The Moon Pills Formula Explained

Moon Pills is smööts' hormone balance and cycle support formula, built for women whose mood, skin, energy or cycle regularity shift with their hormones. It combines two of the best-studied Ayurvedic herbs for female hormonal health, an adaptogen, a compound derived from cruciferous vegetables, and the core nutrients most consistently linked to hormonal regulation in clinical research. It is meant for women who want daily, evidence-informed support through PMS, irregular cycles or the perimenopausal transition, not a quick fix for a single symptom.

60 vegan capsules per pot, 2 a day = a 30-day supply. Each capsule combines Shatavari, Vitex (chasteberry), Ashwagandha, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, DIM (diindolylmethane) and Bioperine (black pepper extract). Because this formula includes Magnesium and Vitamin B6, their amounts are set against the EU's Nutrient Reference Values (NRVs) for vitamins and minerals, as set out in Annex XIII of Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011.^[1]

Shatavari in Moon Pills

Shatavari is the root of Asparagus racemosus, a climbing plant native to India and the Himalayan foothills. In Ayurvedic medicine it is one of the most widely used tonics for women, and its roots are rich in steroidal saponins called shatavarins, which are thought to interact with oestrogen receptor signalling and the hypothalamic-pituitary axis that governs the menstrual cycle.^[2] This is why it sits at the centre of a hormone balance formula: rather than targeting one symptom, it is studied as a general modulator of female hormonal rhythm.

The clinical evidence is recent but growing. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in perimenopausal women taking a standardised Asparagus racemosus root extract daily for 12 weeks reported improvements in markers of hormonal balance, more regular menstrual patterns and fewer vasomotor symptoms such as hot flushes compared with placebo.^[3] A separate three-arm, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 135 women aged 45 to 65 compared Shatavari root extract alone, Shatavari combined with Ashwagandha, and placebo over eight weeks; both active arms were well tolerated and associated with reductions in self-reported menopausal symptom scores, with the combination arm showing the most consistent effect.^[4]

Honestly, the evidence base for Shatavari is still young: most trials are sponsored by ingredient suppliers, sample sizes are modest (well under 200 participants), and follow-up rarely extends beyond three months, so we do not yet know whether benefits are sustained over a year or more. Shatavari also has a long history of traditional use for breastfeeding support and general vitality, which is a separate use case to the hormone-balance angle used here.^[2] We are including it because the recent, better-designed trials point the same direction as centuries of traditional use, not because the case is closed.

Vitex in Moon Pills

Vitex, also called chasteberry or Vitex agnus-castus, is a dried fruit extract from the chaste tree, a shrub native to the Mediterranean and Central Asia. It is one of the most researched botanicals for premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and works differently to a hormone itself: research suggests it acts on dopamine receptors in the pituitary gland, which in turn is thought to influence prolactin release and the balance between oestrogen and progesterone across the cycle.^[5]

Vitex has one of the longer clinical track records of any botanical in this category. A landmark placebo-controlled trial randomised 170 women with PMS to a standardised agnus castus fruit extract or placebo for three menstrual cycles; the active group reported significantly greater improvement across irritability, mood, headache and breast fullness.^[6] A separate randomised, double-blind trial compared Vitex directly with pyridoxine (vitamin B6) in 175 women with premenstrual tension syndrome over three cycles; both treatments reduced symptom scores by roughly half, with Vitex showing a slight edge on physical symptoms such as breast tenderness and bloating.^[7] A multi-centre, placebo-controlled trial in China replicated the benefit in a different population, again over three cycles.^[8] A 2017 systematic review of Vitex trials for PMS and premenstrual dysphoric disorder concluded that most placebo-controlled studies favoured Vitex over placebo, though it flagged inconsistent extract standardisation between studies as a limitation.^[9]

The honest caveat: trial quality varies, many older studies did not fully blind participants, and because Vitex is thought to work partly through dopamine and prolactin pathways, it is one of the few ingredients in this formula with a genuine interaction risk with hormonal medication, covered below. Newer research is more rigorous than the older literature, which is reassuring, but head-to-head comparisons with modern hormonal contraceptives or IUDs are still lacking.

