Can maca, an herbal supplement, help with PCOS, PMS, dysmenorrhea, and hormone imbalances?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is considered one of the most common endocrine and metabolic issues in premenopausal (fertile/reproductive age) women.Women with PCOS can experience multiple signs and symptoms, including but not limited to unexplained weight gain or the inability to lose weight, obesity, pelvic pain, virilism, hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance, infertility, decreased follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), increased luteinizing hormone (LH), imbalanced LH/FSH ratio, and increased anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH).Multiple root causes of PCOS have been identified, which may present challenges in determining the best clinical care for women.Further, because the diagnostic criterion for PCOS has changed over time, some confusion within the medical community regarding the best therapies for care exists.Additionally, treatment options can vary based on the criterion each patient meets.It is reported that over two-thirds of women with PCOS are seeking alternative care, such as herbal and supplement options.The purpose of this case report is to share the experience of one woman with PCOS using a concentrated gelatinized proprietary phenotype formulation of Lepidium peruvianum (maca), commercially known as MacaHarmony ® , as the primary therapy to address menstrual irregularities, ovulary dysfunction, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), dysmenorrhea, and imbalanced hormones (altered LH/FSH ratio, functionally elevated estradiol, and elevated AMH).In three months, the patient experienced dramatic improvements, including menstrual regularity, enhanced ovulation (improved cervical mucous and libido, decreased ovulatory pain), and decreased length and severity of dysmenorrhea and PMS symptoms (breast tenderness, mood changes).The patient maintained these positive outcomes for over two years.A two-year comparative analysis of labs showed improved LH/FSH ratio and estradiol levels, providing optimized hormonal balance and thereby enhanced fertility potential.In addition, several cardiometabolic markers (glucose, HDL cholesterol, triglycerides) were improved.These improvements may serve as the basis for future research into how specific maca phenotypes or combinations of maca phenotypes, when gelatinized and concentrated, can assist women with PCOS and enhance fertility outcomes.

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