Maca is a member of the mustard family. For centuries, maca has been grown in the high plateaus of the Peruvian Andes to enhance fertility in humans and animals. Today, it is also used in the treatment of menopausal symptoms. The part used is the tuberous root that resembles inverted pears both in size and shape. Maca is an important staple food, and its nutritional value is close to that of cereal grains such as maize, rice and wheat. Nevertheless, you should consult with your doctor before adding large amounts of maca to your diet.
Maca and Menopause
Researchers theorize that maca improves female hormone balance and chronic fatigue syndrome. Generally, natural menopause is attributable to estrogen deficiency. Maca may increase the body's production of estrogen and help alleviate numerous symptoms of menopause. The alkaloids in maca root are believed to be largely responsible for its therapeutic actions.
Safety Issues
No adverse reactions or side effects have been reported with the use of maca. However, maca showed lower degrees of acute oral toxicity in cell culture and animal studies. Maca contains substances called glucosinolates, which may inhibit thyroid function, leading to goiter, which is swelling of the thyroid gland. Hence, Drugs.com says that people with thyroid diseases should not consume maca in large amounts.
Common Menopausal Symptoms
Hot flashes, by far, are the most common symptom of menopause, affecting up to 75 percent of all menopausal women. They tend to occur at night, causing a sudden, brief, periodic increase in body temperature. Hot flashes can be severe enough to disrupt sleep. Sleep deprivation in turn triggers dizziness, fatigue, lethargy and irritability. Other symptoms of menopause include anxiety, depression, tearfulness, poor memory, lack of concentration and less desire for sex.
When to See a Doctor
If you suspect you have menopause, consult with your doctor for a diagnosis. The doctor may ask about your symptoms and when they occur. A woman is considered to be menopausal when she has not had a menstrual period for one year. The doctor may order blood tests to measure your estrogen and follicle-stimulating hormone, or FSH, levels. Your FSH levels rise when your ovaries produce less estrogen.
References
- NYU Langone Medical Center; Maca; February 2011
- Natural College of Natural Medicine: Are You Using the Right Type of Maca?; Peter Bablis
- Drugs.com: Maca
- College of Agriculture, Consumer and Environmental Sciences; Menopause and Soy Review; August 2001
- Creighton University Medical Center: Scientific Evidence
- MayoClinic.com; Menopause Symptoms; July 23, 2009
