Over the years I’ve had numerous patients ask me about the potential benefits of maca, also known as Lepidium meyenii. Of course there are many beneficial herbs that people can take, such as ashwagandha, eleuthero, rhodiola, etc. However, this doesn’t mean that everyone with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition should take all of these herbs. And to be honest, while I’ll be discussing some of the benefits of maca root in this blog post, I can’t say that I commonly use this herb in my practice, although over this past year I have been recommending it more frequently to my patients.
Maca is an Andean plant that belongs to the brassica family. Some of the more common uses is to help improve sexual function and fertility (1) (2). It seems that maca can be beneficial for both men and women. For example, one small study showed that maca improved sperm production and sperm motility (3). Another study showed that maca lowers measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women independent of estrogenic and androgenic activity (4). These were both very small studies, and there are other small studies which show that maca can be effective in men and perimenopausal women.
More About Maca
There are actually a lot of studies on maca, although without question, larger trials need to be conducted. But most of the studies I came across showed that maca has some great benefits. Differences have been shown between the effects of the black, yellow and red maca varieties, as black maca shows the best results on spermatogenesis, memory and fatigue, while red maca is the variety that reverses benign prostatic hyperplasia and experimentally induced osteoporosis (5). In addition, maca reduces the glucose levels, and its consumption is related to the lowering of blood pressure and an improved health score (5). For those who are concerned about whether taking maca is safe on a long term basis, studies have demonstrated that short and long term consumption don’t show in vivo and in vitro toxicity.
Experimental scientific evidence showed that maca has nutritional, energizer, and fertility-enhancer properties, and it acts on sexual dysfunctions, osteoporosis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, memory and learning, and protects skin against ultraviolet radiation (6). A few different trials have shown that maca can help to reduce the symptoms of depression (7) (8), and can also improve diastolic blood pressure (8). One study showed that maca can even affect the cytokines, as consumption of maca was associated with low serum IL-6 levels (9).
How Does Maca Work?
Initially it was thought that Maca root worked via phytoestrogens, but it looks like the mechanism of action is through numerous alkaloids, and not its plant hormones (10). However, other components also can play a role such as sterols (campesterol, stigmasterol and beta-sitosterol), as well as polyunsaturated acids and their amides, called “macaenes” and “macamides”, as well as aromatic glucosinolates (10). Although the exact mechanism of how maca root works still isn’t known, maca apparently affects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland (11). And of course the hypothalamus and pituitary gland affect the output of the adrenal hormones, thyroid hormones, as well as hormones secreted by the ovaries and testes.
Can Maca Benefit People With Thyroid and Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions?
As I already mentioned in this post, maca seems to affect the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. These of course both play a role in thyroid health, as the hypothalamus releases thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which in turn stimulates the pituitary gland to release TSH, which stimulates the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone. In this matter it is possible that taking maca root can affect thyroid health, and perhaps even help to increase the output of thyroid hormone in some people with hypothyroid conditions. However, maca doesn’t seem to directly affect the thyroid gland, and so if someone with hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease were to take maca it shouldn’t increase the output of thyroid hormone. With that being said, every now then I’ll receive an email from someone with hyperthyroidism who took an adaptogenic herb such as maca or eleuthero and claimed it increased the hyperthyroid symptoms. Although this isn’t something my patients commonly experience when taking adaptogenic herbs, if this does happen to you then obviously I would discontinue taking the herb.
Maca does have a very small amount of iodine, and so those who are trying to completely avoid iodine might want to avoid taking maca. With that being said, taking a few grams of maca doesn’t seem to cause problems in most people with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. But of course everyone is different, and so if you take maca and feel as if it’s worsening your condition then obviously I would advise you to stop taking it. As I briefly mentioned earlier, maca is part of the brassica family, which also includes broccoli, kale, cauliflower, etc. Many people with hypothyroid conditions avoid these foods due to their goitrogenic properties, although taking maca is unlikely to inhibit thyroid hormone production in most people.
Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions have problems with the adrenals and sex hormones (i.e. estrogen, progesterone, testosterone). And since maca affects the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, it not only can affect thyroid health, but since the pituitary gland also secretes hormones such as FSH, LH, and ACTH, maca can also potentially affect the output of these hormones as well.
As for what dosage of maca to take, this will vary from person to person. Most of the studies have used anywhere from 2 grams to 10 grams per day of maca. If you decide to take maca it probably would be best to start with a smaller dose and then gradually increase it if necessary. This is especially true if you’re taking maca to help with hot flashes, as if the dose is too high then it might actually increase the number of hot flashes in some women. Plus, while some notice an improvement in their symptoms in as little as three or four days, in some people it can take a week or longer before noticing a positive change.
