Have you heard that maca helps to balance your hormones, boost your energy and even out your mood?
There is a lot of anecdotal evidence out there when it comes to the benefits of maca. But what does the research have to say? And are there conditions where maca could make things worse?
Let’s take a closer look.
What is maca?
Maca is a wonderful root vegetable that is native to the high altitudes of Peru. It belongs to the same plant family as broccoli, cabbage and radish.
Because it is grown in harsh conditions, it contains beneficial nutrients such as polypeptides, amino acids, iron and calcium. But it also contains a lot of anti-nutrients. These can be good for protecting against conditions such as cancer, but could also be a problem for someone with thyroid issues.
When is it a good idea to use maca?
Menopause
One area that maca may show benefits is relief of menopausal symptoms.
A study found that 2g of maca per day for 2-3 months decreased menopausal symptoms such as night sweats, hot flushes and anxiety.
It increased oestradiol (E2) and testosterone. But it also reduced follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which is often responsible for menopausal symptoms.
Low oestrogen/testosterone
Using maca can help to increase E2 and testosterone. If you have any condition that leads to one or both of these issues, supplementing maca may help to boost levels and relieve associated symptoms.
Low DHEA and low cortisol
Some studies have found that maca can raise DHEA and inhibit cortisol. This means it could be useful for those who are in the mid-range of adrenal dysfunction where DHEA is low and cortisol is still elevated.
Some cases of low fertility
Low or infertility that is driven by issues such as low DHEA, low testosterone or low oestrogen could be supported by using maca.
However, this can depend on the root cause. Not all conditions contributing to low fertility improve with maca, as we’ll discuss later.
Hyperthyroidism
Maca contains glucosinolates, which inhibit iodine uptake and T3 (active thyroid hormone). If you have a hyperthyroid condition such as Graves’ disease, it could help to lower your T3 levels.
When maca might not be suitable
Not all conditions can benefit from the use of maca. There are several situations where you might choose to avoid it or at least take it with caution.
Oestrogen dominance
This can depend on the individual. Some with oestrogen dominance may improve thanks to the boost of progesterone. But if you have high oestrone and take maca, it may funnel the E2 into oestrone. This can make your symptoms worse.
Conversion to oestrone is common with stress. In fact, oestrone is responsible for the fat tissue build-up that occurs with high oestrogen.
So if you have symptoms of oestrogen dominance and are under a lot of stress, it may not be right for you.
PCOS
As PCOS is often related to elevated androgen levels, taking maca can make your symptoms worse. If you have signs of androgen sensitivity such as acne, body odour, hair growth on the face or skin tags, it may not be right for you.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is often linked to oestrogen dominance. Taking maca could worsen your symptoms due to the increase of E2 and overall oestrogen.
Hypothyroidism
As glucosinolates can inhibit iodine and T3, it could cause issues for the thyroid. This is particularly problematic for people with low thyroid levels and Hashimoto’s.
However, if you have an underactive thyroid but the other symptoms match up, there is an option. Look out for gelatinised maca.
This is a form where the starches have been broken down, which removes anti-nutrients. So you get the benefits for your hormones without the thyroid side effects.
Remember: everyone is different!
Some people get good results. Others will see no benefit or even exacerbate their symptoms. It really depends on the hormone driving the issues.
For example, if you have skin issues due to low thyroid or high androgens, maca could worsen them. But if it’s due to low progesterone, you might see improvements.
This is why I recommend checking your symptoms and tracking your cycle. That way you have at least some idea of what your hormones are doing. Ideally, get your hormones tested before taking maca or any other supplement.
Looking for a way to balance your hormones naturally?
It all starts with eating foods that support healthy hormone production. Including the right foods during your luteal phase can:
- Balance blood sugars
- Support progesterone production
- Prevent bloating
- Improve your mood
Sound like what you need? Grab my Hormone Support Meal Plan here.
Thanks 🙏🏽