Shilajit is an ayurvedic resin-like substance that has been used for centuries in traditional Indian medicine. Some proponents claim that shilajit can help naturally boost testosterone levels in men. However, more research is still needed to fully validate these claims.
There is some evidence from preliminary studies that certain compounds found in shilajit, such as fulvic acid and dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, may help improve testosterone levels. A few key points about shilajit and testosterone:
- In one rat study, shilajit was shown to prevent declines in testosterone levels caused by stress. Rats supplemented with shilajit maintained normal testosterone despite chemical castration and stress exposure.
- A small human pilot study on infertile men found that shilajit supplementation, along with other ayurvedic compounds, helped improve sperm counts and testosterone levels in most subjects after 90 days.
- In another study on healthy volunteers, supplementation with purified shilajit compounds for 45 days was found to significantly increase total and free testosterone levels compared to placebo. Levels remained elevated for up to 90 days after stopping the treatment.
- The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but shilajit may influence testosterone indirectly by reducing inflammation, improving metabolism and energy production in cells, and reducing oxidative stress. These cellular effects may relieve hormonal dysfunction.
However, many experts argue that larger, better studies are still needed to truly validate shilajit's testosterone benefits. Some criticisms of the existing evidence on shilajit and testosterone include:
- Human data is very limited - most studies have used animal models or had very small sample sizes of men
- Many studies did not use standardized or purified shilajit, so results may vary across different samples
- The testosterone increases seen were often mild or moderate, not dramatic
- It's unclear if increased testosterone from shilajit translates to real health or body composition changes
Based on the current evidence, shilajit supplementation may potentially have mild-to-moderate benefits for testosterone.
Some reasons to consider trying shilajit for testosterone include:
- Natural herbal supplement with many other proven health benefits
- Appears relatively safe for long-term use based on history in Ayurveda
- Easy to incorporate into supplements regimen
- Also acts as powerful antioxidant and inflammation regulator
However, there are a few precautions to keep in mind:
- Effects can vary widely depending on source and purity
- May interact with other medications or health issues
- Unlikely to increase T dramatically on its own without lifestyle changes
- Long-term safety studies still limited in humans
For optimal testosterone results,
shilajit is likely best "stacked" with:
- Exercise - Lifting weights HIIT have powerful pro-testosterone effects
- Healthy fats – Nuts, olive oil, avocados, salmon. Critical for T production.
- Proper sleep – Aim for 7 hours/night. Key for hormonal health.
- Stress management – Adaptogens like ashwagandha can also help lower stress hormones.
In most cases, shilajit would serve as an effective complimentary treatment alongside these core lifestyle optimizations for maximizing testosterone.
Getting blood tests over time is ideal for seeing meaningful changes in testosterone from using shilajit. Men with lower baseline testosterone levels are likely to see more noticeable benefits. The clinical use of shilajit for improving testosterone and fertility continues to be an intriguing area of research.
At
Balance Hormone Clinic, we offer comprehensive
testosterone optimization programs incorporating proven natural compounds like shilajit, together with personalized lifestyle/diet changes, pharmaceutical-grade supplements, and bioidentical hormone therapies as needed.
Our unique integrated approach allows men to raise testosterone, energy, and vitality to youthful levels, backed by extensive testing and monitoring.
We also track objective parameters like body composition, inflammatory markers, and cardiometabolic factors to ensure benefits translate to better actual health, fitness, and performance.
Consider scheduling a
consultation to learn how our individualized programs can help you reclaim peak vitality and drastically elevate your masculinity, confidence, and quality of life. Investing in yourself is the best investment you can make.
