Maca Root Benefits for Women's Health

There’s a misconception in some health food circles that men are the people who would benefit the most from adding maca to their diets. Consider some of the reported “perks” of maca consumption: enhanced libido and sperm count, elevated libido and stamina, and improvements in muscle building and recovery. It’s no surprise that there are some who might ask “Is Maca for Women?” The answer to that question is a resounding YES. Maca can have a real positive impact on women’s health, and today we’re going to take a look at some of the many ways you might benefit from enjoying maca.

Maca for Sex Drive

Even in its native Peru, maca root is most commonly associated with addressing men’s stamina and erectile dysfunction. But did you know that maca can improve fertility in women as well? There are a number of ways that maca can help women’s bodies combat infertility, all of which are backed by science.

Maca can help address low libido in women, particularly when the issue arises from prescribed antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs. Participants of a 2015 study experiencing sexual dysfunction regularly consumed maca for a period of twelve weeks, with the study concluding that maca root may noticeably improve sex drive in both postmenopausal and premenopausal women. Further studies performed on laboratory mice found that mice given maca on a regular basis produced larger litters. This research supports the theory that maca, namely red maca, can help boost sexual desire and the possibility of conception in women.

Maca as an Adaptogen

What is an adaptogen? Simply put, it’s a natural substance that can “normalize” bodily processes, and help the body adapt to stress. Research performed within the past twenty years lends credence to the theory that maca root, when regularly consumed in combination with a healthy diet and exercise, can exert a “hormone-balancing” effect on women’s bodies.

This might be of particular interest to women dealing with the effects of menopause, which can be physically and emotionally draining. Studies performed in the 2000s found that while maca is by no means a suitable substitute for HRT (hormone replacement therapy), it did act as a sort of “hormonal toner” that produced changes in hormone levels and substantially lower feelings of discomfort in menopausal subjects. If you’re interested in learning more about the impact of maca on women experiencing menopause, we have more information for you!

Maca for Anxiety and Depression

According to the Mayo Clinic, women are about twice as likely as men to suffer from the effects of depression. This is due to a combination of hormonal processes in addition to evolving social and cultural pressures. Women in the 21st century often find themselves faced with expectations to succeed professionally while maintaining a spotless home and performing the bulk of childcare responsibilities. Is it any wonder why depression and anxiety have become such common issues?

While maca doesn’t contain dopamine, the chemical neurotransmitter responsible for triggering feelings of pleasure and satisfaction, its adaptogenic qualities have been linked with increased levels of dopamine in research participants who regularly consumed maca. And postmenopausal women consuming maca as part of a study reported reductions in anxiety and depression.

...and so much more

There are so many ways maca has been shown to positively impact women’s health. Besides the topics referenced above, maca has also been linked to improvements in bone density, enhanced curves, and better energy and stamina. If you’re wondering which maca you should take in order to improve your health, there’s no right or wrong answer. While we often recommend red maca for women, the “right” maca for you will depend on your body and your desired goals. Check out our Maca Finder product selection tool for suggestions based on your specifications. And if you have any further questions about our organic maca root products, please don’t hesitate to Contact Us using our web form, or call us toll-free at 888-919-8616.

Enjoy the Day!