In this conversation, Douglas Lucas discusses maca, a supplement that is claimed to improve bone health and hormone levels in peri and postmenopausal women. It is known as an adaptogen and is rich in nutrients. Maca works by increasing estrogen levels in the brain, which then signals the ovaries to produce more estrogen. However, the research on maca is limited and inconsistent. While it has been shown to increase estrogen levels, its impact on bone mineral density is unclear. Maca may be useful for relieving symptoms in premenopausal women and those experiencing hormonal imbalances, but it is not a replacement for estrogen in postmenopausal women. The recommended product is Feminessence. Study Links: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30768733/ https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2015.06.028 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20616517/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16466876/ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23675006/