Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder characterized by menstrual irregularities, raised androgen levels and/or small cysts on the ovaries.

Most doctors offer prescription medications for women with PCOS. However, lifestyle changes are thought to be the best form of treatment for women with PCOS.

Many women don’t want to be treated with harsh medications that have unpleasant side effects and are looking for more natural, organic therapies.

There has been a lot of discussion in the PCOS community about maca for PCOS.  Is it a viable option? How can it help PCOS? Should I try it?

Some references have been investigating the positive effect of maca for PCOS. Let’s take a look at maca powder for PCOS and see if it is something you should consider incorporating into your routine.

What is Maca?

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a native Peruvian plant that has the property of bioprospecting, which means that it is a useful organic, biological product that can be processed and commercialized as a pharmaceutical.

Maca is also referred to as maca root, maca powder, or maca root powder.

It belongs to the family of cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. In Peru, it has been used for centuries as a culinary and medicinal tool.

The plant has the potential to grow in harsh conditions and high altitudes in central Peru. The root of maca grows underground, is edible and exists in numerous colors that range from black to white.

The root of maca is dried, transformed into a powder and may also be made into capsules in the form of a liquid extract. Maca tastes nutty and earthy, and people often report to dislike it. However, it can be added to oatmeal or smoothies to add a delicious touch.

Traditionally, maca has been used to boost fertility, energy, stamina, sex drive and for nutritional purposes.

Maca is rich in amino acids, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and carbohydrates. One ounce of maca powder is composed of 91 calories, 20 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of fat, 133% of the RDI Vitamin C, 85% of the RDI copper, 23% of the RDI iron, 16% of the RDI potassium, 15% of the RDI Vitamin B6 and 10% of the RDI manganese.

How Does Maca Work?

Maca is considered an adaptogen or commonly referred to as an adaptogenic herb. Adaptogens are supposed to bring balance in the hypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal glands.

In addition, adaptogens like maca powder are supposed to help the body adapt and cope with stress and regulate the body’s stress response system.  They help the body by bringing it back into balance when the body either over or under produces hormones. So, the major goal here is to make sure the hypothalamus, pituitary, and adrenal glands function well; if they do, the effects of PCOS can be lessened.

Benefits of Maca root for PCOS

Maca root has a lot of health benefits for women such as;

• It can ease the symptoms of joint pain, arthritis and insomnia.

• It can boost stamina and increase workout performance.

• It increases fertility and relieves menopause symptoms.

• It boosts mood, memory, energy, and sports performance.

• It protects the skin from UV rays when applied topically.  

Hormone balance is one of the major benefits of maca for PCOS. By controlling the functions of the hypothalamus and pituitary gland and regulating the hormonal balance of the body you can help in minimizing the symptoms of PCOS.

Maca root may be especially helpful to women with PCOS as they go through menopause. Maca has been shown to balance FSH (follicle-stimulate hormone) and estradiol. This helps reduce menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety, and depression, as well as sexual dysfunction.

Research Studies

While there aren’t specific studies surrounding its use on women with PCOS there are some other studies to consider such as these.

Numerous randomized control studies demonstrate that Maca has a positive impact on the improvement of libido, fertility and symptoms of menopause.

One study by Harvard Medical School found that that 3 grams of maca per day had a significant positive effect on SSRI-induced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.

Scientific studies have also confirmed the use of organic maca powder for boosting energy, stamina, immune system, memory, hormone balance, stress levels and blood circulation.

Studies show that Maca is an aphrodisiac compound; the evidence comes from the fact that it improves fertility and sperm count.  Adriane Fugh-Berman, the professor of the Georgetown University Medical Center states, “Maca might have a positive effect on sexual dysfunction”.

Hyla Cass, a functional medicine physician and a psychiatrist, believes that maca works, and states, “I have seen maca restore hormonal imbalance and related sexual desire and fertility in both men and women”.

Chris Kilham also states, “Maca enjoys a very long history of successful medicinal use for menopausal discomfort, infertility, and sexual healing.  

Side Effects of Maca

Maca is generally safe when taken orally in doses of about 3 grams per day for up to 3 or 4 months.

However, not enough data is available on the safety of maca in pregnant and lactating mothers. It is recommended to avoid using them if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

It is also advised to avoid maca if you have a thyroid condition. Maca has a large amount of glucosinolates. You can develop a goiter or abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland when you consume too many glucosinolates. 

Also, maca root powder may function like the hormone estrogen. Thus, it is better to avoid the use of maca if there is any condition that may be made worse by the use of estrogen such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, or ovarian cancer.

The Best Type of Maca for PCOS

Maca is available in the form of powders, tablets, capsules and liquid extracts. Although it is most commonly found in powdered form.

For PCOS, organic maca powder is the best type of maca. You want to find maca powder that is obtained from a pollution-free and contamination-free natural Peruvian region.

How and When to Take Maca

It is suggested that you gradually introduce maca powder into your PCOS diet. Start with a teaspoon and work your way up to a tablespoon. Make sure that you take it with food to avoid digestive issues.

Maca powder can be easily added to beverages like coffee and tea or sprinkled on food to minimize PCOS symptoms.

Some people report feeling jittery when taking it and that it can mess up their sleep, so it is best to take in the morning by putting a scoop in your PCOS green smoothie.

Maca takes some time to work. It is recommended that you take it for at least 6 weeks to start seeing some results.

Which women might benefit from taking maca root for PCOS?

I think women who are interested in using maca for hormone balance should give it a try. Some examples of women who might benefit from maca are those looking to improve their mood, who have low energy levels, lowered sex drive, and women who are menopausal.

Maca and PCOS- The key takeaways

After looking at the research, maca may have some benefits for women with PCOS. Maca is an adaptogenic herb and its major goal is to bring the body into balance and harmony. We know that women with PCOS struggle with hormonal balance so maca might just be what you need to get your body back on track.

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