In summary, the use of maca root is growing in popularity, as some of its benefits include helping to improve sexual function and fertility, reducing glucose levels, lowering blood pressure, reducing hot flashes, and in decreasing depression. Maca apparently affects the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, and thus can not only potentially affect thyroid health, but can also affect the output of adrenal hormones, as well as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. Most people who take maca should begin with a small dosage and gradually increase it if necessary.
What about Dulse?
Hi Carla,
Are you asking if dulse can benefit thyroid health? I assume you’re bringing this up due to its iodine content, and while this can benefit some people with thyroid conditions, some people also don’t do well with iodine. However, there are some people who don’t do well with iodine supplements but do fine when eating iodine-rich foods. Of course this is a completely different topic, and so to answer your question, some people with thyroid conditions can benefit from taking dulse, although not everyone.
Hi… I have read a great deal about Vitex (Chasteberry) and HypoThyroid as well. Can both Maca and Vitex can be together?
Hi Pya,
I have given both chaste tree and maca at the same time. Especially if someone has HPA axis dysregulation and has a progesterone deficiency.
Dear Dr. Eric,
I have a few questions about Maca root. I have recently stopped BHRT (gradually, with knowledge of my Naturopathic doctor) since I was not feeling better after a year. I did additional research on Maca, which I have used a bit in the past. Recently I found numerous posts from women who reported pretty serious stomach issues after using the RAW Maca root. Some had ongoing problems, and a few health authorities explained it must be a bacterial contaminant in the product, and that raw Maca is never used in its countries of origin. I really need some endocrine support, and was so disappointed to read this. Can you please let me know what form of Maca you recommend, and whether such effects are a problems with your patients? Is there a brand that you find of high quality? Sure hope this gets cleared up. Thank you,
Patricia
Hi Patricia,
When I recommend maca I usually recommend the veggie caps from Gaia Herbs. Very rarely do my patients react negatively to maca, although of course there are always exceptions. But the same can be true with other herbs as well, as most people do fine with other adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha and rhodiola, although every now and then someone will have a negative reaction. But I can’t say it’s common for my patients to experience digestive symptoms when taking maca.
Hi Dr
I am 45 and being ttc for over a year now – it is my 3rd, had no problems with my first 2 – been to fertility Dr who basically said my choices are either donor eggs or adoption due to my age, both my husband and I are not happy with either. A friend of mine told me about Maca and vitex to conceive naturally for people over 40, so along with pre preg vitamins, omega 3 and folic, I’m taking this cocktail daily. So Q1: I have been on Maca for 6 months now, and don’t know if it’s my age or something I’m taking (like the maca) is causing my hair to thin, a lot. Your article mentions the effects of maca on the thyroid, although I have had my thyroid tested (blood tests) and it comes back normal. Do you think it could be the maca causing the hair loss ? And Q2: In your opinion; what are my chances to conceive naturally at my age. FYI, my husband was also tested and all is good there (he’s 9 years my junior)
Hi Megan,
Although I suppose it’s possible that the maca is causing the hair loss, I can’t say this is something I commonly see with those who take this herb. As for your second question, I have known many women in their mid-forties who have had a successful natural pregnancy, and so while it can more challenging and does come with greater risks, it of course is still possible for you to conceive and have a successful pregnancy. I’m actually working on an article on fertility which should be released in early 2015. Also, I would make sure you take natural folate, and not folic acid.
Hi,
I’m suffering from hypothyroid, and I was suggested to take maca and ashwagandha to combat the issue. I have not used any herbal medicine before, and I’m not sure whether it is OK to take both adaptogens at the same time or to take them in alternating fashion (in alternating months). Can you please provide any suggestions? And, are these two really helpful for hypothyroid? Thanks!
Hi Vijae,
Most people are able to take both ashwagandha and maca at the same time. Just keep in mind that taking these herbs alone probably won’t do much for your hypothyroid condition, as you need to determine what is causing your condition, and then address it.
Hello Dr.,
What do you mean here by determining the cause for hypothiroidism? I have CFS and IBS and many symptoms that point to hypothiroidism (jaw pain/tension, sluggish feeling, brainfog, difficulty to lose weight, blurry vision, insomnia, etc.) but I don’t know how to get it diagnosed. people say regular bloodtests might come clean regardless and you say herbs dont go to the root cause? could you please help? thanks, M.
