Can Shilajit Be Taken by Girls? Exploring Benefits and Safety

December 31, 2025 •

4 min read

Shilajit, a substance rich in minerals and fulvic acid, has been traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for its potential health benefits. While often discussed in the context of men's health, its properties are relevant to women's well-being too, prompting questions about its suitability for girls and young women.

Quick Summary

This article explores shilajit for girls and young women, detailing its potential health benefits and addressing safety considerations. It covers proper use, potential side effects, and emphasizes the importance of choosing high-quality products and consulting a healthcare professional before use.

Key Points

Age Considerations: Shilajit is generally not recommended for individuals under 18 due to potential effects on developing hormonal systems; it is typically considered more appropriate for adults.
Product Quality: It is crucial to use only purified and lab-tested shilajit from a reputable source, as unprocessed versions may contain harmful contaminants.
Seek Professional Advice: Consulting a healthcare provider is essential for girls and young women, especially those with existing health conditions, before using shilajit.
Potential Benefits: In adults, shilajit may support hormonal balance, increase energy, and contribute to skin, hair, and bone health.
Gradual Effects: The effects of shilajit are often gradual, supporting cellular functions over weeks or months, rather than providing immediate results.
Safety Profile: While generally safe when purified, potential mild side effects can occur. Individuals with certain health conditions or those pregnant/breastfeeding should avoid it unless advised by a doctor.
Healthy Lifestyle Foundation: For most teenagers, a balanced diet, exercise, and good sleep are the most effective ways to support health and vitality.

Understanding Shilajit: A Natural Substance

Shilajit is a sticky, tar-like substance found primarily in the rocks of mountainous regions like the Himalayas. It forms over centuries from the decomposition of plant matter and minerals and is known for being rich in fulvic acid and trace minerals. In Ayurvedic medicine, shilajit is traditionally regarded as a rejuvenator and adaptogen, believed to support vitality.

While shilajit is sometimes marketed more towards men, its actions at a cellular level can support bodily functions in individuals regardless of gender. However, due to its potency, guidance on its use is important, particularly for younger individuals.

Can Shilajit Be Taken by Girls? Considerations

For girls and young women, the use of shilajit involves several considerations, including age, health status, and product quality.

Age Appropriateness: Many health experts suggest shilajit is more suitable for adults, generally those over 18 years of age. The bodies of children and younger adolescents are still developing, and potent compounds may potentially interact with natural growth and hormonal processes. For teenagers in late adolescence (16 or 17), consulting a healthcare professional is important before use.
Hormonal Effects: For adult women, shilajit has been associated with supporting the balance of reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which may contribute to regular menstrual cycles. The impact on young girls with developing hormones may be different.
Energy and Fatigue: Shilajit is thought to support cellular energy production, which may help combat fatigue. It is believed to enhance mitochondrial activity, the cellular components responsible for energy.
Purity and Contamination: A significant safety concern with shilajit is the purity of the product. Unpurified shilajit may contain heavy metals, bacteria, or other contaminants that can pose health risks. It is important to choose a lab-tested, high-quality product from a reputable source.

Potential Benefits of Shilajit for Female Health

Shilajit's composition offers several potential benefits that may be relevant to female health, particularly for adults and older teenagers with appropriate medical consultation.

Hormonal Support and Reproductive Health

Hormonal balance is important for overall health, and some women experience imbalances. Shilajit is traditionally believed to support the body in regulating hormone levels, which may promote more balanced cycles. For individuals of reproductive age, it may also play a role in supporting ovarian function.

Energy and Fatigue Management

Fatigue can be a common issue for many women. Shilajit is thought to support cellular energy production, potentially providing sustained energy. This may contribute to improved stamina and reduced feelings of sluggishness.

Skin and Hair Appearance

Shilajit contains antioxidants that are thought to help protect against free radicals, which can contribute to premature aging and skin concerns. Its mineral content may support skin elasticity and texture, and minerals like zinc and magnesium are important for hair health.

