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The Power of The Maca

by | May 14, 2025 | Holistic Wellbeing, Menstrual Cycle, Nutrition

Freshly harvested yellow maca roots with leafy green tops, grouped closely together.

Unlocking the Power of Maca: A Natural Ally for Women’s Hormonal Health

At Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London, we are committed to integrating traditional wisdom with modern evidence-based practices to support women through every stage of life. One such ancient remedy that continues to draw scientific and popular interest is Maca root (Lepidium meyenii), a powerful adaptogen native to the high Andes of Peru. Revered for centuries by indigenous cultures, Maca has become a popular natural supplement for enhancing hormonal balance, energy levels, fertility, and overall vitality.

What makes Maca particularly fascinating is its versatility—it comes in three primary varieties: yellow, red, and black. Each type has distinct benefits and applications, making it essential to understand their differences when choosing the most appropriate form for your individual needs.

Yellow Maca: The Gentle Balancer

Yellow Maca is the most commonly available and widely used variety. It is considered a general tonic and adaptogen, meaning it helps the body adapt to stress and restore internal balance without overstimulating any particular system.

Key Benefits:

  • Hormonal Balance: Yellow Maca supports endocrine function, helping to regulate estrogen and progesterone levels. This makes it beneficial for women experiencing irregular menstrual cycles, PMS, or mild hormonal imbalances.
  •  Mood and Mental Clarity: Many women report improved mood stability and cognitive function after consistent use. Its adaptogenic nature helps buffer the effects of chronic stress.
  •  Menopausal Support: Yellow Maca can ease common perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and fatigue.

Best For: Women new to Maca supplementation or looking for gentle, overall hormonal and emotional support.

Red Maca: The Hormone Harmoniser

Red Maca is often considered the most feminine variety due to its pronounced effects on the female reproductive system. With a slightly sweeter taste, it contains the highest levels of phytonutrients among the three types and is rich in antioxidants.

Key Benefits:

  • Oestrogen Regulation: Red Maca is particularly effective in reducing excess estrogen, making it useful in cases of estrogen dominance, fibroids, and endometriosis.
  • Bone Density Support: Research indicates that red Maca can help maintain and improve bone density, which is vital for women in their 40s and beyond.
  • Reproductive Health: It supports the uterus and endometrial health, and may improve fertility outcomes when hormonal imbalance is a contributing factor.

Best For: Women struggling with estrogen dominance, fibroids, endometriosis, or looking for targeted menopausal support with added antioxidant benefits.

Black Maca: The Energy and Libido Enhancer

Often referred to as the “male Maca” due to its popularity among men for increasing libido and stamina, black Maca also offers unique advantages for women—particularly those dealing with fatigue, low libido, or recovering from burnout.

Key Benefits:

  • Libido and Sexual Health: Black Maca is known to improve sexual desire and function by supporting dopamine levels and increasing blood flow.
  • Energy and Endurance: Ideal for women with demanding lifestyles or those experiencing chronic fatigue, black Maca enhances stamina, both mentally and physically.
  • Cognitive Function: Some studies suggest that black Maca has neuroprotective properties, potentially improving memory and focus, especially during hormonally turbulent phases.

Best For: Women with low libido, energy depletion, or those engaged in athletic training and needing a natural performance booster.

How to Use Maca Safely and Effectively

Maca is generally well-tolerated, but it’s important to start slowly and choose high-quality, preferably organic, gelatinized Maca to improve digestibility. Dosage may vary, but 1 to 3 teaspoons (or 500–1500mg in capsule form) per day is typical. For targeted results, some women benefit from cycling Maca—taking it for 6 days and pausing for 1, or following 4-weeks-on, 1-week-off patterns.

Contraindications: While Maca is considered safe, it may not be suitable for everyone—particularly women with hormone-sensitive conditions or thyroid issues. Always consult a healthcare professional before introducing any new supplement.

Final Thoughts: Listening to Your Body with Maca

Each woman’s hormonal landscape is unique. What works for one may not work for another. That’s why we encourage our clients at Holistic Gynaecology Clinic London to take a holistic approach—one that combines nutrition, movement, stress management, and herbal support such as Maca to cultivate true hormonal harmony.

Whether you’re looking for gentle balance, deeper reproductive support, or a boost in energy and libido, one of Maca’s three forms may offer a natural, empowering solution.

Bibliography

  • Gonzales, G. F. (2012). Ethnobiology and Ethnopharmacology of Lepidium meyenii (Maca), a Plant from the Peruvian Highlands. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2012, Article ID 193496. https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/193496
  • Meissner, H. O., Reich-Bilinska, H., Mscisz, A., & Kedzia, B. (2006). Therapeutic effects of pre-gelatinized Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon) used as a non-hormonal alternative to HRT in peri-menopausal women — clinical pilot study. International Journal of Biomedical Science, 2(2), 143–159.
  • 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. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2009.09.012
  • Valentová, K., Ulrichová, J. (2003). Smallanthus sonchifolius and Lepidium meyenii in the prevention of chronic diseases. Nutrition Research, 23(6), 805–812.
  • 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, 15(6), 1157–1162. https://doi.org/10.1097/gme.0b013e3181732953