Do you have PCOS and wonder if maca root could help? This article will tell you everything you need to know about maca root for PCOS and if you need to be taking it.
What is PCOS?
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal condition. It affects how the ovaries work and impacts around 1 in 10 women in the UK.
PCOS is often diagnosed based on three features:
- Irregular or absent periods
- High levels of androgens (male hormones), which can cause excess hair growth
- Cysts (technically follicles) on the ovaries
Other symptoms can include:
- Difficulty getting pregnant
- Acne
- Weight gain
- Skin tags
- Thinning hair
PCOS can increase the risk of other health problems, including type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and endometrial cancer.
Living with PCOS can be challenging, and many people experience higher stress levels than those without it. This is why some explore maca root as a potential supplement for PCOS stress management.
How is PCOS managed?
There are a few ways PCOS can be managed, including lifestyle, medical and surgical interventions.
Lifestyle and Diet Approaches
Healthy lifestyle choices, such as a balanced diet and regular exercise, are key to managing PCOS. Many also consider PCOS natural supplements, including:
If you’re looking to explore PCOS natural supplements, here are some trusted options to consider:
MyOva Myoplus – A natural supplement combining myo-inositol and key vitamins to support hormonal balance, using nutrients found in whole foods.
MyOva Hormonal Balance Bundle – Includes Myoplus and Hormonal Balance, both include nutrients naturally found in a healthy diet, aimed at supporting hormone balance in PCOS.
Use SEREHEALTHY15 for 15% off all MyOva products
Wild Nutrition Pure Strength Omega-3 – A natural, whole-food-based supplement designed to mirror the way your body absorbs nutrients from food. Supports hormonal health, reduces inflammation, and contributes to metabolic balance in women with PCOS.
Intimate Rose Myo-Inositol + D-Chiro Inositol 40:1 – A natural supplement combining a 40:1 ratio of myo-inositol to D-chiro-inositol with ashwagandha and vitamin D, designed to support hormonal balance, metabolic health, and stress resilience in individuals managing PCOS.
Use code ROHUNTRISS for 10% off all Intimate Rose products
If you are managing PCOS and want to support your health and weight management through your diet, check out our PCOS Diet Plan for Weight Loss that’s packed with information and guidance to help you feel more in control of your symptoms and health.
Stress Management for PCOS
Other management strategies under lifestyle interventions include behavioural interventions, such as specific PCOS mindfulness stress management techniques, such as mindfulness breathing exercises and diaphragmatic breathing exercises.
Maca root has gained traction for its potential benefits for PCOS, and this is explored in more detail below.
What is maca root?
Maca, known as Peruvian ginseng or Lepidium Meyenii, is a Peruvian plant that grows in the Andes. It has been used for its medicinal properties, and in recent years has gained popularity for its nutritional properties, and impact on energy and fertility.
As the whole plant, Maca resembles a radish or parsnip however maca root is simply a powdered version of the maca plant, often described as having a slightly sweet, malty taste.
Maca root is considered an adaptogen for PCOS, meaning it has properties that can help to manage stress, anxiety, fatigue and restore balance within the body.
Does maca root help PCOS?
Maca root has gained attention for its potential benefits as a PCOS natural supplement. While some call it an adaptogen for PCOS, there are no specific studies on maca’s effects on PCOS symptoms.
What Does the Research Say About Maca and PCOS?
Some research suggests maca may support conditions associated with bone structure, hormone levels, depression and physical activity.
Maca Root for Menopausal Symptoms
For example, maca root has been studied for its effects on menopausal symptoms. Some studies found that maca helped reduce the severity of these symptoms for women.
One study gave 3g of maca extract daily for twelve weeks. Women reported improvements in:
- Mood
- Energy
- Health status
Another study researched the effects of maca on hormonal profiles and menopause symptoms in postmenopausal women. It found that women who took two 500mg pre-gelatinized organic maca twice daily with meals had
- Increased estradiol and bone density markers
- Reduced FSH and cortisol
- Reported relief of menopause symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats.
A trial in postmenopausal women found that taking 3.5g of maca powder daily for six weeks improved sexual function.
A further study found that 3g of maca daily may improve SSRi induced sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women.
One study found that 3.3g of maca root daily for six weeks may improve mood, depression in postmenopausal women.
Maca Root and Fertility: What We Know
Research on maca and fertility is limited. Two animal studies have explored maca’s effects on reproductive health.
- One study on rats found that consuming feed with 50% increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), suggesting potential enhancing effects on fertility.
- Another study conducted in mice found oral supplementation of maca found higher levels of progesterone hormone, heparin, betacellulin (BTC) implantation factor and activin A levels than in the control group. Human clinical trials are needed to draw firm conclusions.
Few human studies have explored maca’s effects on fertility;
- One study looked at the effects of women supplementing with a tablet with a patented blend of vitex (a herbal supplement), maca and folate vs women taking this tablet and a gel capsule with vitamins, minerals, oligo-elements, DHA and EPA omega 3 fatty acids. Results found that there was minimal difference between the two groups, but potentially suggested that the patented blend tablet helped to regulate the menstrual cycle, stimulate ovulation and increase the likelihood of getting pregnant.
- A review suggested that maca may improve sexual health and potentially support fertility in both men and women.
While early research on maca looks promising, more studies are needed to confirm its benefits for hormones and fertility.
Is there a recommended dosage for maca root for PCOS?
There is no recommended dosage for maca root for PCOS, however based on current research, a dosage of 3g of maca posed no adverse side effects to participants who took maca root in clinical trials.
Takeaway message
More robust evidence is needed on the effects of maca root for PCOS before any potential recommendations can be made. Maca root may offer benefits for mood, energy, and hormonal balance, especially for postmenopausal women. However, there’s not enough evidence to recommend it for PCOS.
If you’re curious about trying maca root, research suggests that 3g daily is well tolerated. Always check with a healthcare professional before starting a new supplement.
We would like to thank Georgina Taylor ANutr for her contributions to this article
