Maca is the common name for Lepidium meyenii, a plant in the Brassicaceae family. It has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac and a small amount of research suggests that it can notably increase libido. Further research is needed to determine the main mechanism but it doesn’t work through hormones and does not increase testosterone. It might increase estrogen for women, but studies are quite mixed. It may also reduce the symptoms of menopause, particularly those related to mood, but also possibly hot flashes, though more research is needed to decide if it’s particularly effective.
How effective has maca root been for relieving your symptoms?
Please share your review with the Caria community:
This poll ran on the Caria community site and is now closed. The final results are below.
- Somewhat effective55.71%39 votes
- Very effective27.14%19 votes
- Not effective17.14%12 votes
70 responses in total.
Community comments
9Real experiences shared by the community, from the original discussion to today.
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Share what worked for you — comments are reviewed before they appear.
Gillian UK6 years ago
Used in combination to black cohosh. Hardly any hot flushes and those are nothing. Stopped crying for no reason so it has definitely worked on that. Libido is thankfully back to what it always was. Will not take any chances here and will keep taking this supplement.
Jan6 years ago
Hi can I ask what supplement you are taking and in what combination, thanks
ChazzaW6 years ago
I find the macca effective for keeping my moods even and improving libido. I have medical menopause. However it has had no effect on flashes, which is disappointing, so the search goes on for the miracle cure. As the macca has good vitamin and mineral content I carry on taking it.
Kath6 years ago
If I woke up with ‘burned mouth’ I would take a capsule and my mouth would be back to normal in an hour or two. However, it would bring on constipation the next day. So, six of one, half dozen of the other.
Elaine5 years ago
I have problems with constipation when taking any capsule/tablet. Try taking just the maca powder on its own, buy it in powder form or open the capsule. Add it to something to ingest, like a smoothie, yoghurt, humus, juice, energy balls etc ?
Niq5 years ago
Improved libido , less drastic mood swings, less frequent hot flashes. I use femmeessence brand
Susannab5 years ago
I do too but it’s very expensive and I can’t tell how well it’s working.
Bren2 years ago
I’ve been taking Femmenessence too & it’s made all the difference. Ran out & forgot to reorder & all symptoms came back. I have to set alarm to remember the afternoon dose because that makes a difference too. Their customer support & medical team are also top-notch. Have had innumerable friends see a difference too. Not all maca supplements are created equally!
Tyree4 years ago
I wasn’t able to find any info on the supplement DIM on here, so I’m just going to comment here. Has anyone tried it? I found that I get massive headaches when I take it, so I always stop. I wonder if I’m supposed to “power through” and the headaches will go away? ?