What Is Maca?

Historically, Maca Root Powder Capsules have been used to boost fertility, vitality, libido, and to treat a number of problems that are hormone related.Maca is a Peruvian ginseng, a cruciferous root vegetable, commonly known as a Peruvian ginseng because it is claimed to have an energy-enhancing and adaptogenic effect. The root is normally dried and made into powder to be incorporated into other supplements, including capsules, tablets and powders.

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The association between Maca and Estrogen.

Estrogen is also among the leading hormones that regulate female reproductive system, and it is essential in numerous other body functions, such as that of bone and mood control. The ovaries are the main sources of the hormone yet the adrenal glands and fat tissue also contribute. Estrogen levels vary throughout the life of a woman especially during the stage of puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, and menopause.

The effect of Maca on estrogen is indirect as opposed to direct. Studies have shown that maca has no direct effect of raising estrogen levels or replicating estrogen actions in the body. Rather, it is thought to exert its effects by supporting the endocrine system in general, more specifically, the hypothalamus and pituitary glands that control hormone synthesis and equilibrium.

Mechanisms of Action: The role of Maca in Balancing Hormones.

Maca is an adaptogen, which is simply a substance that allows the body to adjust to stress and ensure there is homeostasis or a balance in the body systems. Maca, by assisting the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, could lead to the regulation of the levels of various hormones that are important, such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. It achieves this by triggering the secretion of the luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), which are crucial in the regulation of the reproductive hormones.

Maca Root Powder Capsules has also been found to assist in relieving different symptoms of hormonal imbalances in women especially during menopause. These are hot flushes, night sweats, and mood swings. Nevertheless, maca does not directly raise estrogen or serve as a substitute of estrogen. Rather, it aids in stabilizing the synthesis and discharge of hormones, which provides a more balanced hormonal condition.

The study of Maca in relation to Estrogen.

A few research studies have been done to determine the effects of maca on hormones especially in women. Although it is a fact that Maca alleviates menopause symptoms, it has not been established that it directly raises estrogens.

Research involving Postmenopausal Women:
A research done on post menopausal women revealed that with the access of the maca supplement, menopausal symptoms, which include hot flashes and night sweats, were reduced without significantly affecting the level of estrogen in the blood. The researchers found that the action of maca was due to the hormonal balance by means of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis and not by means of the direct increase of estrogen.

Study on Fertility:
The article that was published in the journal Human Reproduction reported the positive effects of maca supplementation on fertility in women enhancing ovulation and menstrual cycle regularity. Nevertheless, this paper has also seen that maca did not directly raise the level of estrogen, but it served as a supportive factor to the general hormonal environment that fertility depends on.

Animal Studies:
The animal research so far on the topic of maca has demonstrated that it can help in reproductive health and hormone regulation. Although these studies do not demonstrate that maca raises the level of estrogen, there is some indication that it can be used to optimize the activity of the reproductive system and the balance of hormones.

Why Maca Does Not Directly Stimulate Estrogen.

The effect of Maca on hormonal balance is not direct and estrogenic. On the contrary, maca affects the hormonal production of the body through the hypothalamus and pituitary glands and contributes to the stabilization of hormone levels in general. This may cause a more balanced production of estrogens, particularly in women who are in hormonal changes though it does not result in an overall rise in the production of estrogens.

According to some of the studies, it is possible that maca can increase the responsiveness of the estrogen receptors, i.e. the body is more receptive to the existing estrogen. This may result in relief of symptoms associated with low estrogen including hot flashes, mood swings and vaginal dryness, but this is not synonymous with an increase in estrogen levels.

Maca advantages in Hormonal Balance.

Maca does not directly raise estrogen levels but there are a few advantages of taking it when a person has hormonal imbalances:

Promotes Menopause and Perimenopause:
Maca is mostly taken by women of perimenopause or menopause. It could assist in the alleviation of hot flashes, elevating mood and in the management of general hormone regulation in this transitional stage.

Regulates Menstrual Cycles:
In women whose menstrual cycles are irregular or who have disorders such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Maca Root Powder Capsules has been used to manage ovulation and achieve more regular ovulation. This is particularly so among women who are in conception.

Enhances Libido:
Maca Root Powder Capsules was proven to boost sex and libido boosting especially in males and females. In women, maca can be used to treat vaginal dryness and increase sexual drive, possibly because of its effects on hormones.

Reduces Symptoms of PMS:
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is a condition in which women can be helped out by the use of maca to alleviate symptoms such as irritability, fatigue and mood swings since it aids in general hormonal balance during the luteal phase of the menstrual period.

In Conclusion: Does Maca raise Estrogen?

Finally, maca has no direct effect on raising levels of estrogen in the body. It rather functions by balancing the hormonal system especially by promoting the production of hormones through the influence of the hypothalamus and pituitary glands. Although maca may be of benefit in reducing the symptoms of hormone imbalances, especially when menstruating or during menopause, it does not resemble the effects of estrogen, nor increase estrogen levels directly.

Reference List

1. McElwain, A. D., et al. (2015). Maca Root and its Role in Menopause Management: A Review. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(1), 1–10.

2. Gonzales, G. F., et al. (2001). Effect of Maca (Lepidium meyenii) on Sexual Desire and Hormone Levels in Healthy Men and Women. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 74(3), 295-304.

3. Stojanovska, L., et al. (2015). Maca Root (Lepidium meyenii) and Its Health Benefits: A Review. Food Research International, 74, 102-107.

4. Lima, C. A., et al. (2016). Maca (Lepidium meyenii) as a Phytotherapy for Fertility in Humans: A Systematic Review. Human Reproduction, 31(9), 2039-2047.

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If you’re intrigued by Ciyuan Bio, Claim your free sample today! Need technical support for formulation or OEM/ODM solutions tailored to your brand? Reach out to us now or contact selina@ciybio.com.cn —we’re ready to collaborate.