Hi there Hethir
Firstly, I just want to say how much I love your site. Your knowledge, inspiration and motivation just amazes me.
I just have a question about maca and flaxseed oil. I’ve been trying to get pregnant for 4 months and last month started having your fertility smoothie and charting and testing for the fern pattern. I was using an IUD for contraception previously; it has been out since October. My cycle is usually 29 days and ovulates on day 15.
Well, a strange cycle this one. I ovulated on day 19 and then yesterday, day 23 I started spotting very lightly. It’s still happening today but not as much. I’m thinking this might be implantation bleeding (fingers crossed).
So, I’ve been reading some conflicting information on line regarding flaxseed oil and maca, saying you shouldn’t take it if you are pregnant. Is that right?
The site for the flaxseed oil caution is http://www.womens-health-questions.com/omega-3.html. You need to scroll down a bit.
Also, most info on maca suggests you stop taking it if you suspect you are pregnant.
What’s your opinion on this? I have found your site to be the most knowledgeable one I have found regarding natural therapies and fertility and would love your feedback on this!
Thanks again
Hello and thanks or your email all the way from Australia. I went and checked out that article and looked into the study mentioned.
What I found from reading the study was that 1. They used flax seeds, not flax oil in the study and 2. The conclusions were based on how much estrogens were found in the urine. Plenty was found in the flax seed consumers and none in the soy flour consumers. This may not have been due to there being estrogens in the flax seed as much as it could have been due to the fiber effect of the flax seeds. Fiber is one of the best things to remove estrogens from the body.
But I would have to agree with that article that Clean Fish Oils are better for pregnancy. They contain omega-3, DHA, and vitamin A which are all extremely important for a growing babies brain development.
I like to use flax oil in the smoothies because of the flavor, but I also take fish oils daily, separately.
Your other question about taking maca into pregnancy… Every herbal supplement must say on the label to not take during pregnancy, and it is true for most of them.
The thing with maca is it is used to balance hormones by reducing estrogen. If someone was progesterone deficient or overloaded with estrogen and the maca was helping to balance that and it’s taken away, we may have a slight issue, especially when pregnant.
Maca does not actually contain hormones but if someone was still concerned about taking it during pregnancy they may want to get on some natural progesterone.
Here is what Dr. Wong has to say on maca and pregnancy.
Dr Wong:
“Currently Maca is being used throughout South America to prevent miscarriage and help women carry to term. It also has shown itself to provide a further benefit of increasing the birth weight of children. The average weight of babies born in Denver is lower than of babies born at sea level and Denver is only 5000 feet high. What happens at triple that in the Andes? Nothing, because the Maca increases progesterone production and this adds valuable mass to the child. The higher the birth weight the greater the chance of survival!
Maca works by controlling estrogen. Levels that are high or low at the wrong time either keep a woman from becoming pregnant or keep her from carrying to term. Estrogen in men produces erectile dysfunction, lack of libido, lowered sperm count and production of seminal fluid! In this protocol the systemic enzyme is used to both minimize rejection of the fetus as well as to control ankle and leg swelling and the development of spider and varicose veins during childbearing.”
So it does come down to gathering information and making the best decision for yourself and your body.
{ 55 comments… read them below or add one }
I have read that one cannot overdose on Maca as it is a vegetable (like not ODing on potatoes, etc., it’s food). I have had two miscarriages in the past 8 months and am ready to TTC again. I am on progesterone vaginal inserts for after ovulation until period starts and will stay one the inserts once pregnant to give the young life the best chance to be born.
I am wondering how MUCH maca to take prior to ovulation and then after ovulation in order to conceive?
I muscle test myself as needing 5 capsules a day so I take three in the a.m. with food and then 2 in the evening. However, I had a very short period this time and am wondering if I should cease the Maca when my period starts and then start again after it is over or after ovulation?
Also, I am having trouble sleeping at night. Is this because I am taking the maca in the evening with my supper?
Your guidance will be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Pamela
1,000 mg of maca is the usual dosage. It is best to take maca daily, all month long. If you are having troubles sleeping try taking it in the morning. With our Maca you will only need to take 2 in the morning.
Hi Hethir – I drank the fertility smoothie, did acupuncture and just got the news that I have a positive blood test! It’s still very early and my doctor still has me on estrogen patches and progestrogen injections. Can I drink the fertility smoothie with all the same ingredients or would you recommend something else?
