Shilajit Testosterone: Does Shilajit Increase Testosterone?
Shilajit research guide · Updated October 2026
Shilajit and testosterone come up together for a reason. Shilajit has centuries of traditional use for male vitality, and unlike most natural products it also has controlled human research on testosterone. This page walks through what that research actually found, who was studied, how long it took, and where the evidence stops, so you can decide for yourself.
In a 90-day placebo-controlled trial, healthy men aged 45 to 55 who took 250 mg of purified shilajit twice daily saw total testosterone rise about 20% and free testosterone about 19% compared with placebo. A second, smaller study in men with low sperm count recorded a 23.5% rise. So the evidence points to yes, a modest increase over around three months, in specific groups, using a purified extract. It is promising research, not a guarantee for every man.
The evidence
Does shilajit increase testosterone? What the studies found
Two human studies form the core of the shilajit testosterone research. Both were published in Andrologia, a peer-reviewed journal focused on male reproductive health, and both ran for 90 days. They studied different groups of men and used different designs, which matters when you read the numbers.
The stronger of the two is the 2016 trial by Pandit and colleagues. It was randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled, which is the most reliable design for this kind of question. 96 healthy men aged 45 to 55 were enrolled and 75 completed the study. None were on hormone therapy. Alongside testosterone, the researchers saw a rise in DHEAS, a precursor the body uses to make testosterone, while the pituitary signals LH and FSH stayed at normal levels.
| Pandit et al., 2016 | Biswas et al., 2010 | |
|---|---|---|
| Who took part | Healthy men aged 45 to 55 | Men with low sperm count (oligospermia) |
| Design | Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled | Open study, compared with each man's starting levels, no placebo group |
| Men completing | 75 of 96 enrolled | 28 of 35 enrolled |
| Daily amount | 250 mg twice a day (500 mg total) | 100 mg twice a day (200 mg total) |
| Length | 90 days | 90 days |
| Testosterone result | Total +20.45%, free +19.14%, DHEAS also higher, all significant vs placebo | Serum testosterone +23.5% vs baseline; sperm count also improved |
Both studies used PrimaVie, a standardised purified shilajit extract. The 2016 trial was run with that extract's supplier, which is common in supplement research but worth knowing.
Reading it honestly
What the shilajit testosterone research does and doesn't tell you
What it supports
A measurable, statistically significant rise in total and free testosterone in healthy middle-aged men over 90 days, with the body's own hormone signalling left intact. That last point is the key difference from testosterone replacement, which tends to switch natural production down.
Where it stops
The trials are small, there are only two of them, and both used one purified extract. We don't have large independent trials, results in younger men, or long-term data beyond three months. A 20% rise is meaningful but modest, and it will not look the same in every person.
What it means for you
If your interest is natural support as testosterone gently declines with age, shilajit has more real human data behind it than most options. If you have symptoms of low testosterone, get your levels tested first. A blood test tells you far more than any supplement label.
How it may work
How shilajit may support testosterone
Researchers haven't pinned down one exact mechanism, but a few parts of shilajit's makeup line up with what testosterone production needs. Shilajit doesn't contain testosterone or any hormone. The working idea is that it supports the body's own production.
Fulvic acid
Fulvic acid is the main active compound in good shilajit, typically 30 to 70% of purified material. Its small molecules help carry minerals into cells, which is one reason shilajit is described as more than a mineral tablet. You can read more in our plain-English guide to fulvic acid.
Zinc, magnesium and selenium
Shilajit naturally contains trace minerals linked to male hormone health. Zinc is involved in testosterone production, and low zinc is a known cause of low testosterone. Magnesium is associated with free testosterone, and selenium helps protect the cells that make it. The amounts in a daily serving are small, so think of this as support alongside a good diet.
Cell energy
Shilajit also contains dibenzo-alpha-pyrones, compounds studied for their role in mitochondrial function, the process cells use to make energy. Hormone production is energy-demanding work, so this is a plausible supporting factor, though it's been studied far less than the testosterone results themselves.
Timing
How long does shilajit take to increase testosterone?
The 2016 trial measured testosterone at day 30, 60 and 90, which gives a real picture of the timeline. Early changes were small and uneven. The clear, significant result only showed up at 90 days.
So if testosterone is your reason for taking shilajit, plan for at least three months of daily use before judging it. Many people say they notice energy or sleep changes earlier, but those reports are personal experience, not something the trials measured. Two weeks and stopping is too short to tell you anything.
Dose and age
How much shilajit for testosterone, and is it right for men over 40?