Ashwagandha in Moon Pills

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a root extract used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine as an adaptogen, a class of botanicals traditionally used to help the body handle physical and mental stress.^[10] It sits in Moon Pills because the hormonal cycle is highly sensitive to the stress hormone cortisol, and Ashwagandha is one of the most consistently studied botanicals for lowering perceived stress and stress-linked hormone levels.

In a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 adults taking a standardised ashwagandha root extract daily for 60 days showed significantly greater reductions in perceived stress scores and in morning serum cortisol compared with placebo.^[11] A more recent randomised controlled trial in chronically stressed adults reported similar reductions in stress and anxiety scores after eight weeks of supplementation.^[12] A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis pooling multiple randomised trials confirmed a significant overall effect of ashwagandha on perceived stress scale scores.^[13] More specific to this formula's use case, an eight-week, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in 91 perimenopausal women found that ashwagandha root extract reduced total menopause rating scale scores and was associated with an increase in serum oestradiol alongside reductions in FSH and LH, two pituitary hormones that rise as ovarian hormone production declines.^[14] A separate pilot study in 50 healthy women reported improvements in sexual function scores after eight weeks of use.^[15]

Limits: most of these trials are relatively short (8 to 12 weeks), come from a small number of research groups, and the perimenopausal and sexual-function studies in particular are still pilot-scale and need replication in larger, independent cohorts before the hormonal findings can be considered settled.

Magnesium in Moon Pills

Magnesium is an essential mineral involved in over 300 enzyme reactions in the body. Magnesium contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal muscle function and to normal psychological function, and it also contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, which is the basis for its inclusion here.^[16]

Beyond the general EU-authorised claims, magnesium has been studied specifically in premenstrual symptoms. A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial found that magnesium supplementation reduced premenstrual symptoms of fluid retention, such as weight gain, swelling and breast tenderness, compared with placebo.^[17] A randomised, double-blind, crossover study combining 200 mg of magnesium with 50 mg of vitamin B6 daily for one cycle found this combination reduced anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms more than either nutrient's baseline effect alone.^[18] A further randomised trial comparing magnesium, vitamin B6 and placebo across three groups of women over two menstrual cycles reported reduced PMS severity scores in both active groups relative to placebo.^[19]

To be transparent, results across the wider magnesium-and-PMS literature are mixed: some earlier crossover trials found no significant benefit for magnesium taken alone in the first month of use, with effects becoming clearer after two or more cycles of consistent use, and most trials are small. This is one reason Moon Pills pairs magnesium with vitamin B6 rather than relying on magnesium alone.

Vitamin B6 in Moon Pills

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in amino acid metabolism and neurotransmitter synthesis. Under authorised EU health claims, vitamin B6 contributes to the regulation of hormonal activity, contributes to normal psychological function, and contributes to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.^[20]

Vitamin B6 has a long research history specifically in PMS. A randomised crossover trial in 63 women found that 50 mg of pyridoxine daily produced a significant improvement in emotional symptoms of PMS, including depression, irritability and tiredness, though it found no significant effect on physical symptoms.^[21] As above, combining magnesium with vitamin B6 has shown more consistent benefit than either nutrient alone across several small randomised trials, including reductions in anxiety-related and overall PMS severity scores.^[18][22]

The honest limitation is that vitamin B6 trials for PMS are decades old in places, use varying doses and symptom scales, and were mostly conducted before modern reporting standards for clinical trials existed, which makes it harder to compare results directly. It remains, however, one of the more consistently supported nutrients in this space, which is why it is paired with magnesium here rather than used as a standalone claim.

DIM in Moon Pills

DIM, or diindolylmethane, is a compound formed in the body when cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale and cabbage are digested. As a supplement it is taken as a concentrated, standardised form of the same compound. It is included in Moon Pills for its studied effect on how the body metabolises oestrogen, specifically the balance between different oestrogen breakdown products.