Hi,
Is it safe to take Maca while taking prescription Thyroid medication. I take 200mcg 1x daily.
I was reading about the benefits of maca and hormone balancing, depression, hot flashes, low sex drive. All things I get. I would really like to stop taking the prescription and transition to alternative.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Hi Elizabeth,
Of course everyone is different, but I have had many patients who were on thyroid medication take maca without a problem. However, most people aren’t able to wean off of their thyroid hormone medication just by taking maca.
Hi Dr
I am interested in taking adaptogens like Maca to improve health. However, i’ve read that people with Thyroid conditions should avoid Maca. I take 175mcg daily. Can you please advise if i should take Maca root along with my daily medication.
Thanks
I take maca powder and Lugols iodine and have come off my thyroid meds for hypothyroidism (testing 100% normal now) I have lost weight, and after trying to conceive our 2nd for 2 years, my hormones are finally all in normal range! So any day now on the baby. Those with hypothyroidism, I highly suggest the two! I feel much better than I have in the last 2 1/2 years since I started the iodine 4 months ago and the maca a month and a half ago! The synthroid made me miserable. For the first time in years, my husband feels like he has his wife back.
how much maca did you use and what name brand and how much synthroid were you on and how long?….that is very interesting…
Hi Doctor, I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and currently take 1 x 100mg thyroxine tab daily. Is it safe for me to have a tablespoon of Maca powder in a smoothie daily? I would also like to consider taking Lugols solution as well?
Hi Kathyrn,
Of course everyone is different, but in most cases taking maca root is fine for someone who is on thyroid hormone medication. However, I would be cautious about taking Lugol’s without doing any testing for iodine. And then even if you are deficient you always want to take the proper precautions before taking iodine.
Its so confusing.. So who can benefit from maca¿ people with hypo or hyperthyroid¿¿…. Thank u
Did u ever experienced uterin bleeding in between periods¿ i have hypothyroidism and im so skinny i dont have the goiter but its hard for me to gain weight
Hi Aracely,
I’ve had both patients with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism benefit from taking maca.
How can a plant from the brassica family help with hypothyroidsm,
Hi…I have hyper/graves and I used to take maca in place of prempro..worked really well…I stopped taking it when I found out about hyper/graves…
Can I continue? my doctor has only put me on beta blockers which don’t help much…I get a lot of pain/anxiety/intense hunger…which I didn’t have tell she scared me into taking the thyroid scan…she said I could be dead in 5 years…I have not been the same since taking this test….I do know when I was taking the meca and at times holy basil I was fine…I am afraid of iodine products..I’ve also gone gluten free/sugar free…
thanks
Hi! Have been on .50mcg of Synthroid for years for Hashimoto’s Thyroid. After introducing 100mg. of Maca daily with the Synthroid for a year, my TSH test came back normal for the first time in 3 years. For that 3 year period the doctor wanted to increase the Synthroid dosage but I declined. Started taking Maca for other reasons, not realizing it was good for hypothyroidism. So for 4 or 5 years, have been taking Synthroid (.50mcg) and Maca(100mg) daily with good TSH test results. Recently I decided to try to wean myself off of Synthroid. But after about a week and a half of alternating Synthroid every other day with Maca every day, I can see that Maca alone is not going to get it done. Would you please recommend a good course of action to get myself off of Synthroid? Thank you!
Robin, although not everyone is able to stop taking thyroid hormone medication, the goal is to address the cause of the thyroid hormone imbalance. In most cases this is caused by the immune system attacking the thyroid gland, and when this is the case it is necessary to detect and then remove the autoimmune trigger. But even if one’s condition isn’t autoimmune in nature it still is necessary to find out what the cause of the problem is, which admittedly can be challenging.
I have been over 10 years using Synthroid and now my dost is high but I been want to know if Maca is good for me to use?I want to avoid my MEDS
Thank u..
I have hypothyroidism and have had it for 23 years. Today I put Maca powder in my shake, I didn’t know how much so it was about a 1 tablespoon. My thyroid levels seems to fluctuate often and my doctor is always making medication adjustments. As of recently he made an adjustment and I have already gained 4 lbs in one week. I am a clean eater for the most part. Can Maca using 1/4 teaspoon help regulate my thyroid? I am getting closer to menopause and it seems everything is changing but one thing I need is to get my levels to stay on target for optimal health.
Please let me know your thoughts on me continuing Maca and if it would benefit me.
Thank you.
