Q. Thank you for writing about maca for hot flashes. I took a capsule twice a day for a month, and my hot flashes disappeared during the day. I also used to suffer from intense night sweats, about four a night, and now I experience only a very mild one about once a night.
A. Maca is the root of a plant native to the Andes. Although it has not been thoroughly researched, a pilot study found that it reduced blood pressure and eased depression in postmenopausal women (Climacteric, Feb., 2015).
Hot Flashes but Not Hormones
In this study it had no impact on hormones, which is promising. Conventional estrogen replacement therapy works extremely well for most women to banish hot flashes and night sweats but can also increase the risk for blood clots, cardiovascular complications and breast cancer (as well as endometrial cancer if no progesterone is included in the regimen). Given that track record, we are encouraged when an herbal approach can treat symptoms without activating hormone receptors.
Maca also has a reputation (so far as we know, unsupported by science) for boosting male libido. Perhaps that is why it is enjoying great popularity in China at this time. An article in The Wall Street Journal reports that buyers from China have nearly cornered the market in Peru, which may make maca harder to find or more expensive.
Women who would like to learn about other approaches to taming hot flashes may be interested in our Guide to Menopause.
9/16/18 redirected to: https://www.peoplespharmacy.com/articles/can-you-cool-your-hot-flashes-with-maca/
