOS, significant menopause symptoms, irregular cycles, or thyroid dysfunction should seek clinical evaluation rather than rely solely on maca for symptom management.
Potential Maca Root Benefits For Females (Evidence Snapshot)
The potential female benefits are:
- May modestly support libido based on short-term trials.
- May reduce some menopause symptoms, such as hot flushes or mood fluctuations, in certain women.
- May support perceived energy or emotional well-being, though evidence remains preliminary.
- Does not reliably change hormone levels according to existing clinical studies.
How To Use Maca Safely?
Safety and product quality are essential considerations, as long-term research is limited and supplement standards vary
widely across manufacturers.
Forms You Will Find
- Powder: Available raw or gelatinised. Gelatinised forms undergo a heating process that removes starch, making them
easier to digest for many individuals. - Capsules and extracts: Allow more consistent dosing and may be preferable for those sensitive to the taste of maca.
Typical Amounts Studied
- Many clinical studies use approximately 1.5–3 grams of maca powder daily for 6–12 weeks.
- There is no universally accepted therapeutic dosage, and individual tolerance varies.
- A gradual approach, starting with lower amounts, helps minimise digestive discomfort and allows time to assess your
response.
Quality Considerations
- Select products tested by reputable third-party organisations such as USP, NSF, or ConsumerLab.
- Confirm that the label lists the correct botanical name, Lepidium meyenii, and specifies the root rather than other plant
parts. - Avoid blends or proprietary formulations that do not disclose exact ingredient amounts.
Safety, Side Effects And Who Should Avoid Maca
Safety. Side effects and who should avoid maca are:
What Is Known?
- Short-term use appears well-tolerated by most healthy adults.
- Side effects, when reported, are typically mild and may include digestive discomfort or bloating, particularly with raw powder taken on an empty stomach.
- Long-term safety data are limited, and caution is advised with extended use.
Who Should Use Caution Or Avoid Maca?
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Insufficient safety information exists. Most medical guidance recommends avoiding maca
during these periods. - Thyroid disease: As a cruciferous plant, maca contains natural compounds that may influence thyroid function in
individuals with iodine deficiency or pre-existing thyroid conditions. Ensure adequate dietary iodine and consult a
clinician before use. - Hormone-sensitive conditions: Although maca does not act like oestrogen, individuals with conditions such as
hormone-sensitive cancers, endometriosis, or fibroids should consult their healthcare provider before starting
supplementation. - Medication use: Interactions are not well studied. Women taking hormone therapy, oral contraceptives, thyroid medications, antidepressants, or other prescriptions should review maca use with their clinician.
Practical Tips For Trying Maca
Practical tips include:
- Set specific goals: Identify what you want to evaluate, such as improvements in hot flushes, libido, or overall energy
levels. - Track symptoms: Use a simple log to record changes in mood, sleep, hot flushes, and libido over several weeks.
- Combine with a healthy lifestyle: Balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, regular movement, stress management, and
medical evaluation remain foundational for midlife and reproductive health. - Know when to discontinue: If benefits are not noticeable after 8–12 weeks or if side effects occur, discontinuing may be
appropriate.
Where Maca Fits In Women’s Health
Maca can be a complementary part of a broader wellness plan for women seeking support with libido, menopause
symptoms, or general vitality. It should not replace evidence-based medical treatments or structured clinical evaluation.
For persistent symptoms or complex hormonal concerns, working with a healthcare professional ensures appropriate
management and access to proven therapies.
Key Takeaways
- Maca is a traditional Andean root that’s popular among women’s health herbs for libido, mood, and menopausal comfort.
- Evidence suggests possible, modest benefits for sexual desire and some menopause symptoms, but data are limited and
mixed. - Maca does not appear to significantly change sex hormone levels; “hormone balance” claims should be viewed
cautiously. - Short-term use seems well tolerated for most, but safety in pregnancy, breastfeeding, and certain conditions (like thyroid
disease) is uncertain—consult your clinician. - Choose high-quality, third-party tested products, and evaluate benefits over a defined period.
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr Suseela
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Reema Debnath
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr. Jacqueline M. Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
Consult a Top General Practitioner for Personalised Advice
Dr. Mainak Baksi
General Practitioner
13 Years • MBBS , MD (MPH)
Howrah
Mainak Baksi Clinic, Howrah
(50+ Patients)
Dr Suseela
General Physician
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Rajib Ghose
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
25 Years • MBBS
East Midnapore
VIVEKANANDA SEBA SADAN, East Midnapore
Dr. Reema Debnath
General Practitioner
4 Years • MBBS
Bangalore
Apollo Clinic Bellandur, Bangalore
Dr. Jacqueline M. Kuruvilla
General Practitioner
8 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, Sarjapur Road, Bengaluru
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Frequently Asked Questions
1) Does maca balance hormones?
Evidence does not show that maca reliably changes estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone in humans. Some women report improved libido or fewer hot flashes, but these effects seem to happen without major shifts in hormone levels. If “hormone balance” is your goal, speak with your clinician about proven options.
2) Can maca help with menopause hot flashes?
Small studies suggest maca may modestly reduce hot flashes or improve mood and well-being in some women. Results are mixed and not as strong as established treatments. If hot flashes disrupt your life, ask your clinician about therapies with stronger evidence (including lifestyle measures and, when appropriate, hormone therapy).
3) Will maca improve fertility or irregular periods?
There’s not enough research to support maca for female fertility or cycle regulation. If you’re trying to conceive or have irregular cycles, a medical evaluation can identify causes and evidence-based treatments.
4) How long does it take to notice benefits?
In studies that reported benefits, changes were typically assessed after 6 to 12 weeks. If you try maca, consider a time-limited trial and track your symptoms to judge any effect.
5) Can I take maca with birth control or hormone therapy?
There are no well-documented interactions, but research is limited. If you use hormonal contraception or hormone therapy, review any supplement, including maca, with your healthcare provider before starting.