Selene · Formulation Reference
→ Cycle ScienceThis document describes the complete decision logic behind every pack. It is intended for clinical advisors, formulators, and regulatory reviewers. All ingredient selections, dose justifications, and future biodata integration plans are documented here.
Each daily pack is assembled by the buildDailyPack() engine in layers. Each layer is gated by subscription tier. Contraindications are evaluated at each step before any item is added.
The 4–5 core ingredients for the current cycle phase. These are clinically validated for every menstruating person regardless of profile. Cap: 4 capsules.
Profile-specific ingredients added. Items that worsen the profile's core pathophysiology are removed from the base stack.
Breastfeeding → iodine + choline. Plant-based → algae DHA replaces fish oil, B12 added. High melanin → D3 boosted.
HRV dip → cortisol buffer. Low sleep score → calm support. Elevated glucose → metabolic support. Temp deviation → phase prediction signal.
Self-reported goals mapped to clinical supplements via GOAL_BOOSTS table. Goals can add items not in any base or profile stack.
User-selected add-on ingredients bypass tier capsule caps. They are checked for contraindications but always included if safe.
Tier caps
These ingredients are included for all subscribers in each phase, regardless of profile or tier. They address the primary hormonal and physiological shifts of each phase.
Menstrual
Days 1–5
Magnesium Glycinate— "The Unwind"
300mg
Relaxes uterine muscle and calms the nervous system — the most evidence-backed PMS supplement.
strongOmega-3 (EPA/DHA)— "Anti-Flame"
500mg EPA+DHA
Competes with prostaglandins to reduce cramping and systemic inflammation.
strongIron Bisglycinate— "Replenish"
18mg
Gentle iron that replenishes what you lose each cycle without GI upset.
strongGinger Extract— "Pain Patrol"
250mg
Inhibits prostaglandins — as effective as ibuprofen for dysmenorrhea in RCTs.
strongFollicular
Days 6–13
B-Complex— "Fuel Up"
1 capsule
B vitamins power mitochondria — especially important as estrogen rises and energy should too.
strongRhodiola Rosea— "Go Mode"
200mg
Adaptogen that sustains the follicular energy lift and sharpens focus without a crash.
moderateVitamin D3— "Sunshine"
2000 IU
Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic and disrupts the HPG axis — critical for cycle regularity.
strongZinc Bisglycinate— "Clear Skin"
15–25mg
Peaks at ovulation — critical for follicle maturation, plus blocks 5α-reductase (less acne).
strongOvulatory
Days 14–16
Maca Root— "Heat Wave"
500mg
Amplifies libido at its natural peak — works on the hypothalamus, not hormones directly.
moderateCoQ10— "Egg Power"
200mg
Mitochondrial fuel for developing follicles — most critical in the 90 days before ovulation.
moderateZinc Bisglycinate— "Clear Skin"
15–25mg
Peaks at ovulation — critical for follicle maturation, plus blocks 5α-reductase (less acne).
strongVitamin B6— "Serotonin Seed"
50mg
Cofactor for serotonin synthesis — directly counters the luteal serotonin dip.
strongLuteal
Days 17–28
Magnesium Glycinate— "The Unwind"
300mg
Relaxes uterine muscle and calms the nervous system — the most evidence-backed PMS supplement.
strongVitex (Chasteberry)— "The Balancer"
400mg
Raises progesterone by lowering prolactin — reduces PMS in 52% of users vs 24% placebo.
strongVitamin B6— "Serotonin Seed"
50mg
Cofactor for serotonin synthesis — directly counters the luteal serotonin dip.
strongSaffron Extract— "Mood Lift"
30mg
Comparable to fluoxetine for PMS mood symptoms at 30mg in RCTs. Raises serotonin naturally.
strongCalcium Carbonate— "PMS Shield"
500mg
48% reduction in PMS symptom score in trials — most effective supplement for overall PMS.
strongEach profile is detected from the intake quiz, symptom selection, age, and cycle parameters. The table below shows the complete ingredient stack at each tier, per cycle phase.
High estrogen relative to progesterone — common in the 30s–40s. Drives heavy periods, bloating, breast tenderness, and mood dips in the second half of your cycle.
Short or spotty luteal phase, anxiety that spikes before your period, sleep trouble in the second half of the month. Progesterone is your "calm" hormone — when it's low, everything feels harder.
