Shilajit and the Menopause: Support for Women During the Menopausal Transition

What are the menopause years?

The menopause years—medically also referred to as the climacteric—mark the natural transition in a woman’s life from the fertile phase to a hormonally changed stage without regular menstrual bleeding. This is when the fertile phase ends (1)(2).

This transition often extends over many years. Typically, the first signs such as cycle irregularities or hot flushes occur in the perimenopause, usually from around the age of 40; the actual menopause—the final period—occurs on average at 51 to 52 years of age (2)(6).

Typical symptoms in this phase of life include:

• Hot flushes and sweating
• Sleep disturbances, mood swings, problems with concentration
• Weight gain, joint and muscle discomfort
• Dryness of the skin and mucous membranes
• Reduced libido and emotional sensitivity

These symptoms can have a considerable impact on quality of life (2)(6).

What is Shilajit?

Shilajit is a mineral-rich natural resin that is mainly found in high mountain regions such as the Himalayas. It contains a range of substances, including fulvic acid, humic acids and trace elements such as magnesium, zinc, selenium and iron (3). You can find out more about the general effects of Shilajit in our guide.

Because of its antioxidant properties and proposed mechanisms of action, Shilajit has traditionally been used in Ayurvedic practice in connection with vitality, energy and recovery (3).

Shilajit and bone health in the menopause

A high-quality, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (48 weeks) involving 60 postmenopausal women (45–65 years, osteopenia) reported the following:

• When taking 250 mg or 500 mg of purified Shilajit extract, loss of bone density in the lumbar spine and femoral neck was slowed—in a dose-dependent manner compared with the placebo group.
• At the same time, markers of bone metabolism (CTX-1 ↓, OPG ↑), oxidative stress (MDA ↓, GSH ↑) and inflammation (hsCRP ↓) improved significantly compared with placebo (4).

These findings suggest that, through a combination of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and collagen-supporting effects, Shilajit may help to support bone health during the menopause. You can find a more detailed overview in our article Shilajit effects in women.

Shilajit Capsules

✓ High-quality, natural Shilajit from the Himalayas

✓ With 50% fulvic acid & 12% humic acid

✓ 500 mg Shilajit extract per capsule

✓ Extract ratio 50:1 (equivalent to 25,000 mg Shilajit resin per capsule)

£18.00

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Energy, mood and cognitive function

During the menopause, symptoms such as tiredness, difficulty concentrating (“brain fog”) and mood swings are common. There are indications from research that Shilajit may be relevant for the following areas:

• Supporting mitochondrial energy production through fulvic acid and minerals (5).
• Potentially beneficial effects on cognitive performance—such as concentration and memory—and possible neuroprotective properties via antioxidant mechanisms (5).
• Stress-modulating effects: Shilajit is described as an adaptogen and has been studied in relation to the cortisol level and emotional balance (5).

Shilajit and hormonal balance

During the menopause, hormone levels often fluctuate due to declining oestrogen and progesterone. Shilajit is classified as an adaptogen. Based on its composition, it is discussed in relation to:

• modulating the stress axis (HPA axis) and thereby supporting cortisol balance (5)
• reducing oxidative stress and thus potentially easing hormone-related imbalance indirectly (5)
• providing important trace elements such as zinc and selenium, which are involved in hormone production (3)

These effects may be relevant for women who experience mood swings. Direct clinical studies specifically in menopausal women are still lacking.

Other possible advantages during the menopause

In addition to potential support for bones, energy and hormonal balance, further possible areas of interest for Shilajit during the menopause have been discussed:

• Weight management & metabolism: Some sources suggest that Shilajit may influence energy expenditure and appetite regulation (3).
• Sleep & stress management: As an adaptogen, Shilajit is associated with support for mood and sleep (5).
• Phytoestrogens: Some sources mention that Shilajit may have oestrogen-like properties (3).

Safety and possible side effects

In purified, laboratory-tested form, Shilajit is generally considered to be well tolerated. However, the following points should be taken into account (3)(4). More detailed information can be found in our article Shilajit side effects.

• Gastrointestinal discomfort: Occasional nausea, bloating or diarrhoea (3)
• Allergic reactions: Rarely, skin rash or itching (3)
• Liver values: Mild changes are possible at high doses, particularly in people sensitive to iron (3)
• Risk of contamination: Unfiltered products may contain heavy metals (3)(4)

Interactions with medicines

Although there are few clinical studies on interactions, some potential risks are known:

• Blood pressure and diabetes medicines: Possible enhancement of the effects (3)
• Anticoagulants (blood thinners): A higher risk of bleeding cannot be ruled out (3)
• Thyroxine: An interval of 4 hours between doses is recommended; checking TSH after 6–8 weeks may be advisable.

Always discuss the use of Shilajit with your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional (2). You can read more in our article Shilajit and interactions.

Dosage and use

Suggested use for women during the menopause:

• Dosage: 250–500 mg purified Shilajit daily (3).
• Duration: 8–12 weeks are often cited for initial observable effects (4).
• Timing: In the morning or at midday with food (3).

Starting slowly (with 100–200 mg) may support tolerability.

Conclusion: Shilajit as a companion during the menopause

Shilajit is discussed as a potentially versatile support for women in the menopause, particularly in relation to:

• Bone health
• Energy & mood
• Stress regulation

However, it remains a complementary option within an overall healthy lifestyle.