Thanks!!!!
Congratulations Anna!! That is such great news. The fertility smoothie recipe is specific for fertility. I would not make the same smoothie for pregnancy, but here is a smoothie recipe for pregnancy that is super nutritious:
1/2c blueberries
1/4c yogurt
1 banana
1t spirulina or greens blend
2 scoops clean whey protein
1T hemp seeds or chia seeds
fresh squeezed juice or organic milk
-Blend and enjoy!
Thanks Hethir…
Reading your website really helped me get here. Can I substitute the hemp seeds and milk with just hemp milk?
Yes, to make it easy you could.
hi
i have been taken maca for 2 months and i feel great. For how long i can be taken maca with mi varicocele problem?
Hi Armando,
First I would like to post the definition of varicocele by Wikipedia.
Varicocele is an abnormal enlargement of the vein that is in the scrotum draining the testicles. The testicular blood vessels originate in the abdomen and course down through the inguinal canal as part of the spermatic cord on their way to the testis. Up-ward flow of blood in the veins is ensured by small one-way valves that prevent backflow. Defective valves, or compression of the vein by a nearby structure, can cause dilatation of the veins near the testis, leading to the formation of a varicocele.
Maca has no side effects and may be taken long term.
As always, let your doctor know all the supplements you are taking including Maca.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
hi there .im tyring to conceive..and ive been taking maca 300mg three times/day., is it sufficient–do kindly reply
The general suggested dosage is 1000mg a day. It does take some time for it to work so be patient.
Is it safe to take Maca during ovulation and IUI treatment? I will begin my first IUI this week.
P.S. I absolutely love your site. Keep up the great work!
Sincerely,
Wanda
Hi Wanda,
Yes it is safe to take Maca during ovulation. It is a food that has no known side effects. If you are taking fertility medications, please stop taking maca unless you get approval from your doctor.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi just following up from the last question above? I have read in a number of areas that one should not take Maca if you are taking fertility medication, I was wondering why?
Thanks
Menik,
There has not been enough research as to whether it is safe to take maca while on fertility medications. We have to err on the side of caution because Maca has the ability to affect key hormones without actually containing hormones. Fertility medications contain hormones.
All the best,
Dalene
Is metformin considered a fertility med or do u mean meds like clomid etc?
Hi Michelle,
Metformin and clomid are fertility medications. If it is prescribed by a medical doctor (MD) is is probably a medication.
All the best,
Dalene
hi, i have had 4 natural miscarriages all ending b4 8wks of pregnancy, i have had fertility tests done and all came back normal. i have just ordered your fertility cleanse but is there anything else u would recommend to me to improve my chances of a healthy pregnancy and hopefully carry full term. it would be much appreciated.
Hi Vicki,
I am sorry to hear of your struggles. Have you read our Recurrent Miscarriages page? This page is full of wonderful tips on the best natural remedies for this heart-breaking feritlity issue. The Fertility Cleanse Kit may be a great way to begin your new journey.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
I have been taking Maca, COQ10 and royal jelly, bee pollen propolis for few months already. I got a positive result on home pregnancy test yesterday. Should I continue with all the above supplements? Pls advice.
Hi Rachel,
First, Congratulations! Good for you!
Since you read this article you know what we generally recommend. Quitting maca cold turkey may create a progesterone surge, if you have low progesterone to begin with it may not be a good idea to stop maca abruptly. You may want to wean yourself off. Some women choose to continue Maca in their first trimester. Please talk to your doctor about continuing the Royal Jelly and Maca during your first trimester. CoQ10 should be fine to continue.
May you have a heatlhy and happy pregnancy and baby!
Dalene
Hello Dalene,
Firstly, thank you for all this must appreciated information. I am TTC after a miscarriage. I believe that I could take maca in the middle of my cycle so I did. Today CD17 I have a very light period, four days after of taking Maca. (I have 2 tables per day) Do you think it has anything to do with my intake of Maca?
Thanks and all the best to everyone!
Paloma
Hi Paloma,
There is no way for me to know if the Maca caused this or not. It may or may not have. Have you changed anything else in your diet/life that may have effected your cycle? Maca is safe to use throughout your cycle, except while on your period. Are you taking our Fertilica Maca or another brand? What is the dosage you are taking?
