Maca For Testosterone
Overview
If you’ve heard of maca root and are wondering if and how it can boost testosterone, you’re in the right place. In this article, we'll have a close look at maca and testosterone, including how/if it works, what the medical research says, how to use it, and what to realistically expect when adding this food to your life. Click on the links below to jump to any section of the article.
- What Is Maca Root?
- The Link Between Maca and Testosterone - Does Maca Contain Testosterone?
- Will Maca Increase Testosterone?
- What Does Science Say About Using Maca to Increase Testosterone?
- What Customers Say About Maca for Testosterone
- Which Maca Is Best for Testosterone?
- How To Use Maca for Testosterone Support
- Final Words
- Quick Recap
What Is Maca Root?
Maca root, scientifically known as Lepidium meyenii, is a root vegetable that grows natively in the high Andes of Peru and Bolivia. People indigenous to the area have cultivated and consumed it as a staple food and traditional medicine for centuries. More recently it has gained worldwide popularity as a powerful nutritional supplement and even as a remedy for various health conditions. Since maca root works to help the body balance hormones, it has been associated with a wide number of benefits ranging from increased energy and libido to improved skin health and improved prostate function. To read more about these positive effects visit our main maca benefits page.
The Link Between Maca and Testosterone - Does Maca Contain Testosterone?
Testosterone is the fundamental sex hormone in males and is also present in smaller amounts in females. This critical hormone helps grow muscle, reduce fat, increase libido, boost energy, improve mood, strengthen bones and more. As men age, testosterone levels naturally decline, which can lead to symptoms such as reduced sex drive, fatigue, depression, and decreased muscle mass.
While maca root has been praised as one of the ways to naturally boost this hormone, it does not contain any testosterone. In fact, maca root contains absolutely no hormones, even though it’s believed that it does help the body produce and “balance” hormones.
Will Maca Increase Testosterone?
The answer to this question is not 100% clear. As we’ll see below, some studies indicate that maca does not increase testosterone, but at the same time does increase some of the benefits associated with testosterone such as libido, bone density and more. Other studies indicate that maca does increase testosterone at least in animals. Additionally, some individuals have seen a rise in their T as a result of taking maca, while others have not. Let’s have a look at the relevant research and some comments from maca users as well.
What Does Science Say About Using Maca to Increase Testosterone?
The results are unclear and more research is necessary to make any definitive statements.
Sex desire went up but T levels remained the same
A study published in Andrologia in 2002 followed a group of men aged 21-56 who were given maca for 12 weeks. The study concluded that maca did improve sexual desire among the men, but did not increase testosterone serum levels.
Maca did not increase T
Another study from 2019 looked at various plants and herbs and their correlation to improved T levels. In this study, which reviewed research from previous studies, maca was found not to improve serum T levels in men.
Maca did increase serum T levels in rats
In 2016 another study looked at serum testosterone in rats supplemented with maca over 6 weeks. It found conclusively that maca increased T concentration significantly in male rates.
Maca increased T levels in older rats
And this study from 2018 found that maca supplementation increased T levels in aging rats.
What Customers Say About Maca for Testosterone
Moving beyond studies, we can also look at what some customers have reported in terms of the benefits maca has on T levels.
“I have a pituitary issue where my LSH/FSH are low which causes lower T than I would like. My Endo suggested Maca Root. I have been taking it for a couple months now and my total T went from low 300s to mid 600s. I have tests done every 3 months so I'm able to monitor the change. It really works for me and is much safer than T replacement.” Jeremy
"This product helped the health of my husband greatly by naturally increasing his T levels & therefore helping the sperm numbers & quality. Of course, I combined this with other plant powders including the same company red maca but this item was the biggest ingredient & it’s really really pure & was very effective on my husband. This is truly a great product. I know this bc I have been researching & using different products but this one feels really really pure. The way they process it doesn’t kill the plants wonderful health effects. Thank you for providing this for those who need it. & also thank you for doing it the right way." - Rebecca
"I was not sure how much I should take. I started with 4 per day but that didn't seem to do much. I then increased it to 6, then 8. At 8 I started to notice significant changes in my libido and overall outlook on life. I became more optimistic. My low testosterone levels had turned me into an unlikable grinch.: - Juan Davila
"I like the taste, and mix it with a protein shake, and coffee. I feel the results, and consider this product to enhance testosterone levels" - J.L.