In a placebo-controlled pilot study, postmenopausal women given DIM daily for 30 days showed a significant shift in urinary oestrogen metabolites towards the 2-hydroxyestrone pathway, one of two main routes the body uses to break down oestrogen.^[23] A larger randomised, placebo-controlled trial in women on tamoxifen therapy found that 12 months of DIM supplementation produced a sustained increase in this same metabolite ratio compared with placebo.^[24] A more recent randomised study in postmenopausal women using transdermal oestradiol found that adding DIM altered the urinary oestrogen profile compared with oestradiol alone, though the authors noted it is not yet clear whether this shift is large enough to meaningfully change how oestrogen therapy feels or works for the person taking it.^[25]

This is the area where we want to be most careful about overclaiming. DIM research to date has mostly measured changes in urinary hormone metabolite ratios as a marker of oestrogen metabolism, in relatively small groups of postmenopausal or medicated women, rather than measuring day-to-day PMS or cycle symptoms directly in a broad population. It does not "detox" or remove oestrogen from the body, and it should never be assumed to interact predictably with hormonal medication without medical advice, which is why this is flagged clearly in the cautions below.

Bioperine in Moon Pills

Bioperine is a patented, standardised extract of black pepper (Piper nigrum) fruit, standardised to a minimum level of piperine, its main active alkaloid. It is not included for a hormonal effect of its own; it is included to support the absorption of the other actives in the formula.

Piperine's absorption-enhancing effect has been studied since the late 1990s. Early pharmacokinetic work showed that piperine is absorbed rapidly across the intestinal wall and can inhibit certain drug-metabolising enzymes and transport proteins in the gut wall and liver that would otherwise break down or export compounds before they reach circulation.^[26] The best-known clinical demonstration of this effect is a small human and animal study which found that a 20 mg dose of piperine taken alongside curcumin increased peak blood levels of curcumin roughly twentyfold in human volunteers compared with curcumin taken alone.^[27] While that particular trial used curcumin rather than the botanicals in this formula, it is the mechanistic basis for including piperine alongside plant extracts and nutrients that are otherwise poorly and inconsistently absorbed.

The main limit of the evidence is that most controlled human trials on piperine's bioavailability effect have used a small number of test compounds, mainly curcumin and certain vitamins, rather than the specific botanicals in Moon Pills, so its effect here is reasonably inferred rather than directly measured for this exact combination. Because it strengthens absorption, it can in principle also increase the absorption of some medications, so it is worth mentioning to a doctor or pharmacist if you take regular prescription medicine.

How to take

Take 2 capsules a day with water, ideally with a meal. One pot lasts 30 days. Consistency matters more than timing: most of the research behind these ingredients used daily use for 8 to 12 weeks before assessing effects, so give the formula at least two to three full cycles before judging results.

Ingredients and nutritional information

Each pack contains: 60 capsules · 30 days

Serving: 2 capsules daily, with water, ideally with breakfast.

Active ingredients: Shatavari root extract, Vitex (chasteberry) extract, Ashwagandha root extract (KSM-66), Magnesium (bisglycinate), Vitamin B6, DIM (diindolylmethane), Bioperine (black pepper extract).

*NRV: Nutrient Reference Value, Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011. † No NRV established.

Cautions and allergen advice

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Moon Pills is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Shatavari, Vitex, Ashwagandha and DIM all act on hormonal pathways that have not been adequately studied in pregnant or breastfeeding women, and Vitex in particular has traditional use around lactation that has not been validated in modern trials.
• Medications: Vitex may interact with hormonal contraception, hormone replacement therapy and dopamine-affecting medications (including some antipsychotics), because of its effect on prolactin and pituitary signalling; do not combine without medical advice. Ashwagandha may increase the effect of sedatives, thyroid medication and immunosuppressants, and should be used cautiously alongside these. DIM can affect how the body metabolises oestrogen and may interact with hormonal contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy or tamoxifen; speak to your doctor before combining. Bioperine can increase the absorption of some prescription medications, so check with a pharmacist if you take regular medicine.
• Children: Not intended for anyone under 18.
• Medical conditions: Avoid if you have a hormone-sensitive condition (such as oestrogen-receptor-positive breast cancer, endometriosis or uterine fibroids), a thyroid disorder, or a pituitary disorder, unless cleared by your doctor. Ashwagandha is a nightshade family plant and a member of the Solanaceae family; those with nightshade sensitivities or autoimmune conditions should check with a doctor first.
• Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.

