Let’s Talka ‘bout Maca: Support Hormone Balance with This Herbal Supplement!

Ladies, raise your hand if you’re suffering or have suffered horrible PMS, perimenopause, or menopausal symptoms at any point in your life?

If you have your hand raised (it’s okay if you do), you’re not alone. Unfortunately, far too many women are experiencing a hormone imbalance due to the rise in environmental toxins that contain endocrine-disrupting phytochemicals. 

If you are experiencing unwanted symptoms of a hormone imbalance, maca root might be able to not only provide relief but work to get your system back on track. 

What is Maca Root Used For?

Maca root, scientifically referred to as Lepidium meyenii, is a cruciferous vegetable (like broccoli or cauliflower) native to the Andes of Peru. It looks similar to a radish or a turnip you’d find in a health food store.

This nutrient powerhouse is an excellent source of protein, fiber, vitamin C and iron. It also contains over 20 different amino acids and phytonutrients. It’s also rich in plant sterols that are biochemically similar to estrogen, testosterone and progesterone.

What you might not know about maca root is that it’s chock-full of inflammation-fighting antioxidants and micronutrients that can help support optimal hormone balance, energy levels, and mood and memory. In addition, being classified as an adaptogen means that it can help the body quite literally “adapt” to specific stressors like being busy at work or getting sick that might place your body in a prolonged state of fight or flight. When this happens, you might experience that wired but tired feeling and have trouble calming down.

In addition to whole root and powder forms, you can usually find it in capsules, liquids and extracts at your local health food store or online. 

Female Reproductive Hormones 

The female endocrine, or hormonal, system is beautifully complex. It requires a harmonious balance for all systems in the body to work optimally. When something interferes with that process, women can experience a wide array of symptoms like bloating, mood swings and irregular menstrual cycles.

There are many reasons why hormone balance might be impaired, including:

• Diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates, processed foods, and refined oils
• Chronically high-stress levels
• Poor lifestyle habits and frequent inactivity levels
• Environmental toxins that contain endocrine disruptors like plastics and pesticides
• Underlying hidden infections like candida or yeast infections and parasites

Women have two main reproductive hormones: estrogen and progesterone. As you age into a post-menopausal state, the levels of these hormones and others like testosterone vary throughout your cycle. If estrogen is too low or high, it can interfere with a woman’s ability to ovulate and become pregnant. 

Maca Root and Hormone Balance

So how can maca root help with your hormone balance? 

Studies show that maca root can directly influence estradiol (estrogen) levels in the body, particularly in early post-menopasual women. One, in particular, found thatpost-menopausal women taking two daily doses of maca1 for four months saw an improvement in hormonal balance as well as HPA axis function and a reduction in menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats compared to the control group.

If you’re not familiar with the HPA axis, it’s an interconnected system of three glands (hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenals) that tightly controls our stress reactions, immunity, and fertility levels and works in tandem with our hormonal system. This superfood root might evenhelp improve your libido and sexual function2, particularly if you’re suffering from low sex drive as a result of taking long-term anti-depressant medication.  

There’s also some good news for those of you who might be dealing with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a sometimes painful and debilitating hormonal condition affecting women of childbrearing age. Maca root might help reduce certain symptoms, including weight gain, acne and excessive hair growth. 

Maca Root Supplementation 

Whether you’re looking to get relief from pre or post-menstrual symptoms, improve hormone balance and promote a healthier libidio and sexual function, Superior Labs Peruvian Maca capsules might be the support you’ve been needing!

There’s something to be said for always making sure you are finding the root cause of your hormonal imbalance in addition to balancing estrogen levels, and you will want to consult your healthcare provider before adding this or any new supplement into your health routine. Maca can stimulate increased estrogen production in some people and should be used cautiously, especially by any woman with estrogen-sensitive conditions or cancers.

This blog was written by Nicole Cieslak, please click here to learn more about the author.