The short answer
Not known in people. We found no study of shatavari taken with the contraceptive pill or with hormone therapy. In a lab study from Bathinda, shatavari root extracts slowed the growth of breast cancer cells, and a computer model suggested that rutin, a compound in the plant, binds the oestrogen receptor. The authors describe shatavari as containing phytoestrogens, plant compounds that can act like weak oestrogens.
That raises a question about hormone medicines, but it does not show that shatavari changes hormone levels, makes the pill less reliable or raises clot risk. Even the direction of any effect is unknown. If you take the pill or HRT, tell your prescribing doctor before you start shatavari, and mention any unexpected bleeding.
Estradiol for hormone therapy is sold in India as Progynova.
At a glance
| What was seen | How it may work | Direction | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slowed breast cancer cell growth; a plant compound bound the oestrogen receptor in a computer model[1] | Possible action on oestrogen receptor alpha | Could add to or work against hormone medicines; direction unknown | In vitro |
No listing is not a clearance. A missing interaction here never means a combination is safe.
The evidence, study by study
Lab and computer study, Bathinda, 2020 In vitro
Researchers at the Central University of Punjab tested shatavari root extracts on a breast cancer cell line (T47D), and the methanol extracts slowed cell growth. In a computer docking model, rutin, a compound earlier isolated from the plant, fitted oestrogen receptor alpha well. No people or animals were studied, and the abstract gives no concentrations. Binding in a computer model is a long way from a change in hormone levels in a woman on the pill.[1]
What your doctor may watch for
- Breakthrough bleeding, or any change in how your hormone treatment works for you. The pill's label says some herbal products can reduce its effect or cause breakthrough bleeding, though shatavari has not been shown to be one of them.[3]
- If you have a hormone-sensitive condition, mention shatavari to the specialist who treats it.
What to tell your prescribing doctor
You can read this out, or show them this page:
“I am taking, or planning to take, shatavari (name of product, dose) along with my contraceptive pill or hormone therapy. Lab studies suggest shatavari may act on the oestrogen receptor. Could it affect my treatment, and what should I watch for?”
Withheld until review
Questions people ask
Can shatavari make the pill fail?
We found no study that looked at this. The concern comes only from lab work on the oestrogen receptor. If you rely on the pill for contraception, tell your doctor about shatavari and about any breakthrough bleeding.[1][3]
Is there a trial of shatavari for menopause symptoms?
A placebo-controlled trial of a shatavari root extract in 50 perimenopausal women was published in 2025, but the journal retracted it in October 2026. We have not used its results.[2]
Related
Shatavari Kalpa
A shatavari granule product whose official recipe we are still checking in print. We found no study of Shatavari Kalpa itself.
InteractionGuggulu and birth control pills
A guggul compound switched on a pill-clearing liver enzyme in lab studies. We found no study or case of guggulu with the pill in people.
InteractionMulethi (licorice) and birth control pills
Two women on the pill had low potassium and fluid retention with licorice. The pill may make some women more prone to licorice side effects.
Sources
- Sharma R, Jaitak V. Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) targeting estrogen receptor alpha: an in-vitro and in-silico mechanistic study. Nat Prod Res. 2020;34:1571-1574. PMID 30580607.
- Yadav P, Yadav S, Vedururu SS, Kumari G. A standardized Asparagus racemosus root extract improves hormonal balance and menstrual health and reduces vasomotor symptoms in perimenopausal women: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. J Am Nutr Assoc. 2025;44(8):754-764. Retracted, J Am Nutr Assoc, October 2026. PMID 40434025.
- Drospirenone and ethinyl estradiol tablets (combined oral contraceptive), US prescribing information, Drug Interactions (DailyMed).
Awaiting review by The Good Vaidya Medical Board. Prepared from the sources below and checked against each one.
Published 4 November 2026 · Last updated 4 November 2026
Taking shatavari with other medicines? A vaidya can check your full list.
Medicine Check · ₹299