The maca used in this supplement is an extract known as MacaPure®. It is the only maca product available that is standardized on the unique macamides and macaene compounds present in maca. This maca has been shown in studies to be helpful in balancing sex hormones and reducing hot flashes and night sweats. Maca itself does not contain any phytoestrogens or hormonally active compounds. Maca modulates the body’s production of its own hormones to normalize health.

In addition to MacaPure® several other complementary ingredients are included in the supplement. 3-3’-Diindoylmethane (DIM) speeds up the metabolism of estrogens to dispose of unwanted estrogenic compounds, both from the body’s own production and from environmental sources. DIM increases 2-hydroxy estrogen metabolites rather than 16-hydroxy estrogen metabolites, reducing risk of breast cancer. DIM also competes with testosterone for binding with sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), increasing the amount of active free testosterone in the body, especially important for women. As DIM is a fat-soluble compound, many supplements with DIM are poorly absorbed. Bio Response DIM is the only diindolylmethane that is optimized for increased bioavailability, and has been the DIM of choice for clinical trials.

Zinc has been added to this formula as estrogen imbalance can deplete the body’s zinc stores, leading to a weaker immune system Vitamin B-6, in the form of pyridoxal-5-phosphate, has been shown to be helpful in easing PMS symptoms. Pyridoxal-5-phosphate has unique properties not found in other vitamers of B-6. It is a strong antioxidant, preventing lipid oxidation, and blocking the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), a form of non-enzymatic modification of proteins by sugar which causes destruction of the function of the protein while at the same time making it harder for the body to recycle the protein back into useful structures.

Vitex or chaste berry supports progesterone levels, thus helping women who are estrogen dominant. Vitex berry contains no hormones, but works on the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to stimulate the release of more luteinizing hormone (LH) and mildly inhibiting the production of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH). Vitex berry has been shown to normalize the length of the menstrual cycle (whether too long or too short), and also to help with cyclical mastalgia. Relief of breast pain was noted in our study, probably in part due to the inclusion of vitex berry. For younger women, vitex berry may promote increased fertility. A controlled study of vitex berry found more pregnancies in the group taking vitex berry than the control group.

Phytosterols, including the major ones (beta-sitosterol, campesterol, stigmasterol) and several minor ones and their cousin stanols are the main active ingredients in saw palmetto berries, pygeum africanus bark and stinging nettles. Many hormone balancing supplements include these ingredients, to get the phytosterols from them. Phytosterols have been promoted for men’s health, but women also benefit from phytosterols. Phytosterols are a precursor for pregnenolone, from which the body can make DHEA or progesterone, as needed.

Magnesium stearate (plant source), and diatomaceous earth are added as processing aids, to assist in the encapsulation process. Diatomaceous earth is an excellent source of silica, helpful to bones and skin. In larger amounts diatomaceous earth can be used as a vermifuge and a detoxification aid.

Magnesium stearate (plant source), and diatomaceous earth are added as processing aids, to assist in the encapsulation process. Diatomaceous earth is an excellent source of silica, helpful to bones and skin. In larger amounts diatomaceous earth can be used as a vermifuge and a detoxification aid.

Yucca is a natural source of saponins, which help solubilize fat-soluble nutrients, thus increasing their absorption.