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Dalene,
Why isn’t it safe to take maca while on your period? (i can’t seem to find it on the site)
much thanks
Gemma
Hi Dalene,
It is from a respectable brand here in the UK but I am afraid I am taking another brand. I am taking 2×500mg of maca. untill when? I am also taking evening primrose oil till ovulation and after flaxseed oil two….what should I stop if I get pregnant? I just read it will help me… I had a miscarriage and I am 39 a bit concern with my age and fertility. please help me…
Thanks for your answer. No I have not change anything. Oh…I took Maca during my period, just spotting today…I bought two bottles of Maca before I saw your web
God bless you all
Thanks
It’s not that it isn’t safe, Hethir and I both feel that herbs should not be taken during menstruation because this is time of hormonal shift and a cleansing time for your uterus. It is a great time to give your body a rest from the fertility herbs and let it naturally do its thing.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Paloma,
We don’t recommend using Maca during your period, it is best to give your body a rest from fertility herbs and let it naturally cleanse during your period. Don’t feel bad about using a different brand. Maca may be taken all month long except while on your period. Some women choose to continue maca during their first trimester of pregnancy to help maintain progesterone levels. Please talk to your doctor about continuing maca during pregnancy. Discontinue the Evening Primrose Oil if pregnant because it can cause mild uterine contracitons (good up to ovulation, may help to tone uterus), but if you are prone to miscarriage, those contractions may not be good for pregnancy.
There is a debate out there right now about Flax oil. Some experts think Flax oil may contain phytoestrogens. Because of this we like to use a blend of Omega 3,6,9 Complete EFA.
EFA’s are essential for the production of hormones in both the woman and men. Hormones use these fats as building blocks for what will become progesterone and many other reproductive hormones. We carry the best essential fatty acids available.
Fertilica’s Omega 3,6,9 Complete EFA is Molecularly Distilled and Hexane Free. Our fish oil contained in this product is molecularly distilled to remove PCB’s, dioxins and heavy metals such as lead and mercury. The process also reduces oxidation of the oil which helps to keep it fresh and stable. Learn about our blend of oils here: http://www.naturalfertilityshop.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=5652&Show=ExtInfo
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Hi Dalene,
I cannot thank you enough for all your information. I would stop taking flax seed oil right now. I get some Fertilica’s Omega 3,6,9 Complete EFA. However, I can see that it has some flax seed oil too!! I am taking EPO till ovulation only…do you think is there a risk for me?? I need some help with as I cannot see fertile CM…thanks again.
Regrs
P
Hi Paloma,
Yes our Fertilica Omega does contain some Flax oil, that is because Hethir wanted to create an omgega blend that is balanced, not just with one type of oil, so that you get maximum benefits from the 3’s, 6’s and 9’s. Evening Primrose Oil before ovulation is the tradition suggested usage. The EPO when used over time may be able to help you increase your CM. To learn more ways to increase your CM click here: http://natural-fertility-info.com/5-natural-ways-to-increase-your-cervical-mucous.html
Best Wishes,
Dalene
I just found out I’m 4 weeks pregnant ,but my progesterone levels are only 6.7. SHould I try maca?or just emerita progest? Or both?
Hi Dorthy,
Congratulations! You should really contact your doctor/midwife right away and work with them to make sure your levels are right. Progesterone cream would be the best way to increase progesterone and has been shown to be safe during pregnancy. But it is really important for you to speak with your health care provider about this.
Hi, Just found out that I am 4 weeks pregnant. The doctors said my progesterone is low and would like to start me on supositories. My question is I started taking 3- 500 mg a day about 2 weeks ago. should I stop? can I continue? will it hurt to take the supositories and the maca together??
Brooke
Hi Brooke,
Congratulations! We are so happy for you. Because doctor prescribed progesterone is usually not natural and is a medication you will need to ask your doctor if it is ok to continue the Maca. There has not been enough research as to how fertility medications will react to fertility herbs such as maca. There are no known side effects from using maca, but it does have the ability to affect key hormones though it does not contiain hormones. If your doctor gives you the ok to continue it you should be fine.
We wish you a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Dalene
Good morning Darlene,
I’m a regular taker of Royal Jelly 1 vile every monring… and I have now purchased Maca and Spirulina. Today is day 7 of my cycle and we are set for our 1st IUI insemination after my next period.
From now till them can you please tell me how much Maca and Spirulina I should take daily.. I have read to stop during your cycle to give your body a break… I just want the best possible out come for the IUI.. I have 1 child conceived naturally however this time around it looks like we need some help.