The trial that recorded the testosterone rise in healthy men used 500 mg a day, split into two 250 mg servings. That was a purified extract, so it doesn't map one-to-one onto a pea-sized piece of resin or a dropper of liquid. Follow the serving on your product label and our guide to how to take shilajit, and keep it consistent every day.
Testosterone tends to fall by roughly 1% a year from around age 30. By the mid-40s, many men feel the build-up as lower energy, slower recovery and flatter drive. The 2016 trial deliberately recruited men aged 45 to 55 for this reason, which makes men over 40 the group the strongest shilajit testosterone evidence actually applies to.
Comparison
Shilajit vs ashwagandha for testosterone
Ashwagandha's best research is around stress and cortisol. When cortisol stays high from work pressure or poor sleep, it can hold testosterone down, so lowering stress gives the body more room. Shilajit works from a different angle, through minerals, fulvic acid and the hormone precursors seen in the trial.
Because they work differently, many men take both. If stress is clearly your main issue, ashwagandha targets that more directly. If your concern is the slow decline that comes with age, shilajit has the more direct testosterone data. Our article on ashwagandha for men covers that side in detail.
Safety
Who should be careful with shilajit
Purified shilajit was well tolerated in both studies, with no changes to liver or kidney markers reported. Raw or unpurified shilajit is a different story, as it can carry heavy metals and other contaminants. That's why lab testing matters more than any claim on a label.
- Not for anyone under 18.
- Speak to your doctor first if you're on prescriptions, have a hormone-related or prostate condition, or are being treated for low testosterone.
- Avoid during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Stop if you notice anything unusual. Our shilajit side effects guide covers what to watch for.
Choosing shilajit
Why choose Minerals Pitch shilajit for testosterone support
The research only applies to purified, clean shilajit with real fulvic acid content, so quality is the whole point. Every batch of Minerals Pitch Himalayan shilajit is tested by independent laboratories before release, for heavy metals, aflatoxins, microbes, pesticide residue and fulvic acid content. A batch that fails doesn't ship. Our raw material comes from above 17,000 feet in Gilgit-Baltistan, and it's purified in a facility certified to ISO 22000, GMP and HACCP standards, with Halal certification. You can see the results on our lab reports page.
To be clear, the studies above used a different purified extract, not our product. We don't claim our shilajit will produce the same numbers. What we can promise is that what's in the jar is genuine, tested, purified Himalayan shilajit. If you're unsure how to tell, see authentic vs fake shilajit.
Himalayan Shilajit Resin, 30 g
The traditional form. Dissolve a small portion in warm water or tea once a day.
From $39
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Himalayan Shilajit Drops, 30 ml
Liquid shilajit rich in fulvic acid. Easy to measure and add to any drink.
From $49
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Shilajit testosterone questions
Does shilajit increase testosterone?
Research suggests it can. In a 90-day placebo-controlled trial, healthy men aged 45 to 55 taking purified shilajit saw total testosterone rise about 20% and free testosterone about 19% compared with placebo. A smaller study in men with low sperm count found a 23.5% rise. Results vary from person to person.
Is shilajit a steroid?
No. Shilajit contains no testosterone or other hormones. It's a natural mineral-rich substance, and in the research it raised testosterone while the body's own hormone signals stayed normal.
How long does shilajit take to work for testosterone?
In the main trial, the significant rise appeared at 90 days. Earlier readings at 30 and 60 days showed only small changes. Plan on at least three months of daily use.
How much shilajit should I take for testosterone?
The study used 250 mg of purified extract twice a day. For resin or drops, follow the serving on your label and take it daily. More isn't better, and consistency matters more than amount.
Can shilajit replace testosterone therapy?
No. Testosterone therapy is a prescribed treatment for diagnosed low testosterone. Shilajit is a natural supplement. If you're on therapy or think you need it, talk to your doctor.
Can women take shilajit?
Yes. Shilajit isn't only for men, and women use it for general wellness and energy. The testosterone studies were done in men, so those results don't apply directly to women.
Is it safe to take shilajit every day?
Purified shilajit was taken daily for 90 days in the studies without safety concerns. Choose a lab-tested product, stick to the label serving, and avoid it if you're under 18, pregnant or breastfeeding.
References
- Pandit S, Biswas S, Jana U, De RK, Mukhopadhyay SC, Biswas TK. Clinical evaluation of purified Shilajit on testosterone levels in healthy volunteers. Andrologia. 2016;48(5):570–575.
- Biswas TK, Pandit S, Mondal S, et al. Clinical evaluation of spermatogenic activity of processed Shilajit in oligospermia. Andrologia. 2010;42(1):48–56.
This page is for general information. Minerals Pitch shilajit is a food supplement, not a treatment for any condition. Speak to a qualified professional about any health concern.