"I have been using maca powder for about 9 months. I began using it to help with libido & noticed a nice increase within about a week. My husband had been taking a testosterone booster (not a natural one) & didn't want to give the maca a try since he is skeptical of any kind of natural remedies. I finally convinced him to give it a try & he has been wildly impressed with the results. So have I ;-) He is 51 years old." - Michelle Brooks
"I love your Maca Black Raw Powder! I have been a bodybuilder for over 40 years and love the boost in my testosterone. I am 70 years old and feel like I'm 40 years younger. It has also improved my virility, in the bedroom, 150%. I had to back off from the recommended three scoops, to one scoop, for my 200 lb. frame, because it was too much for me. This product does everything it professes to do, on your website" - Chuck Dailey
"The product is of good quality, I take it for testosterone health and I can tell it's working, my sex drive increases, my gym workout are good and I get an overall feeling of wellness." - Henry
"I've recommended quite a few times already and not one person has said it didn't; actually, they've all said it worked and are using it now, and can't do without it; these are friends that suffer from lack of energy. A lot more common than you think, also if it's going to be a day of vigorous effort, then take it to last longer. It works in sports also, gives enormous more endurance, like a hormone, but natural. Can't go wrong with this, so far." -George
From this feedback we can see that maca is indeed working to reduce some of the symptoms of low T for many people. It also is working to actually boost serum T levels in some cases.
Which Maca Is Best for Testosterone?
In general terms, we recommend black maca for men. Black maca has been shown by research and experience to be the best maca for muscle building, male libido, stamina and male fertility.
Equally important to the maca color is to make sure that you find a product that is:
- Certified Organic
- Grown Traditionally on Small Farms
- Grown in the High Andes of Peru or Bolivia
- Fair Trade
- Non-Gmo
- Freshly Harvested
- Packaged Well and Sold Quickly
Black maca comes in various forms:
Powder: Most popular; can be mixed into smoothies, yogurt, coffee, or oatmeal.
Capsules: Convenient and easy to dose.
Extracts or tinctures: May offer a more concentrated dose.
How To Use Maca for Testosterone Support
When starting with maca root supplementation, we recommend starting on the smaller serving size. 1.5 – 3 grams daily is the appropriate amount of powder for those new to maca. You can adjust the amount as you progress.
As important as serving size, is consistency. It may take several weeks to feel initial benefits of maca, so make sure to take it daily to maximize results.
After about 1 month some people prefer to cycle maca by taking 1 day off per week or 4 days of per month. That’s really a personal preference.
Final Words
Maca root may not spike your testosterone levels the way synthetic hormones might, but that doesn’t mean it’s ineffective. It seems that maca’s real power lies in its ability to support overall hormonal health, increase libido, boost energy, and improve sperm quality—all signs of healthy testosterone function.
For many men, the goal isn't just to see a number rise on a blood test—it's to feel more alive, energized, and vital. And maca root can play an important role in that journey.
Maca root is generally considered safe and has no known side effects. If, however, you have any specific health concerns talk to a competent and knowledgeable health care professional before adding maca to your diet.
Quick Recap
- In human studies maca does not appear to increase serum testosterone levels but does increase libido and performance.
- In animal studies maca has been shown to increase T levels and Leydig cell function.
- Maca may improve the symptoms of low testosterone without affecting hormone levels.
- Best use is for libido, energy, fertility and mood
- Black maca is the most potent for men.
- It’s best to start with a lower serving size and work up.
- Make sure to purchase only high-quality products for the best results
- Maca is a natural, adaptogenic alternative to pharmaceutical hormone boosters.