Hello, I’m not seeing any dr. Replies and though I’m not a dr I can share with you my experience : I’m 52 and had menopause at 47. Up to that point I began gaining weight without explanation ( it’s a normal run up to menopause ). It was two years before I got help with Bhrt which helped synltms but not weight gain which continued to escalate despite clean eating diets and exercise – 50 lbs in 10 years .
Only now have I learned about Maca and bought the yellow powder from PERU online . Just prior i demanded a full thyroid panel including an ultrasound and some other type of imaging , in Addition to the regular old blood test which doesn’t tell the full story . I have two nodules … no biopsy planned to test for cancer . Anyway – for the past year I knew something was very off which led me to research a lot and which led me to Maca. It’s only a week but I feel great and after 5 years my missing libido returns and same with my husband who I have also been giving it to . Now my Maca powder bag suggests starting with 1–3 TEA spoons per day . I’ve been trying 1.5 tsp each ( both hubby and I ) and as mentioned it’s only been a week and things are happening … so I would say your TABLESPOON is too much … I also learned that the thyroid can dis function if there is an imbalance of progesterone / estrogen … which of course gets way off leading up to and durInf menopause . My advice is to get your hormones evaluated . After five menopause years of adjusting my estradiol , progesterone and testosterone dosages due to weight gain , I quit the Biodentical hormone creams and replaced them
With Maca and so far things are good .. I already feel lighter and I wish I had known about Maca before doing those fattening bio hormones … or perhaps my thyroid was to blame all along and I was unaware .., I suggest 1. Hormone check 2. Thyroid ultrasound 3. Begin 1 Tsp Maca from PERU per day AFTER you do steps #1. And #2. You can always increase tiny amounts from there if needed but you will see benefits early and with just that amount .
Hello Dr. Eric,
My thyroglobulin antibodies have come back a bit higher than what the normal range is and seem to continue to increase. I was told by an endocrinologist that there is nothing I can do about it right now. I have researched everything I can about this and this seems to be autoimmune. From my understanding my own immune system is attacking my thyroid. Please correct me if I’m wrong. Now with all the research I have done I refuse to believe there is nothing I can do right now to either improve or slow the effects of this. I currently take 1/2-1 tbsp of Maca x 3/week. Is there anything else you would suggest from the research you have done that could help in my case?
Thank you!
That sounds like Hashimoto disease . … or cushujgs disease… check your diet for inflammatory foods and adjust with herbs and things like holy basil and Ashwanghanda .. Google natural remedy for it … most thyroid doctors seem to diagnose but are loathe to treat
Kelp
Am 10 year hypothyroid patient with pcos. Though late decided to try maca ..i had bad dizziness within a hour and continued for 48 hours … i took raw maca ..heard we should take geletanised one ..does that make any difference . I startes with Kelp ..seams to be helping as i dont feel any negative reaction like i got after having maca my throat was swollen . Hope kelp helps for my thyroid ..will check my results after few days .. Very dissapointed that maca didnt work for me ..i heard maca does good for pcos and infertility issue but no luck ..
I took maca n got bad dizziness went on for 48 hours . Did maca worked for u ? What kind of maca r u taking ? I took yellow raw maca .now I started with kelp ..guess its workin as it didnt give me any bad reaction .
Eric, A couple years ago, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroid and Graves. I followed a lot of your protocol and did not go on medication. My last blood work was about a year ago, my symptoms (heart palpatations, etc,) seem to be much less. My TSH has been consistently 0.006 since 2015, my last T4 19.2, T3 uptake 34% and FTI 6.5.I used bugleweed, motherwort and lemon balm consistently until my symptoms went away, also trying to avoid nightshades and do better with diet. I am also Type 2 diabetic. I have moved to another state and starting all over with a dr. I will be having blood work in about a month. Suggestions on what I should ask for in tests. I just found out about maca and am interested in trying it, but not sure how that will effect my situation. Please advise, thank you.
Hello, I don’t have thyroid gland because of whole gland resection in 2013, can I take Maca powder?
Thanks in advance
Ings
Inga, although I can’t give specific recommendations since your not a patient of mine, you probably would be fine taking maca powder, even though you had your thyroid gland removed.
I am on estrogen and testosterone pellets, 300 mg oral progesterone and 10 mg dhea. Will maca block these from working or can it help increase the levels? I’m 43 years old and had a total hysterectomy and bilateral oopherectomy when I was 31 years old.
Thank you
Becky, taking maca root shouldn’t reduce the effectiveness of the estrogen and testosterone pellets.