Thanks again
Tawny
Hi Tawny,
General suggested usage of Maca: 2000-3000 mg a day. To obtain desired results, maca needs to be taken regularly. There have been no side effects found from taking maca.
As for the Spirulina, please follow the directions on the product label.
I hope this is it for you!
Best wishes,
Dalene
Thank you Dalene,
Can you tell me what 2000-3000 mg coverts to is teaspoons or tablespoons?
Aslo can I take the fertility smoothy everyday or do the 10 day smoothy challange?
I am also looking for the Aerola Cherry Vitamin C in powder but can not find it on yoru site. Can you please advise where I can find it along with the Keifer grain?
Thank you again,
Tawny
Hi Tawny,
You can do the 10 Day Fertility Smoothie Challenge, but it is best to continue the smoothies everyday or as many days in the week as possible. The challenge gives you great smoothie recipe ideas.
One Tablespoon of Maca usually equals 1000mg.
For keifer grains, try a search on mothering.com to find some for free.
We like the Acerola Cherry from HealthForce Nutritionals. It can be ordered from their website.
All the best,
Dalene
I heard the Camu Camu berry (Vitamin C) is more effective than the Acerola Cherry is this true?
Unfortunaltey I can not locate the keifer grain on Mothering.com is there a strong need for it or am I okay with out it?
Thanks again
Tanya
Tawny,
It is fine without it…as for the camu camu berry, not sure. I think the cherrry was chosen for this because it is so yummy!
Warmly,
Dalene
I started to take 2.5mg of Femara on cycle day 3-9. Getting ready for IUI
Is it still safe for me to take Maca? It says its a super food and food is food right?
Any insite on this.
I have asked me DR however getting a call back could be days and I would already be on day 4 or 5
Thank you
Tawny
Dear Tawny,
Eventhough Maca is considered a superfood it has the ability to effect key hormones. We do not recommend using it while on fertility medications, but it may be ok if your doctor give you the OK.
All the best,
Dalene
I have a 3 month old baby, I am suffering from postpartum depression and i started taking maca and see a difference but i was wondering it’s safe for breastfeediing? does maca cause spotting? or migraine headaches?
thank you
Dear Chelsy,
Maca may be safe to take during breastfeeding, but please talk to your healthcare provider first to get approval.
If you are experiencing migraines or spotting and you think the Maca is contributing to this please stop taking it. Those conditions may also be associated with postpartum depression.
Some ideas to help reduce PPD:
-Hire a Postpartum Doula
-Plan to freeze meals so that you have food for at least a week after the baby is home
-Have someone stay with you and your partner who will cook, clean, do laundry and answer the phone for a few days
-Have a friend organize other friends and family to bring you meals for 1-2 weeks
-Listen to your body, if you are exhausted go to to bed, call a friend to help
-Eat a nutrient dense diet
-Drink Plenty of water
-Snuggle your naked baby against your bare skin as often as possible
Some areas have Postpartum Doulas that are in training that can help out for free. If you are interested in finding a Postpartum Doula in your area please go to the Doulas of North America Website (DONA) at this link: http://www.dona.org/
Best Wishes,
Dalene
Does menopause hit during pregnancy? I mean can the symptoms of menopause arise during? I am confused, am I having the symptoms of menopause? I am four months pregnant.
Dear Sumaiya,
If you are pregnant you will not be having a menstrual cycle, you will not get your period everymonth. There is no way you are going through menopause during pregnancy. Pregnancy may have many of the same symptoms as menopause, but menopause occurs when you are no longer ovulating. You do not ovulate during pregnancy because you are carrying a baby in your womb.
Congratulations on your pregnancy!
Dalene
Hi Dalene,
I’m back and pregnant…… I continued to take Royal Jelly and Maca Punch every morning…. and heard Maca is fine to take while pregnant because it is a super food.
Now that I am pregnant… can I still put hemp seeds, vitamin c and spirulina in my shakes?
Thanks again Tawney
Hi Tawny,
CONGRATULATIONS! We are so happy for you.
Hemp seeds, vitamin C and spirulina are fine to put into smoothies during pregnancy. As for the Royal Jelly and Maca, please get the ok from your doctor.
Best Wishes for a happy and healthy pregnancy!
Dalene
Hi
can you help i have had two miscarriages at six weeks and have had blood work done which shows i have low progesterone.
my doctor has not prescribed me natural progesterone
please can you advise me what i can take to imncrease my progestorone and should i take it up to 12 week s of pregnancy?
