Learn how maca can support the first half of the cycle

High in nutrients that support hormonal balance & fertility

In the first half of the cycle your body prepares for ovulation. Don’t underestimate this process. It is not only important for fertility but also for your health.

Without ovulation, progesterone levels are deficient - this can lead to abnormal bleeding, bone loss, insomnia, severe PMS & perimenopausal symptoms.

Maca is naturally high in nutrients including amino acids, fatty acids, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, & polyphenols which are essential for balanced hormone production, healthy ovulation and conceiving.

Minimises PCOS & menopausal symptoms

Through plant sterols, maca stimulates endocrine system helping to maintain balanced oestrogen and progesterone levels.

This can help women struggling with PCOS regulate their oestrogen levels and menopausal women alleviate menopausal symptoms including hot flashes and sleeping problems.

Boosts libido

Research indicates that maca is also effective at improving libido in both women and men. Studies suggest that maca may contain unspecified compounds that trigger androgenic effect. Unbalanced androgen levels in women can cause loss of sexual interest.

Improves mood, stamina & energy levels

Maca is also an adaptogen. This means it strengthens the endocrine and immune system so the body can better cope with stress, pressure and anxiety.

Moreover, several studies suggest that consuming maca can make you feel more energetic and may improve the endurance performance.

Bottom line

Maca can aid in maintaining hormonal balance throughout the cycle.

But using maca alone without also eating a nutritionally-dense diet, getting enough movement and sleep won’t have much of an impact on your body.

You always should look holistically at the hormonal health. Take care of yourself both mentally and physically. Stress and other negative emotions have damaging effects on the hormonal balance.

Just be good to yourself ❤︎

Some related scientific research if you want to delve further into this subject 🤓

Hormone balance

Meissner, H. O., Mrozikiewicz, P., Bobkiewicz-Kozlowska, T., Mscisz, A., Kedzia, B., Lowicka, A., Reich-Bilinska, H., Kapczynski, W., & Barchia, I. (2006). Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (I) Biochemical and Pharmacodynamic Study on Maca using Clinical Laboratory Model on Ovariectomized Rats. International journal of biomedical science : IJBS, 2(3), 260–272. VIEW

Libido

Dording, C. M., Schettler, P. J., Dalton, E. D., Parkin, S. R., Walker, R. S., Fehling, K. B., Fava, M., & Mischoulon, D. (2015). A double-blind placebo-controlled trial of maca root as treatment for antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction in women. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2015, 949036. VIEW

Srikugan, L., Sankaralingam, A., & McGowan, B. (2011). First case report of testosterone assay-interference in a female taking maca (Lepidium meyenii). BMJ case reports, 2011, bcr0120113781. VIEW

Shin, B. C., Lee, M. S., Yang, E. J., Lim, H. S., & Ernst, E. (2010). Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC complementary and alternative medicine, 10, 44. VIEW

Menopause

Lee, M. S., Shin, B. C., Yang, E. J., Lim, H. J., & Ernst, E. (2011). Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Maturitas, 70(3), 227–233. VIEW

Meissner, H. O., Kapczynski, W., Mscisz, A., & Lutomski, J. (2005). Use of gelatinized maca (lepidium peruvianum) in early postmenopausal women. International journal of biomedical science : IJBS, 1(1), 33–45. VIEW

Energy & endurance

Stone, M., Ibarra, A., Roller, M., Zangara, A., & Stevenson, E. (2009). A pilot investigation into the effect of maca supplementation on physical activity and sexual desire in sportsmen. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 126(3), 574–576. VIEW

Choi, E. H., Kang, J. I., Cho, J. Y., Lee, S. H., Kim, T. S., Yeo, I. H., & Chun, H. S. (2012). Supplementation of standardized lipid-soluble extract from maca (Lepidium meyenii) increases swimming endurance capacity in rats. Journal of Functional Foods, 4(2), 568-573. VIEW

Depression, stress & anxiety

Ai, Z., Cheng, A. F., Yu, Y. T., Yu, L. J., & Jin, W. (2014). Antidepressant-like behavioral, anatomical, and biochemical effects of petroleum ether extract from maca (Lepidium meyenii) in mice exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. Journal of medicinal food, 17(5), 535–542. VIEW

Stojanovska, L., Law, C., Lai, B., Chung, T., Nelson, K., Day, S., Apostolopoulos, V., & Haines, C. (2015). Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women. Climacteric : the journal of the International Menopause Society, 18(1), 69–78. VIEW

Brooks, N. A., Wilcox, G., Walker, K. Z., Ashton, J. F., Cox, M. B., & Stojanovska, L. (2008). Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause (New York, N.Y.), 15(6), 1157–1162. VIEW