Hi,
I used to take maca root capsules and I felt great. However, I stopped taking them when I got an IUD as I was unsure of how maca would react with it. I was wondering if taking maca would affect the efficacy of the IUD and have been unable to find a definitive answer.
Thank you.
If it helps, I have the skyla IUD.
Hello Dr, I’ve hypothyroidism currently on levothyroxine 75mcg for 3 days and 50mcg for 4 days. I’m presently 44 yrs and ttc from last 3 years but no success.Had one baby when Iwas 33 yrs but did not survive gave birth in 7 1/2 months . I’ve fibroids too. To support my fertility currently I started taking Vitex 900mg once, Ubiquinol 100mg once and taking Nature’s Made Prenatal from last 3yrs. I took golden maca 900mgs 60 caps once a day. But my fertility doctor said it is estrogenic and can increase my fibroids so I stopped taking it. Coz exophytic posterior clustered myoma is 6.7 x 4.4 x 7.2 cm. Submucosal and intramural are 1.4 x 1.2x 1.6cm and 1.0x 0.7×1.5cm respectively. My AMH is 0.77. In year 2014 and 2016 I had two sinus surgeries. But not cured. Now doctor says I suffer from allergies due to hypothyroidism. Please guide me if I can conceive naturally or not and can golden maca interfere with my fibroids. I have been suggested for Clomid though my AMH is low. Waiting for your response. Thanks and regards.
I had a complete thyroidectomy in February 2018 due to a malignant tumor. It was well-differentiated, follicular, with Huertle cells encountered. Some possible lymphatic and circulatory migration may have occurred. I had RAI in April 2018 with good results. Just (last week) had Thyrogen injections and T131 complete body scan. All looks good. I feel great and have since the surgery, other than some hypo issues after the RAI. Prior to the initial diagnosis, I had taken a tablespoon of Maca with juice or yogurt every day for years. I’m curious if the Maca usage could have caused or worsened the cancer.
James, I’m glad all went well with the thyroidectomy and RAI. As for whether maca could have caused or worsened the cancer, I’m not aware of any evidence which shows an increased risk with maca root consumption and cancer. My guess would be no. On the other hand, the sugar from the juice might have been a culprit, and if you had sweetened yogurt this also could have been a factor. That being said, numerous other factors probably contributed to the development of the malignant tumor as well.
Hi Dr Eric – I came across your article after I was diagnosed with Graves Eye Disease due to swelling in one eye and a TSH Receptor level of 3.36 IU/L. I have no other symptoms except eyelid retraction. Have been taking Femmenessence Macalife for over a year, and while I love the miraculous benefits, believe my symptoms might be due to this. I have reduced my dosage to half the recommended amount and in 3 days noticed my eye swelling has gone down. Since this article is many years old, I am wondering if you have received any additional emails indicating a possible connection between Graves/Hyperthyroidism and maca? Or have any updated information regarding the connection? Thank you thank you!
Julie, I don’t recall anyone with thyroid eye disease tell me that taking maca exacerbated their condition. As I mentioned in the blog post, maca does have a small amount of iodine, and so I suppose this could have been the culprit, although once again, this usually isn’t an issue with either Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s patients. But I appreciate you sharing your experience with us, and perhaps if anyone else with Graves’ disease has a similar experience with maca they’ll come across this information and post a comment as well.
Hey! I honestly feel like I’m slowly developing a thyroid problem. I have hot flashes, irregular heartbeat, weird trembles in certain parts of my body, my eyes protrude outward and my memory has been absolutely terrible recently! I don’t have a job which is resulting in me not having insurance so I can’t go get tested or go to a doctor in general. I’ve been taking gelatinized maca root from the vitamin shoppe and I finally have a normal sexual drive, my period finally came back after months of absence, and I’m actually a little happier. I’ve finally started cooking again too. I’ve been taking it for almost a month, do you recommend anything I should do or change until I can get insurance to go to a doctor? I’ve been looking for a job for about 8 months now with no luck so I’m not sure when I’ll finally be able to go to a doctor. Should I continue to take the maca powder or should I avoid certain things? Please let me know. Thank you in advance for responding!
I had thyroid canser 6 years ago when i was 18 years old and my thyroid was removed. After that ive had to take thyroid medication, since i dont have thyroid. Can i take maca? I would be interested of it since after canser ive suffered from brainfog and bad memory, could maca help? Doctors dont know/dont care how to fix that…. also im very flat chested and not curvy so i would want that 😀