Irregular cycles, chin or jaw acne, unwanted facial hair, or a PCOS diagnosis. Driven by insulin resistance and excess androgens — the good news is both respond well to targeted nutrition.
PCOS without insulin resistance — normal or low BMI, irregular or absent cycles, and often elevated LH. The driver is hypothalamic dysfunction, not metabolic. Berberine is wrong here: it lowers blood sugar that's already normal and can cause reactive hypoglycemia. Inositol works on FSH signaling independent of insulin sensitivity; spearmint and NAC target androgen excess directly without touching blood sugar.
Cycles getting irregular, hot flashes, sleep disruption, and a mood you don't recognize. Usually starts in the early 40s — your estrogen is fluctuating wildly before it declines for good.
No more cycles, but the work isn't done. Post-menopause is the window for bone building, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive maintenance. Estrogen is low and stable — the stack here protects the systems it used to support.
You're already managing estrogen via prescription — phytoestrogens (red clover, soy isoflavones) add uncontrolled estrogen on top of a calibrated dose and don't belong here. The stack covers the downstream gaps your HRT doesn't: bone mineral density via K2 directing calcium into bone not arteries, cognitive support via phosphatidylserine, and cardiovascular protection via omega-3. Confirm additions with your prescribing physician.
Dry skin, vaginal dryness, low libido, joint aches, or brain fog that doesn't lift. Can happen post-pill, during intense training, or from undereating. Estrogen isn't just a reproductive hormone — it's everywhere.
In the 1–2 weeks before your period, mood, anxiety, or rage become hard to manage — then they lift the moment bleeding starts. PMDD is a neurological sensitivity to progesterone fluctuation, not a character flaw.
Persistent fatigue, hair thinning, cold hands and feet, slow metabolism, or a diagnosed thyroid condition. The thyroid sets the tempo for everything — cycles, weight, mood, and energy all follow its lead.
In Hashimoto's the immune system is attacking the thyroid — the thyroid is the target, not the problem. Selenium (200mcg) reduces anti-TPO antibodies in multiple RCTs and is the most evidence-backed supplement for slowing immune attack. High-dose iodine can trigger flares by increasing antigen presentation; this protocol avoids it. Vitamin D and omega-3 work on immune regulation as much as thyroid function.
Endo tissue outside the uterus drives some of the worst menstrual pain documented — plus chronic pelvic pain, painful sex, and exhaustion. The protocol targets the prostaglandin cascade, estrogen signaling that feeds endo tissue, and the oxidative stress unique to this condition.
Fibroids are estrogen-driven benign tumors that cause heavy bleeding, pressure, and pain. They affect up to 70% of women and are dramatically underaddressed. The protocol targets fibroid cell proliferation, estrogen clearance, and replenishes iron lost through heavy cycles.
The first 2–5 years of menstruation are often irregular, heavy, and painful — not because something is wrong, but because the HPG axis is still calibrating. Gentle support for iron replenishment, bone building, and acne management during peak adolescent development.
Hypothalamic amenorrhea — missing periods from underfueling, overtraining, or chronic stress. The hypothalamus interprets stress as famine and shuts down reproduction. The protocol restores HPA axis balance and replenishes nutrients depleted by high cortisol and low energy availability.
When the body doesn't have enough fuel, the hypothalamus shuts down reproduction first — it's a survival response, not a failure. The missing period is a signal, not the problem. This protocol replenishes the nutrients most depleted by chronic restriction (B vitamins, iron, zinc, folate, vitamin D) and supports the HPA axis without stimulants that can suppress hunger signals. Recovery takes time and pairs best with a registered dietitian.
Birth depletes iron, DHA, zinc, and B vitamins dramatically. Add postpartum thyroid vulnerability, estrogen-crash hair loss, and mood risk — and you have the most nutritionally demanding stretch of a woman's life. The protocol addresses all four simultaneously without crossing into breastfeeding contraindications.
Hormonal birth control depletes B6, B12, folate, zinc, magnesium, and CoQ10 — often significantly. The first 3–6 months off the pill, your body rebuilds depleted cofactors and reactivates ovulation. This stack accelerates the reset and smooths the hormonal volatility of the transition.
Natural conception means optimizing egg quality, cycle regularity, and the uterine environment simultaneously — every month. The protocol front-loads CoQ10 for mitochondrial support in developing follicles, active folate before you know you're pregnant, and zinc for precise ovulation timing.
