Maca is an Andean root powder with a modest lift in sexual desire and some menopausal comfort in small studies; sex hormones usually do not rise. Usual doses are generally well tolerated; main risks are lead in products and adulteration. Not a proven longevity drug; sleep, training, and nutrition remain higher leverage. (Full Review)
| Marker | Target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| TSH | ~0.5–2.5 mIU/L (functional aims vary) | Rule out thyroid drivers of fatigue/low desire; brassica caution |
| Free T4 / Free T3 | Lab-specific mid-range aims | Thyroid action at tissue level |
| AST / ALT | Within lab normal; prefer lower half of range | Baseline liver safety if disease or high dose |
| Blood lead (if risk) | As low as possible; public-health action levels apply | Detect contaminated powder exposure |
| Total / free testosterone (men, if indicated) | Age-contextual functional aims | Low desire differential diagnosis—not a maca efficacy marker |
| Estradiol / FSH (women, context-specific) | Life-stage dependent | Climacteric staging / HRT context |
| CBC / ferritin | Ferritin often aimed ~50–100+ ng/mL in functional practice | Anemia/iron deficiency mimics fatigue and low vitality |
Cadence: Subjective scores at 4, 8, and 12 weeks; TSH at ~8–12 weeks if thyroid disease or replacement; liver enzymes if baseline disease or symptoms; blood lead if untested products or contamination concern