Evidence supporting the use of: Maca
For the health condition: Progesterone (low)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Maca (Lepidium meyenii) is a root vegetable native to the Andes of Peru and has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly as a fertility and vitality enhancer. In Peruvian herbal medicine, maca is considered an adaptogen, believed to balance hormones and improve reproductive health in both men and women. Its traditional use for women's health includes support for symptoms related to menopause and menstrual irregularities, which are sometimes associated with hormonal imbalances such as low progesterone. However, the mechanisms by which maca might influence progesterone specifically are not well-defined in either traditional texts or scientific literature.

While there are some small clinical studies and animal research suggesting that maca can have beneficial effects on hormone balance, most research focuses on its effects on symptoms (like hot flashes or sexual function) rather than direct measurements of progesterone levels. The few studies that have looked at hormone levels generally show that maca does not significantly alter estrogen or progesterone but may reduce symptoms of hormone imbalance in women. Thus, while maca's use for low progesterone is rooted in traditional practice and anecdotal reports, there is limited scientific evidence supporting a direct effect on progesterone production or secretion.

In summary, maca is used traditionally to support hormonal health, including conditions possibly associated with low progesterone, but the evidence for its effectiveness for specifically raising progesterone levels is weak and primarily based on tradition rather than robust scientific validation.

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