How to Boost Metabolism During Menopause: Fatigue, Weight, and the Truth About Maca

Why Do We Gain Weight in Menopause and Why Does Metabolism Slow Down?

Before looking for solutions, it is essential to understand the biology. Many women wonder why they gain weight so suddenly during menopause. Medical research has identified specific causes linked to the drop in estrogen:

• The Loss of Fat Metabolism (Fat Oxidation): Recent scientific research, such as that conducted by Dr. K. Hofmann and the team at the Institute of Cardiovascular Research and Sports Medicine at the German Sport University Cologne, has shown that estrogen deficiency hinders the body's physiological ability to oxidize (burn) fats. This means that, even during moderate physical activity, the body struggles to use lipids for energy, tending instead to store them, especially in the form of abdominal fat.
• The Decline in Muscle Mass: As highlighted by clinical research, the hormonal drop leads to a physiological reduction in muscle mass. Since muscle is the most metabolically active tissue we possess, having less muscle means drastically lowering your basal metabolic rate: you burn fewer calories at rest and feel physically weaker.

Does Maca Really Work? The Transparency of Science

In the attempt to regain energy and clarity to get through the day, fundamental doubts and questions often arise about natural remedies: "Does Maca really work?" and "What are the effects of maca on menopausal women?"

The answer from botany and clinical nutrition is very promising, but at Solvialuna, we value transparency. The original Andean root, widely studied and validated by herbalists and often botanically classified as Lepidium peruvianum, possesses extraordinary adaptogenic, neuroprotective, and anti-fatigue properties confirmed by extensive pharmacological reviews (such as the one by Ulloa del Carpio et al., 2024).

In the interest of scientific honesty, a very recent 2024 clinical review (published by researcher J. Núñez-Troconis in the Revista Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecología) highlights that several clinical trials have shown Maca (administered in dosages such as 2 g per day) to be significantly superior to a placebo in improving menopausal symptoms. However, the same review emphasizes that, due to possible biases in some past studies, conventional medicine considers the evidence still limited and calls for further large-scale research to definitively standardize protocols. We welcome this caution as an invitation to offer you only the highest botanical quality, combined with a healthy lifestyle.

Does Maca Increase Estrogen? The False Myth

One of the biggest concerns holding many women back is: "Does Maca increase estrogen?" This is exactly where Maca proves its uniqueness. Unlike other plants, Maca does not contain plant hormones. A fundamental double-blind clinical study on postmenopausal women (led by researcher N.A. Brooks and cited in major reviews) unequivocally demonstrated that Maca's marked benefits on psychological symptoms (anxiety, depression) and energy occur completely independently of estrogen or androgen content, whose levels in the blood actually remain unchanged. Maca works as an adaptogen, modulating the stress response without adding fake hormones to your system.

What Are the Benefits of Maca for Women and When Does It Start Taking Effect?

The benefits supported by natural clinical practice include:

• Tangible increase in energy levels and combating fatigue (anti-fatigue action).
• Reduction of psychological symptoms and mood stabilization associated with the menopausal transition.
• Support for metabolism and physical stress tolerance.

But when does maca start to take effect? Because it is a natural adaptogen and not a nervous system stimulant like caffeine, Maca requires consistency. The initial benefits regarding mental clarity and energy are generally felt after 2 to 4 weeks of daily intake, as the body rediscovers its balance.

Your New Ritual: What Time of Day Should You Take Maca?

To answer the final fundamental question ("What time of day should you take maca?"): the perfect time is undoubtedly the morning.

To offer you targeted and elegant support, we have developed the Solvialuna "Energy" Set in our Brixen laboratory—a Premium Bundle designed to awaken the metabolism and sweep away fatigue right from the early hours of the day. The ritual combines:

• Solvialuna Maca Caps (Your Adaptogenic Boost): Our exclusive menopause supplements based on pure Maca extract. Taken at breakfast, they support your body by providing lasting vitality and helping you dispel brain fog.
• "Giorno" Organic Herbal Tea (Energy & Freshness): A premium quality infusion formulated with Sage (extraordinary for thermal freshness) and Red Clover. Red clover is incredibly rich in natural estrogens (phytoestrogens), which work in perfect synergy to stabilize daytime hormonal discomforts, giving you serenity.

Conclusion

You don't have to resign yourself to living perpetually tired and frustrated by your body's changes. Getting your muscles moving again, eating a balanced diet, and relying on high-quality botanical rituals will give you back the power to flourish.

Ready to regain your energy right from the morning? Subscribe to the Solvialuna newsletter now! You'll get an exclusive sneak peek at the launch date of our "Energy Set" and receive valuable medical advice every week to help you embrace your evolution.

Sources and Scientific References

• Brooks N.A., Wilcox G., Walker K.Z. et al.: Beneficial effects of Lepidium meyenii (Maca) on psychological symptoms and measures of sexual dysfunction in postmenopausal women are not related to estrogen or androgen content. Menopause (2008).
• Hofmann K. et al.: Effects of Acute Aerobic Exercise on Fat Metabolism in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women (2022). German Sport University Cologne.
• Hudson T.: Maca: new insights on an ancient plant. Integrative Medicine (2008). In-depth look at the classification of Lepidium peruvianum.
• Núñez-Troconis J.: Maca: its uses in menopause. Revista Chilena de Obstetricia y Ginecología (2024). Review of the clinical efficacy of Maca compared to placebo.
• Stojanovska L. et al.: Maca reduces blood pressure and depression, in a pilot study in postmenopausal women. Climacteric (2015).
• Ulloa del Carpio N. et al.: Exploring the chemical and pharmacological variability of Lepidium meyenii: a comprehensive review of the effects of maca. Frontiers in Pharmacology (2024).