Bone Health Support

Maintaining bone density is important throughout life. Shilajit may support the body's absorption of minerals like calcium and magnesium, which are essential for bone health. A study on postmenopausal women with osteopenia indicated that shilajit supplementation potentially improved bone mineral density.

Stress and Anxiety Support

As an adaptogen, shilajit is believed to help the body manage stress, potentially by influencing cortisol levels. This may contribute to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and greater mental clarity.

Comparison Table: Shilajit vs. Ashwagandha


Feature	Shilajit	Ashwagandha
Primary Traditional Use	Mineral-rich rejuvenator, energy booster.	Adaptogen for stress reduction and vitality.
Key Components	Fulvic acid, humic acid, trace minerals.	Withanolides, alkaloids, saponins.
Energy Support	Believed to support mitochondrial function for energy.	Associated with increased energy by reducing stress and fatigue.
Hormonal Support (in adults)	May support balance of female hormones like estrogen and progesterone.	May support hormonal balance, particularly cortisol levels.
For Skin & Hair (in adults)	Antioxidants may support skin health; minerals benefit hair.	Less direct association, but stress reduction can indirectly benefit.
Bone Health Support (in adults)	May aid calcium/magnesium absorption, supporting bone density.	Not primarily known for directly impacting bone mineral density.
Common Focus	Overall vitality, energy, mineral support.	Stress management, anxiety support, sleep.

Safe Usage Considerations for Girls

Before considering shilajit, it is important for girls and young women, and their guardians, to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if it is appropriate for individual health needs and age.

Age Guidance: Generally, use in children and younger adolescents under 18 is not recommended unless specifically advised by a doctor. Focusing on a balanced diet and healthy lifestyle is usually the primary approach for young individuals.
Consult a Professional: A healthcare provider can offer personalized advice on the suitability of shilajit.
Monitor for Side Effects: While uncommon with a high-quality product, some individuals may experience side effects such as digestive upset, allergic reactions, or dizziness. If adverse reactions occur, it is recommended to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.
Purity is Essential: Only purchase processed and lab-tested shilajit from a reputable brand. Contaminated, raw shilajit can contain harmful substances.
Contraindications: Individuals with hemochromatosis, sickle cell anemia, or low blood pressure should typically avoid shilajit. Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding are also advised to avoid it due to limited safety research.

Conclusion

For older teenage girls and young women, when used responsibly and with medical consultation, pure, high-quality shilajit may offer potential benefits for energy levels, hormonal balance, and overall wellness. It is viewed not as an immediate solution but as a supplement that supports the body's systems over time. Prioritizing safety means selecting a reliable source, seeking guidance on use, and consulting a healthcare professional beforehand. For most teenagers, establishing healthy habits through diet, exercise, and sufficient sleep remains the cornerstone of health.

Explore more on Shilajit benefits for women from this Cureveda resource.

Frequently Asked Questions

Shilajit is generally considered more appropriate for adults, typically over 18 years of age, as research on its effects in younger individuals is limited.

While purified shilajit is considered generally safe for adults, its use in adolescents requires caution. Consulting a pediatrician or healthcare provider before use is advisable, and often, focusing on diet and lifestyle is recommended for teens.

Shilajit may support energy levels, hormonal balance (such as estrogen and progesterone), and contribute to skin, hair, and bone health.

In adult females, shilajit is thought to help support the balance of hormones like estrogen and progesterone. It is not typically associated with significantly increasing testosterone in women.

Shilajit is traditionally believed to support the body's hormonal balance, which may influence menstrual regularity. However, it is important to consult a doctor to understand the cause of irregular periods.

If approved by a healthcare provider, it is generally recommended to start with a small amount of purified resin and follow guidance from a professional or product instructions. Always choose a lab-tested product from a reputable source.

Potential mild side effects can include digestive upset, allergic reactions, or dizziness. It can also potentially lower blood pressure. Individuals with low blood pressure or certain blood conditions should typically avoid it.

Due to insufficient safety data, shilajit is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women unless specifically advised and monitored by a healthcare provider.