Evidence at a glance
Two small randomised trials, each on a different outcome; other topics weaker. How ratings work: evidence rating system.
Evidence by topic
| Topic | Rating | Key evidence | Full review |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone density | Limited | 48-week randomised trial in postmenopausal women[1] | Bone health |
| Sexual function | Limited | One small randomised trial[2] | Libido |
| Skin | Very limited | Biomarker study in women[3] | Skin and hair |
| Menopause symptoms | Not studied | None found | — |
| Fertility and periods | Not studied | None found | — |
| Iron levels | Not established | See the full review | Iron and anaemia |
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Shilajit hasn’t been studied in pregnancy or breastfeeding, and its contaminant profile, including metals that vary between batches, is a particular concern at these times.[4] We recommend avoiding it and discussing any supplement with your midwife, GP or pharmacist. See shilajit in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Where marketing outruns the evidence
Shilajit is increasingly marketed to women for hormone balance, menopause, energy and fertility. Of these, only sexual function has been studied in a randomised trial, and even that is a single small study.[2] “Hormone balance” isn’t a measurable outcome in any shilajit trial. Menopause symptoms and fertility haven’t been studied at all.
If you decide to try shilajit
Choose a product with a batch-specific laboratory report, follow the label serving, and check with a GP or pharmacist if you take medicines, including hormonal contraception or HRT, since interactions haven’t been studied. Give it a time-limited trial and stop if you notice side effects; see when to stop and how to choose shilajit.
When to see a GP
Menopause symptoms, low libido, irregular periods, fatigue or concerns about bone health all have established assessments and treatments. A supplement shouldn’t delay a conversation with your GP.
About the sexual function trial
The trial on women’s sexual function was small and randomised, and it measured outcomes using a questionnaire.[2] Questionnaire results can be meaningful for experiences such as desire and satisfaction, but they are sensitive to expectation, which makes placebo control especially important. It is promising enough to justify more research, not to recommend shilajit for low libido. See libido and sexual function.
A note on menopause
The bone trial included postmenopausal women, but it measured bone density, not menopause symptoms.[1] Hot flushes, sleep problems and mood changes during menopause haven’t been studied with shilajit. HRT and other treatments have established evidence; a GP can discuss options.
Iron and anaemia
Shilajit is sometimes promoted to women for iron. Amounts per serving are small and variable, and it isn’t a reliable way to treat low iron; see iron levels and anaemia.
Contraception, HRT and medicines
Many women take hormonal contraception, HRT, thyroid medicine or antidepressants. Interactions between these and shilajit haven’t been studied. That doesn’t mean they exist, but it does mean a pharmacist’s check is sensible before adding a new supplement; see medication interactions.
Teenagers
Shilajit isn’t recommended for under-18s, including teenage girls, as it hasn’t been studied in young people; see children and teenagers.
The bottom line
Women’s health has two small randomised shilajit trials, one on bone density and one on sexual function, plus a skin biomarker study. Both trials are encouraging and need repeating. Many marketed benefits for women haven’t been studied, and shilajit should be avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Frequently asked questions
What are the benefits of shilajit for women?
Can women take shilajit?
Yes, outside pregnancy and breastfeeding, with the same precautions as anyone: a batch-tested product and medical advice if you take medicines.
Is shilajit safe during pregnancy?
It hasn’t been studied. We recommend avoiding it in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Does shilajit help menopause symptoms?
Not studied. The bone trial included postmenopausal women but measured bone density, not symptoms.[1]
Which shilajit does Best Shilajit UK recommend for women?
For a well-documented resin, Best Shilajit UK recommends Nature Elixirs, batch-tested by AGROLAB LUFA (batch SJ2509).[5] This is about documentation; the studies used a different extract. Nature Elixirs is a brand evaluated by Best Shilajit UK. Read our evaluation to see the evidence and documentation we reviewed.
Does shilajit balance hormones in women?
“Hormone balance” hasn’t been measured in any shilajit study.
Can shilajit interact with HRT or the pill?
Interactions haven’t been studied. Check with your GP or pharmacist.
Does shilajit help with periods?
Not studied. Discuss period problems with a GP.
Can shilajit help female libido?
One small randomised trial reported improvements on a sexual function questionnaire;[2] it needs repeating.
Is shilajit safe while breastfeeding?
It hasn’t been studied, so we recommend avoiding it while breastfeeding.
Does shilajit help with fatigue in women?
Not studied directly. See energy and fatigue.
Does shilajit help women’s hair?
No research exists. See skin and hair.
Does shilajit help with PMS?
Premenstrual symptoms haven’t been studied with shilajit. A GP can discuss options with good evidence.
Can older women take shilajit?
The bone trial involved postmenopausal women.[1] Older women taking medicines should check with a GP or pharmacist first.
Is shilajit safe for women trying to conceive?
It hasn’t been studied in women trying to conceive. Because contaminants vary between batches, we suggest avoiding it and discussing supplements with your GP.
Sources & further reading
Primary research, regulators and standards bodies are cited first. A source being listed here does not mean it supports every claim made by sellers; it supports the specific statement it is attached to.
- Pingali U, Nutalapati C. Shilajit extract reduces oxidative stress, inflammation, and bone loss to dose-dependently preserve bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteopenia: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phytomedicine 105:154334, 2022. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154334; PMID 35933897. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- Mosavi et al.. Effects of oral Shilajit tablets on sexual function and sexual quality of life among reproductive-aged women: a triple-blind randomized clinical trial. Traditional Medicine Research 8(11):66, 2023. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial]
- Das A, El Masry MS, Gnyawali SC, et al.. Skin transcriptome of middle-aged women supplemented with natural herbo-mineral shilajit shows induction of microvascular and extracellular matrix mechanisms. Journal of the American College of Nutrition 38(6):526–536, 2019. doi:10.1080/07315724.2018.1564088; PMID 31161927. View source (opens in a new tab) [Randomised controlled trial (biomarkers)]
- Quantifying of thallium in Shilajit and its supplements to unveil the potential risk of consumption of this popular traditional medicine. BMC Chemistry 19:20, 2025. doi:10.1186/s13065-025-01384-7. View source (opens in a new tab) [Laboratory analysis]
- AGROLAB LUFA GmbH (published by Nature Elixirs). Test report, Himalayan Shilajit, batch SJ2509, sample 765188. natureelixirs.com, 2025. View source (opens in a new tab) [Brand-published laboratory report]