Dear Kelly,
I am sorry to hear of your losses, this must be very hard for you.
The good news is that you found out what may be causing your miscarriages.
The following is from our Recurrent Miscarriages page:
For complete information on Natural Progesterone Cream useage please go to this link (toward the bottom of the page is some information on continuing this product into pregnancy): http://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide
I hope this helps you! You may also want to see a naturopathic doctor who can monitor you while using herbs/progesterone cream and adjust the amount used just for you as well as test your progesterone levels. It is also important to be monitored while using this during pregnancy as well.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
hey! i had a miscarriage at 11 weeks pregnant in May. the doctor said it was just something that happened and we couldnt have stopped it even if we knew before. i did have to take clomid to get pregnant and we were successful on our 2nd round, the first time i ovulated. i did start my first perod on my own after the miscarriage, which is a good sign becausei was hving to take progesterone before to start my period. i think my estrogen levels were just out of wack and hoping that because i have now been pregnant that it fixed whatever was wrong. so we are wanting to start ttc again and i have just started drinking fertility smoothies this week. i put flaxseed oil, whey protein, and fruit in them and started taking Maca in a pill form today. i just saw where you are not suppose to take maca while on your period and today i am still spotting from my period. (day 5). should i wait to until i stop bleeding before i keep taking the maca?? also, i have heard that i need to stop taking the maca while ovulating and only start back if i start my period the next month. is this right??? im just a little confused i guess! lol!…also, do you think i should add any other vitamines to my smoothie that would help??
Thank you so very much Dalene.
And one more thing I forgot to let you know that I have been pregnant with my second while I was taking maca powder.
Thank you once again.
Hi Tonya,
Thanks for sharing your story, that must have been a very difficult experience for you and your husband. Maca has been shown to be safe for use throughout the menstrual cycle. Hethir and I feel that it is best to give your body a rest during your period. If you know your period is ending and you have a bit of spotting it will not hurt you to begin Maca if you choose. You may also want to read our Recurrent Miscarriages page and learn what you may be able to do to work toward preventing another.
Best Wishes,
Dalene
I was previously taking Gelatinized Maca and Camu Camu each day but fell off the wagon some months ago. I am now 12 weeks pregnant and would like to start taking both of them again to support a healthy system for my growing baby. I know that women in Peru eat Maca as part of their regular diet. Do you think it would be okay to start taking them again? Any information you can give me would be appreciated.
Hi Rachel,
To be honest I am not that familiar with Camu Camu, it is a peruvian fruit that is super high in vitamin C and should be fine to eat during pregnancy. Be sure to continue a balanced wholefood diet rich all kinds of vitamins and nutrients. Maca may be used during pregnancy with the approval of your doctor.
Congratulations and best wishes,
Dalene
Hi
Pls can you advise me
i have had two identical missed miscarriages at six weeks and my periods are only two days long and always have been. i think this is down to low progesterone, i also have a short cycle.
I have been taking vitex and maca and am planning on TTC next month. I am apprehensive about taking vitex in pregnancy and have decided to continue Maca, is this as effective in boosting progesterone, i have read maca is safe in pregnancy and i intend to take in first trimester to help hormonally support the pregnancy. are they more effective when taken together? i am worried about vitex as i have read in can femonise male embryos and an iranian studies said it deformed mice foetus that i found on net. Pls can you help me
Thanks
Hi Kelly,
Hethir nor I have heard of Vitex “feminising male embryos”. If you found a study of interest you would like to send us, please send the link to info@natural-fertility-info.com. We love to read information on subjects that matter to our customers.
Maca may help boost progesterone. In women, maca works by controlling estrogen in the body. Estrogen levels that are high or low at the wrong time can keep a woman from becoming pregnant or keep her from carrying to term. Excess estrogen levels also cause progesterone levels to become too low. Taking maca may help to increase the progesterone levels which are essential to carrying a healthy pregnancy.
It would be best to get hormone testing to determine if you have low progesterone and if this is causing your miscarriages. It would be best to let your doctor/midwife know you are interested in taking the Maca during your 1st trimester and have them help you determine if this is your best option for carrying to term. To learn other natural remedies that may help prevent recurrent miscarriage please go to this link: http://natural-fertility-info.com/preventing-miscarriage
Best wishes,
Dalene