Maca powder for menopausal symptoms

Potency-enhancing, increased testosterone production, aphrodisiac effect - Maca powder is often associated with a male target group. However, women also benefit from taking maca (Lepidium meyenii). The plant boosts performance and strengthens the immune system, is also used to treat menstrual and digestive disorders and is also said to alleviate typical menopausal symptoms.

The menopause: what changes in the body

The menopause is the time of the last menstruation. The menopause is characterised by a drop in oestrogen and progestin levels as the ovaries produce fewer sex hormones. Fertility decreases and ovulation and the associated menstrual bleeding eventually stop. In addition to a reduced production of oestrogen and progestogen, the menopause also leads to an increase in gonadotropin follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). These changes in the hormone balance lead to symptoms in around two thirds of women. In a third, the symptoms are even severe and have a significant impact on quality of life. Typically, hot flushes, sleep disorders, palpitations, dizziness, sweating and depressive moods occur.

Maca powder: effect on menopausal symptoms

Many women rely on herbal remedies for menopausal symptoms, as they do not want to take hormone supplements, especially if the symptoms are only mild. One of these alternative treatment options is taking Maca powder. The Incas already used the root as a medicinal plant. Studies show that maca has a positive effect on typical menopausal symptoms. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study found no influence on the hormone concentration of estradiol, FSH and LH through a 6-week intake of 3.5 g maca powder per day. However, the supplementation did reduce typical menopausal symptoms such as depressive mood, sexual dysfunction and anxiety. In a longer-term study, however, maca supplementation of 2x 500 mg daily not only reduced the frequency and intensity of symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats, but also increased estradiol levels and lowered FSH levels in the blood.

Unfortunately, results from long-term studies on a large cohort are still lacking. As a result, the use of maca for menopausal symptoms is not yet widespread. Maca powder should only ever be used to treat the symptoms after consultation with the doctor treating you.

Sources:

• N. A. Brooks et al. Menopause 2008;6:1157-62. 
• H. O. Meissner et al. Sci 2006;4:360-74.
• M. S. Lee et al. Maturitas 2011;70(3):227-33.