Maca (Lepidium meyenii)
Maca is a root vegetable native to the Andes that is commonly used as a dietary supplement. It is traditionally taken to support libido, sexual function, energy, and overall vitality. Maca contains bioactive compounds such as macamides and macaenes, which are thought to influence hormone-related signaling without directly increasing testosterone. It is available in powders, capsules, and extracts made from different preparations of the root. Effects vary between individuals, and benefits are often modest.
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This page summarizes anecdotal reports and community observations, not medical evidence. Reports may be incomplete, biased or inaccurate and are not medical advice or recommendations. “Risk” here refers to how frequently severe or prolonged symptom worsening is reported, not to proven causation or population-wide probability. Individual responses vary widely, and absence of issues in some users does not rule out significant reactions in others.
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Within PFS/PSSD/PAS communities, maca is discussed in relation to its potential interactions with CNS signaling and subjective wellbeing pathways. In a classic placebo-controlled trial in healthy men, maca improved self-reported sexual desire without changing serum testosterone or estradiol—suggesting the effect (when it happens) may be mediated through non-testosterone pathways (e.g., CNS signaling, subjective wellbeing, or other mechanisms still being studied). These mechanisms may interact with pathways involving reward, motivation, or sexual function that are often discussed in relation to PFS / PSSD / PAS.
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Mixed Responses With Mild Libido Effects and Occasional Flares (for PFS/PSSD/PAS):
Among individuals with PFS, PSSD, or PAS, maca is most often described in community reports as producing mild and inconsistent effects. Some users report small increases in libido or sexual interest, and occasionally slight improvements in sexual function, while many report no meaningful change. A smaller subset describe flares or destabilization, commonly involving overstimulation or anxiety, sleep disruption, or a general worsening of baseline symptoms.
Overall, maca is generally viewed as a symptom-level libido support for a subset rather than a reliable or needle-moving intervention, and it is not commonly associated with durable recovery. Because maca products vary widely by preparation and processing, those who choose to trial it often emphasize low doses, single-variable testing, and a low threshold to discontinue if consistent worsening occurs.
Evidence basis: human clinical trials and systematic reviews showing modest and inconsistent libido effects; mechanistic review literature; community anecdotes and self-reports. No controlled studies specific to PFS, PSSD, or PAS.
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Temporary Improvements
No Effect
Improvements
Public comments reflect individual experiences and opinions. They are not medical advice and may not be accurate or representative.