You’ve probably heard whispers about maca root, the so-called “Peruvian ginseng” that promises to boost energy, balance hormones, and even turn up your libido. It sounds like wellness clickbait. But here’s the thing: behind the hype, there’s actual science worth paying attention to.

This isn’t another “superfood that will solve everything.” Instead, it’s a closer look at maca roots benefits for females, what the research says about sexual health, mood, and hormonal balance, and where we still need more answers.

Why Are Women Turning to Maca?

Culturally, we’re living in a time where sexual dysfunction and hormonal imbalances are openly discussed (finally). Women are tired of being dismissed when they say their libido is low or menopause symptoms are wrecking their energy.

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) has been used for centuries in the Andes as a natural remedy for everything from fertility to fatigue. In modern wellness culture, it’s now available in capsules, tinctures, and the increasingly popular maca powder added to smoothies or lattes.

The big question: does it actually work or is it just another supplement trend?

The Health Benefits of Maca Root for Women

1. Hormonal Balance & Menopausal Symptoms

Many women reach for maca root when hormone levels shift, particularly during perimenopause or menopause. A placebo-controlled clinical trial published in Climacteric (2015) found that maca supplementation was associated with reduced menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, mood swings, and low energy compared to a placebo group. While it’s not a replacement for hormone replacement therapy, maca may help smooth some hormonal fluctuations.

2. Libido & Sexual Function

One of the most talked-about changes of maca is its impact on sexual desire and performance, and there’s actual science behind it.

• In one double-blind clinical trial looking at women taking antidepressants, those who supplemented with 3 g/day of maca saw a 24% improvement in sexual function scores on the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) compared to placebo (Dording CM et al., CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics, 2015).
• Another placebo-controlled trial in postmenopausal women found that 70% of participants reported improved sexual desire after six weeks on maca, compared to 40% in the placebo group (Brooks NA et al., Menopause, 2008).
• Even healthy women with no underlying medication-related issues experienced a 35% increase in sexual desire scores after six weeks of maca supplementation (Gonzales GF et al., Journal of Endocrinology, 2003).

A systematic review of randomised controlled trials backed this up, noting that 3 out of 4 clinical trials on maca and sexual desire showed statistically significant improvements (Zenico T et al., BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2010).

70% of women reported improved sexual desire after six weeks of maca supplementation
– Brooks et al., 2008

Bottom line: while maca isn’t a magic aphrodisiac, it may help support sexual function and desire, especially for women experiencing low libido linked to stress, menopause, or antidepressant use.

3. Mood & Energy

There’s also emerging evidence that maca can improve psychological symptoms and energy. A placebo-controlled trial with postmenopausal women found those supplementing with maca reported better mood stability and increased energy levels compared to those in a placebo group. While the mechanisms aren’t fully understood, some researchers believe it relates to maca root extracts supporting healthy sex hormones and the stress response.

What About Blood Pressure and Overall Health?

Maca is a cruciferous vegetable native to Peru, meaning it’s in the same family as broccoli and kale. As such, it has potential health benefits beyond hormones. Someanimal studies suggest that maca reduces blood pressure and supports overall health status, although there’s insufficient evidence in human nutrition studies to recommend it solely for cardiovascular health.

As always, consult a healthcare professional before starting new supplements, especially if you have pre-existing conditions like digestive and kidney diseases.

How to Add Maca Powder to Your Routine and Support Your Sexual Health

If you’re curious about trying maca and other libido-supportive blends, here are some favourite options:

• KIKI Health - Organic Maca Powder
  100% pure and organic, this versatile powder can be stirred into smoothies, oats, or coffee for daily hormone and energy support.
• Hanx - Libido Lift
  Designed for sexual wellness, this supplement helps support libido and sexual confidence naturally.
• Quanna - Va Va Boom
  A blend of adaptogens including ashwagandha to help lower stress levels, one of the biggest blockers to sexual desire.
• Womenli - Her Zenergy
  A unique formula to support energy, focus, and hormonal balance, perfect for when midlife symptoms or stress are pulling your energy down.

What Does Science Still Need to Answer?

The truth: there’s still chemical and pharmacological variability in maca products. Many clinical trials use different dosages, and studies are often small. The National Institute of Health notes that while maca shows beneficial effects, further research including placebo-controlled trials is needed to understand its full impact on reproductive health claims, libido, and serum reproductive hormone levels.

Translation: it’s promising, but don’t expect miracles.

Should You Try Maca?

If you’re curious about maca for sexual health, hormonal support, or simply as a natural remedy for energy and mood, it could be worth experimenting with, especially as it’s considered safe for most people when taken in typical supplement doses. Just remember:

• Quality matters (look for organic Peruvian maca root).
• Pair it with lifestyle changes (sleep, nutrition, stress support).
• Manage expectations (it’s not an instant libido switch).

Bottom Line: Maca and Women’s Wellness

From reportedly improving sexual function to easing menopausal symptoms, maca is one of those rare supplements with some decent research behind it. While it’s not going to replace professional treatments for erectile dysfunction or clinically significant hormone issues, it can be a useful addition for women looking for subtle, natural support.

CHILL’s approach? We love wellness tools that make sense without adding stress. If you try maca powder in your morning smoothie or explore blends like Her Zenergy or Va Va Boom, do it because it feels good, not because you’re chasing perfection.