Allergen advice

Moon Pills is formulated without any of the 14 EU-listed allergens as intentional ingredients: Shatavari, Vitex, Ashwagandha, Magnesium, Vitamin B6, DIM and Bioperine are all plant, mineral or vitamin-derived, and the capsule shell is vegan. If a future batch ever changes an ingredient source, the label is the definitive reference, not this page.

Moon Pills is produced in a facility that also handles other food supplement ingredients and follows standard allergen control procedures to minimise the risk of cross-contact. Always read the label before use, particularly if you have a diagnosed food allergy or intolerance.

References

1. European Parliament and Council of the European Union. (2011). Regulation (EU) No 1169/2011 on the provision of food information to consumers, Annex XIII: Reference intakes. Official Journal of the European Union. eur-lex.europa.eu
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3. 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 Nov-Dec;44(8):754-764. doi:10.1080/27697061.2025.2510474
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16. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to magnesium and contribution to normal psychological function, reduction of tiredness and fatigue, and regulation of hormonal activity, among others, pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1807. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1807
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18. De Souza MC, Walker AF, Robinson PA, Bolland K. A synergistic effect of a daily supplement for 1 month of 200 mg magnesium plus 50 mg vitamin B6 for the relief of anxiety-related premenstrual symptoms: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. J Womens Health Gend Based Med. 2000 Mar;9(2):131-9. doi:10.1089/152460900318623
19. Fathizadeh N, Ebrahimi E, Valiani M, Tavakoli N, Yar MH. Evaluating the effect of magnesium and magnesium plus vitamin B6 supplement on the severity of premenstrual syndrome. Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 2010 Dec;15(Suppl 1):401-5. PubMed
20. EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B6 and regulation of hormonal activity, normal psychological function, and reduction of tiredness and fatigue, among others, pursuant to Article 13(1) of Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. EFSA Journal. 2010;8(10):1759. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2010.1759
21. Doll H, Brown S, Thurston A, Vessey M. Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and the premenstrual syndrome: a randomized crossover trial. J R Coll Gen Pract. 1989 Sep;39(326):364-8. PubMed
22. Ebrahimi E, Khayati Motlagh S, Nemati S, Tavakoli Z. Effects of magnesium and vitamin b6 on the severity of premenstrual syndrome symptoms. J Caring Sci. 2012 Dec;1(4):183-9. doi:10.5681/jcs.2012.026
23. Dalessandri KM, Firestone GL, Fitch MD, Bradlow HL, Bjeldanes LF. Pilot study: effect of 3,3'-diindolylmethane supplements on urinary hormone metabolites in postmenopausal women with a history of early-stage breast cancer. Nutr Cancer. 2004;50(2):161-7. doi:10.1207/s15327914nc5002_5
24. Thomson CA, Chow HHS, Wertheim BC, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of diindolylmethane for breast cancer biomarker modulation in patients taking tamoxifen. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2017 Aug;165(1):97-107. doi:10.1007/s10549-017-4292-7
25. Newman MS, Smeaton J. The impact of 3,3'-diindolylmethane on estradiol and estrogen metabolism in postmenopausal women using a transdermal estradiol patch. Menopause. 2025 Jul 1;32(7):630-639. doi:10.1097/GME.0000000000002542
26. Khajuria A, Zutshi U, Bedi KL. Permeability characteristics of piperine on oral absorption--an active alkaloid from peppers and a bioavailability enhancer. Indian J Exp Biol. 1998 Jan;36(1):46-50. PubMed
27. Shoba G, Joy D, Joseph T, Majeed M, Rajendran R, Srinivas PS. Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers. Planta Med. 1998 May;64(4):353-6. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957450