Brooks NA, Wilcox G, Walker KZ, Ashton JF, Cox MB, Stojanovska L. 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. 2008;15(6):1157-1162. doi:10.1097/gme.0b013e3181732953

"This study suggests that consuming 3.5 g/day of Maca can alleviate psychological symptoms like anxiety and depression, as well as reduce sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women. These benefits were observed independently of any estrogenic or androgenic activity in Maca. While serum hormone levels remained unchanged, significant improvements were noted in Greene Climacteric Scale scores. This highlights the potential of Maca as a natural remedy for menopausal symptoms, particularly in enhancing psychological well-being and sexual health without hormonal interference."

Lee MS, Shin BC, Yang EJ, Lim HJ, Ernst E. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) for treatment of menopausal symptoms: A systematic review. Maturitas. 2011;70(3):227-233. doi:10.1016/j.maturitas.2011.07.017

"Maca shows promise in managing menopausal symptoms, as evidenced by limited yet positive randomized clinical trials (RCTs). Studies demonstrate favorable effects on menopausal symptoms, including those in perimenopausal, early postmenopausal, and late postmenopausal women, as measured by the Kupperman Menopausal Index and the Greene Climacteric Score. However, further research with larger sample sizes and rigorous methodologies is needed to conclusively establish its efficacy and safety for menopause management."

Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H, et al. Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (III) Clinical responses of early-postmenopausal women to Maca in double blind, randomized, Placebo-controlled, crossover configuration, outpatient study.Int J Biomed Sci. 2006;2(4):375-394.

"A clinical study on early-postmenopausal women demonstrated that Maca-GO supplementation (2g/day) for two months significantly increased estrogen production, reduced follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid and adrenal hormones, cortisol, and body mass index (BMI), while elevating low-density lipoproteins and blood iron. It alleviated menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flushes and night sweats, and noticeably increased bone density markers. Maca-GO acted as a hormonal toner along the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Ovarian axis, balancing hormone levels and providing a non-hormonal alternative to hormone therapy for menopausal discomfort."

Rubio J, Caldas M, Dávila S, Gasco M, Gonzales GF. Effect of three different cultivars of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on learning and depression in ovariectomized mice. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2006 Jun 23;6(1):23. doi: 10.1186/1472-6882-6-23.

"Yellow, Red, and Black Maca, cultivated varieties of Lepidium meyenii Walp., were tested on OVX mice for cognitive function and depression. Black Maca exhibited superior performance in latent learning tasks, while all varieties reduced depression symptoms in the forced swimming test. Additionally, Maca increased uterine weight in OVX mice, suggesting potential benefits for menopausal symptoms."

Marin-Tello C, Villafana-Medina H, Malpartida-Tello V, et al. Effect of Lepidium meyenii (maca) on spatial memory and brain oxidative damage of ovariectomised-rats exposed to mobile phone. Vitae. 2021;28(1):e2. doi:10.17533/udea.vitae.v28n1a342472.

"Dietary maca supplementation exhibits cognitive enhancement and reduces cerebral oxidative damage induced by mobile phone radiation, particularly notable in menopausal rats. This suggests maca's potential as a protective agent against radiofrequency radiation-induced effects, highlighting its relevance for menopausal health."

Meissner HO, Kapczynski W, Mscisz A, Lutomski J. Use of gelatinized maca (lepidium peruvianum) in early postmenopausal women.Int J Biomed Sci. 2005;1(1):33-45.

"This study demonstrates that Maca-GO supplementation reduced FSH levels and increased LH secretion in early-postmenopausal women (EPMW), leading to elevated estrogen and progesterone levels after eight months. This hormonal modulation significantly alleviated menopausal discomfort. Maca-GO acts as a hormonal toner, enhancing ovarian hormone production and mitigating menopausal symptoms."

Stojanovska L, Law C, Lai B, Chung T, Nelson K, Day S, Apostolopoulos V, Haines C. Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women. Climacteric. 2015;18(1):69-78. doi:10.3109/13697137.2014.929649

"Maca, a traditional fertility and aphrodisiac agent, reduced depression and improved diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal Chinese women. It didn't impact hormones or immune markers. It's benefits on mood and blood pressure align with previous research, suggesting cultural nuances in symptom reporting."

Ojeda Crespo AO, Ojeda Cedillo AX, Ojeda Cedillo PO, Sánchez López ME. Systematic Review On The Use Of Maca (Lepidium Meyenii) In Sexual Dysfunction. Pinnacle Medicine & Medical Sciences. 2016;3(4).

"Maca enhances sexual function, libido, and fertility in men and women, while also alleviating menopausal symptoms. Its phytochemical components, including phytoestrogens and polyphenols, contribute to these benefits. Studies demonstrate its efficacy reducing menopausal discomfort."

Meissner HO, Mscisz A, Reich-Bilinska H, et al. Hormone-Balancing Effect of Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Lepidium peruvianum Chacon): (II) Physiological and Symptomatic Responses of Early-Postmenopausal Women to Standardized doses of Maca in Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Multi-Centre Clinical Study.Int J Biomed Sci. 2006;2(4):360-374.

"A clinical study on early-postmenopausal women showed that Pre-Gelatinized Organic Maca (Maca-GO) significantly increased estrogen levels while lowering follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), leading to reduced menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes and night sweats. Maca-GO also improved lipid profiles by increasing high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels. These findings suggest Maca-GO as a promising non-hormonal alternative to Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), offering relief from menopausal symptoms."

Liu H, Jin W, Fu C, Dai P, Yu Y, Huo Q, Yu L. Discovering anti-osteoporosis constituents of maca (Lepidium meyenii) by combined virtual screening and activity verification. Food Res Int. 2015;77:215-220. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2015.06.028

Maca contains N-benzyl-palmitamide, which promotes bone health by enhancing osteoblast activity and expression of osteogenesis-related genes, thus preventing osteoporosis. This discovery sheds light on maca's benefits for menopausal women, as it addresses bone density concerns commonly associated with menopause. N-benzyl-palmitamide's action through the estrogen receptor pathway further underscores its potential in relieving menopausal symptoms and supporting overall bone health.

Wang Y, Wang Y, McNeil B, Harvey LM. Maca: An Andean crop with multi-pharmacological functions. Food Res Int. 2007;40(7):783-792. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2007.02.005

Maca, a herbaceous plant from the Andes, has been used for centuries as food and medicine. Scientific studies indicate its potential in enhancing sexual drive, increasing energy, and boosting fertility. Specifically, maca shows promise in alleviating menopausal symptoms due to its hormonal balancing effects, potentially offering relief from hot flashes, mood swings, and sexual dysfunction.

Gonzales-Arimborgo C, Yupanqui I, Montero E, Alarcón-Yaquetto DE, Zevallos-Concha A, Caballero L, Gasco M, Zhao J, Khan IA, Gonzales GF. Acceptability, Safety, and Efficacy of Oral Administration of Extracts of Black or Red Maca (Lepidium meyenii) in Adult Human Subjects: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.Pharmaceuticals. 2016; 9(3):49. https://doi.org/10.3390/ph9030049

Oral administration of red and black maca extracts improved mood, energy, and health status, and reduced chronic mountain sickness (CMS) score. Red maca showed better effects on mood, energy, and CMS score. Black maca reduced blood glucose levels and high hemoglobin levels in highlanders. Both varieties improved quality of life parameters, with red maca predominating in mood enhancement. Maca extracts were well-tolerated and safe, indicating potential benefits for menopausal symptoms due to improved mood and energy, and overall health enhancement.