NutriStack
Maca Root and Testosterone, a caution.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has shown benefits for libido and sexual function in small trials but does not raise serum testosterone. It is generally safe to combine with prescribed testosterone, although it adds nothing to androgen replacement and may complicate side-effect attribution.
One pair, every claim cited. The two substances, the type, the mechanism, the recommendation, and the primary literature.
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At a glance
- Substances
- Maca Root and Testosterone
- Pair type
- Caution
- Evidence (highest tier)
- Emerging
- Source citations
- 2 sources
- Stack Score effect
- −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
- Scope
- Supplement × Prescription
- Last verified
- May 30, 2026
Caution · Emerging evidence
Caution
What is happening. Maca (Lepidium meyenii) has shown benefits for libido and sexual function in small trials but does not raise serum testosterone. It is generally safe to combine with prescribed testosterone, although it adds nothing to androgen replacement and may complicate side-effect attribution.
Mechanism. Maca acts on libido through non-hormonal central pathways (likely glucosinolate-derived bioactives modulating dopaminergic and serotonergic tone). It does not raise serum testosterone, LH, or estradiol in human trials.
Recommendation. Maca 1.5-3 g/day is generally well tolerated alongside testosterone therapy and is a reasonable choice if libido remains low despite adequate testosterone levels. Discuss with your prescriber so you can attribute any side effects correctly.
Sources (2)
- Shin BC, Lee MS, Yang EJ, Lim HS, Ernst E. Maca (L. meyenii) for improving sexual function: a systematic review. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2010;10:44. PMID 20691074
- Leisegang K, Finelli R, Sikka SC, Panner Selvam MK. Eurycoma longifolia (Jack) Improves Serum Total Testosterone in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials. Medicina (Kaunas). 2022;58(8):1047. PMID 36013514
Stack Score
How this pair moves the number.
Effect on the composite score
If both Maca Root and Testosterone are in the same stack, this pair applies −5 to your Stack Score (per scored caution row).
The full algorithm, the clamping rules, and four worked stacks are documented at /methodology/stack-score.
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