Maca is a plant grown in Peru that has been used for thousands of years to treat the unpleasant symptoms of menopause. Compounds called alkaloids, found in powdered maca root, have been found to stimulate glands in the endocrine system to allow a woman's body to naturally produce hormones that begin to decrease with the onset of menopause. This in turn can help women avoid some of the common issues that cause discomfort during this time, including hot flashes, mood swings, and vaginal dryness. Women may also want to take maca for menopause since it is known to improve energy levels, which can help combat the fatigue many menopausal women feel.
Though it does not contain any hormones itself, taking maca for menopause has been found to be effective in regulating a woman's hormones. During menopause, women stop producing enough hormones, particularly estrogen. Maca naturally stimulates the endocrine system, particularly the pituitary, hypothalamus, and ovaries, to produce enough hormones that the woman's body does not suffer the ill effects of their absence. This means that maca can offer a natural alternative to hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, which can have some significant negative side effects, including an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. In addition to these risks, it can also reinforce the body's tendency to not produce any more hormones by tricking it into thinking there are enough hormones present already, something that maca is not known to do.
Taking maca for menopause can help women minimize or even avoid the physical, mental, and emotional discomforts that often happen at this time, making it easier to get through the transition. It may reduce the incidence of hot flashes and night sweats, and may improve vaginal dryness and increase libido. Women who take maca may be less likely to feel irritable, anxious, and depressed. They may also be able to avoid the forgetfulness and absentmindedness that can be a problem during menopause.
Another of the potential benefits of maca for menopause is its ability to increase energy. Its ability to stimulate the glands of the endocrine system and balance hormone levels is thought to increase stamina and overall feelings of physical well-being. This can be useful for women going through menopause, who often tend to feel tired and fatigued.