Maca for PCOS
Maca - A Homeopathic Approach to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Overview
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, also known as PCOS, is a hormonal health condition that can affect women of reproductive age, resulting in a number of health issues. These may include hormonal imbalance, the development of cysts in the ovaries, weight gain, and many more symptoms. While PCOS cannot be cured, its effects can be minimized with a variety of treatments and therapies including medications and lifestyle changes. It’s common knowledge that a healthy diet and regular activity can have a positive impact on many health issues. This is especially true of superfoods and “functional foods,” including maca root.
What is Maca Root?
Maca root, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a plant native to the high Andes mountains of Peru. Sometimes referred to as “Peruvian ginseng,” maca has been cultivated for thousands of years and holds a prominent place in traditional Peruvian medicine. This cruciferous vegetable, related to broccoli, cauliflower, and radishes, is grown at altitudes of 12,000 to 14,000 feet, thriving in one of the harshest agricultural environments on Earth.
The part of the plant most commonly used is its root, which resembles a turnip or radish in shape. It comes in various colors, including yellow, red, and black, each offering slightly different nutritional profiles and benefits. Maca root is often dried and ground into a fine powder, but it can also be consumed fresh, in capsules, or as a liquid extract.
Rich in essential nutrients such as vitamins B, C, and E, as well as iron, calcium, and potassium, maca root is considered a superfood. It's particularly renowned for its potential to support energy levels, hormonal balance, and overall vitality.
Is Maca Root Good For PCOS?
Among the many health benefits associated with a maca regimen, one of the many that comes up repeatedly is maca’s positive impact on hormonal health. As an adaptogenic substance, maca has been known to exert a balancing effect on bodily functions, including hormone regulation. Maca root is often recommended for women undergoing menopause, and research has shown that it can help balance hormonal levels during menopause. While scientists are still trying to determine exactly how it does this, evidence indicates that taking maca mitigates symptoms of hormonal imbalance like depression, mood swings, and anxiety. This suggests that maca root can be part of a homeopathic approach to managing maca root.
What Research Says About Maca And PCOS
-
Maca is an adaptogen, meaning it helps the body regulate stress and maintain hormonal balance. For women with PCOS, stress and cortisol imbalances can exacerbate symptoms. By improving the body's stress response, maca may indirectly support better hormonal regulation.
-
Rich in nutrients like iron, potassium, and amino acids, maca root is believed to promote endocrine system health. This can potentially enhance ovulation and stabilize menstrual cycles. Some studies suggest that maca may help balance estrogen and progesterone levels, which are often disrupted in PCOS.
-
Maca root can improve energy levels, combat fatigue, and support mood, addressing common PCOS-related symptoms. While maca is generally safe, it's essential to consult a healthcare provider before adding it to your routine, especially if you are on medication or have other underlying health conditions.
Incorporating maca root into a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle may provide holistic support for managing PCOS symptoms naturally.
Maca for PCOS - Feedback from customers
"I only bought the capsule form of this because its easier for my schedule, and I am a terrible smoothie maker! haha! Well anyways, I've had PCOS for a few years now. Being that there is no cure for it birth control is the only recommended medication to help keep it under control. I stop taking birth control because of the weight gain and seriously did not have a period for a year. After two weeks of taking red maca I naturally had a normal regular period. I was in awe. I feel so much better knowing I can live the rest of my life not on birth control. I am so pleased with this product and I have turned so many of my girlfriends onto it as well." - Kaitlyn
"I recently started using the raw red maca powder. Which has done wonders! I have PCOS and have been dealing with lots of issues for the past 15 years because of it. I can't tell enough people about your product!" - Lynn
"I take the red maca capsules to regulate my hormones because I have PCOS and I have not any cysts and my menstrual cycles have finally regulated. I couldn't be more happy with the product." --Ashley Gonzalez
"I am 41 years old and have been perimenopausal since I was 36. Some of the super awesome symptoms of this are acne (which I've had since I was 12 due to PCOS which makes my hormones crazy anyway), hair where you don't want hair, bloat, weight gain...the list goes on. I went to my doctor and of course she wanted to put me on hormone replacement. That is not an option for me. I started doing some research and came across Maca. I found TheMacaTeam.com and took the questionnaire and it recommended the Premium Maca Powder. I have now been using it for a month and have noticed a significant improvement in my skin and some of the symptoms have lightened up as well. The woman I go to for dermaplaning saw me for the first time in the month that I have been using Maca and couldn't believe the difference. She said my melasma was 90% better than the month prior!!! I can not wait for another month to pass to see how much better my symptoms get. I highly recommend this product for everyone and especially for women whose hormones are going nutso. You have nothing to lose by giving this product a chance, just make sure you stick with it regularly - every single day." -Andrea Tucker
Which Maca Is Best For PCOS
The process of sorting maca roots by color is a relatively new development. Modern science has identified the benefits of maca root consumption based on individually-colored roots. Red maca root is considered the best option for women, working to reduce the symptoms of menopause and boosting curves, hair growth, and more traditionally “feminine” attributes.
We recommend starting with our gelatinized red maca products. The gelatinization process involves pre-cooking maca in order to cut down on its starch content, reducing the (rare) chance of stomach upset.
How To Use Maca To Help Alleviate Symptoms of PCOS
Maca root is a food, not a medication. While some of our customers have reported experiencing the benefits of maca within just a couple weeks, you might expect it to take as long as 8 weeks (or two months) before you start to notice any significant change. Once you know which maca is best for you and what your ideal serving size should be, make sure to make maca root a part of your daily routine.
Note: if you have any doubts or concerns about adding maca to your diet, please consult a knowledgeable medical professional.
Final Words on Maca Powder and PCOS
Maca root shows promising potential as a natural remedy for managing PCOS symptoms, thanks to its ability to support hormonal balance, reduce stress, and improve energy levels. However, it’s essential to remember that every individual’s body is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Before adding maca root to your regimen, consult with a healthcare professional to ensure it complements your overall treatment plan. Combined with a healthy lifestyle and other targeted interventions, maca root could be a valuable tool in navigating the challenges of PCOS.
Click here to see more maca benefits...
Enjoy the Day!