Maca for fertility

On this page

1. What is maca?
2. Function and how it works
3. Fertility benefits
4. Recommended daily dose
5. Sources
6. Cautions and contraindications
7. My Fertility Guide
8. Related pages

1. What is maca?

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a cruciferous root vegetable native to the high Andes of Peru, where it has been used for over 2,000 years to enhance fertility, energy and stamina. Often called "Peruvian ginseng", maca grows in extreme high-altitude conditions and is considered an adaptogen — a plant that helps the body cope with stress and restore balance.

Reference ranges and recommended intakes vary from country to country — always interpret guidance against the recommendations of your own healthcare authority.

2. Function and how it works

Maca supports fertility through several mechanisms:

1. Hormone balance. Maca does not contain plant oestrogens but appears to support the body's own hormone production through actions on the hypothalamus and pituitary.
2. LH support. Research has shown that high-dose maca can increase luteinising hormone (LH) levels in women, supporting ovulation.
3. Energy and stamina. Maca's adaptogenic properties support energy levels and resilience to stress.
4. Sexual function. Multiple research studies have confirmed maca's effects on libido and sexual performance in both men and women.
5. Sperm quality. In men, maca has been shown to improve sperm count and motility.

3. Fertility benefits

Maca is particularly useful for:

1. Couples with low libido or sexual function difficulties
2. Women with low LH levels
3. Men with poor sperm count or motility
4. Those with low energy or stamina related to fertility treatment fatigue

4. Recommended daily dose

I recommend the following daily dosing:

1. 10 g for general energy and libido support.
2. 50 g for women with documented low LH levels — this is the traditional Andean dose used in research showing LH effects.

Maca is usually taken as a powder mixed into smoothies, porridge or yoghurt, or in capsule form. The traditional Andean way is to gelatinise the powder by light cooking, which improves digestibility.

5. Sources

Maca is sold as:

1. Powder (raw or gelatinised)
2. Capsules
3. Liquid extracts

Yellow maca is the most common; red and black maca are believed to have stronger effects on fertility and male performance respectively.

6. Cautions and contraindications

1. Maca is generally well-tolerated.
2. Some people experience digestive upset with raw maca — switch to gelatinised maca if this occurs.
3. Maca contains goitrogens (like other cruciferous vegetables); people with thyroid problems should use it cautiously and choose gelatinised maca, which has reduced goitrogen content.
4. Always consult with a fertility specialist or your doctor before starting any new supplement regime.

7. My Fertility Guide

8. Related pages

• Fertility supplements directory
• Ginseng (Ren Shen)
• Tribulus terrestris
• Passionflower
• Zinc
• Luteinising hormone (LH)
• Testosterone
• Male infertility