The Best Dosage for Maca for Menopause Symptoms

The Peruvian root maca has aided women of the Andes for centuries with PMS and menopausal symptoms. Maca does not supply or increase hormones, but apparently works to allow the body to better use the hormones already present.

Maca Dosage

• HerbCompanion.com indicates that menopause dosages of maca are typically two to three grams daily. Maca is commonly available as capsules, with package directions for dosage. Start with the smaller dosage indicated and work up to the full amount (see Reference 3).

Other Ways to Take Maca Root

• The most common way to take maca in Peru is to add the powder to smoothies, says Herb Pharm's Ed Smith. He notes that you can also bake with the powered root, replacing 25 percent of the required flour with maca. Another option is to make tea with the whole root.

Maca and Menopause Symptoms

• Maca root is known for alleviating menopausal symptoms by increasing energy and sex drive, and decreasing hot flashes, mood swings and breast tenderness (see Reference 3).

Taking Effect

• Menstruation.com notes that maca might take from two weeks to three months to fully make its presence felt.

Check the Source

• Read the label of your maca product to make sure it is Peruvian grown. Maca grown in lower altitudes might have a different chemical composition than that of the plants grown in the Andes Mountains and thus lack the effectiveness.