Human beings reproduce by giving birth to their young ones, the mode of reproduction being sexual. After a sexual intercourse between the male and the female, the male sperm fertilizes with the female ovum and this process is called fertilization. After fertilization a zygote is formed and following a gestation period of 9 months, a child is born. It is important for every woman to understand how her reproductive system works. A basic knowledge of how our body functions be it male or female is a must. In females, a normal menstrual cycle is necessary for healthy reproductive system. The menstrual cycle is controlled by endocrine system, a system of glands where each gland secretes hormones necessary for the regulation of a healthy body. The menstrual cycle is a process where physiological changes take place in the body of a female.
In menstruation which is the most visible aspect of menstrual cycle, the uterus lining or the endomaterial tissue is shed which when shed in a fluid form looks like blood. Menstruation usually starts in a healthy female between 8 to 16 and the first menstruation is called menarche. The end of menstruation called menopause which normally happens in the age group of 45-65 signals that the reproductive age of a woman has come to a full stop. Hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, anxiety, depression and weight gain are some of the symptoms which might be experienced by a female when she is approaching menopause. Menopause is indeed a phase of life when women tend to get more irritable.
Many a times it is seen that this leads to arguments in households which might take a bad turn. It is expected of every educated family to understand the changes going in the female member of the household and try to keep a calm head even when things do not appear to be easy.
One of the many ways to combat with these menopauze klachten(menopause complaints) and life changes is the consumption of maca powder. Lepedium Meyenii or Maca is a herb known for its medicinal property. It is also consumed in the form of root vegetable. This plant indigenous to Spain grows at an altitude of 41,00- 45,00 metres and was first named and described by Gerhard Walpers in 1843. Since maca is known to help in increasing libido, it is consumed by women worldwide as one of the symptoms of menopause is lack of sexual desire as well. Maca is a legal drug in Norway and one cannot buy it without prescription. When seen maca looks almost similar to turnip and radish. Once maca is harvested it is left to dry for further processing.