The 90 days before retrieval determine the eggs collected — the follicles developing now are the ones your clinic will aspirate. This stack maximizes oocyte mitochondrial health, antioxidant protection in follicular fluid, and DNA fidelity in maturing eggs. Once your clinic starts FSH or LH injections, pause all non-prescribed supplements and confirm what to resume post-retrieval with your reproductive endocrinologist.
Your reproductive endocrinologist's protocol is primary — this stack covers only the supplement gaps with strong evidence and minimal interaction risk during IVF treatment. CoQ10 for oocyte mitochondria, methylfolate for DNA repair, vitamin D for implantation success rates, omega-3 for embryo development. Everything else defers to your clinic. Confirm any additions with your REI before starting stimulation.
Estrogen upregulates tryptophan hydroxylase and suppresses serotonin transporter reuptake — effectively raising serotonin availability. As estrogen rises in the follicular phase, mood often lifts. As it falls in the late-luteal phase and the perimenopausal years, that neurochemical support withdraws. The Low Light addresses the nutritional foundation beneath the hormonal mood axis.
Estrogen has mild anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing properties. Its withdrawal in the late-luteal phase can trigger or worsen both depressive and hypomanic episodes. Omega-3 EPA has the strongest double-blind evidence for bipolar depression support of any nutritional compound. This stack is the hormonal nutritional layer — it never replaces mood stabilizers or antipsychotics.
67% of women with OCD report premenstrual exacerbation. As allopregnanolone withdraws in the late-luteal phase, GABA tone drops and the cortico-striato-thalamic loop that drives OCD runs with reduced inhibition. NAC has the strongest nutritional evidence base for OCD through glutamate modulation. Inositol works downstream of serotonin receptors, complementing the NAC mechanism.
Your cycle is working. Now make it work for you. This is the performance-first stack for women with regular cycles and no specific diagnosis — built to amplify energy, resilience, and recovery across all four phases.
Built for the woman who trains. Intense exercise depletes iron, creatine, and magnesium faster than average — and your recovery window is compressed by your cycle's hormonal shifts. This stack synchronizes supplement timing with your training load.
Your situation is specific — HRT regimen, transition stage, complex history, or conditions that don't fit a named pattern. A clinical advisor will review your intake and build a pack matched to your actual biochemistry, not a best-guess template.
Self-reported goals in the intake quiz trigger additional ingredients at the Full tier. Goal items are added after the profile stack and are capped by remaining capsule capacity.
energy
sleep
mood
libido
skin
fertility
stress
cramps
weight
hair loss
Biometric data from connected devices modifies the pack in real time. Current signal sources: Oura Ring, Garmin (via Health app), CGM (Dexcom / Libre via Apple Health), Apple Health.
HRV < 85% of 90-day baseline
Cortisol likely elevated
PS blunts cortisol peak by ~30% (Hellhammer 2004)
Sleep score < 65
Sleep debt
100–200mg L-theanine + 0.5mg melatonin; non-sedating, non-habit-forming
Fasting glucose avg > 100 mg/dL
Insulin resistance signal
Berberine 1000mg/d = metformin-comparable A1c reduction in meta-analyses
Core temperature deviation > +0.3°C sustained
Possible ovulation / luteal shift
No supplement trigger — UI signal only
Predicted phase override — not yet supplement-triggered; flags in UI only
The pack engine applies dose scaling based on body weight, age, and wearable biometrics. Fields marked 'planned' are collected at onboarding but not yet applied to dosing.
Body weight (kg)
Iron bisglycinate
Women >75kg may need 30mg vs 25mg to achieve serum ferritin >30 ng/mL. Currently fixed; future: BMI + menstrual loss estimate.
Magnesium glycinate
Therapeutic ceiling ~6mg/kg/day. A 90kg woman can absorb 540mg/day vs 300mg standard. Currently capped at 300mg.
Creatine
Maintenance dose is ~0.03g/kg/day. 3g/day add-on is adequate below 100kg; consider 5g/day for high-mass athletes.
Height / BMI
Vitamin D3
Adipose tissue sequesters D3; BMI >30 may require 2–4× standard dose to reach serum 25(OH)D >40 ng/mL. Currently 2000 IU fixed.
Omega-3 / Algae DHA
Anti-inflammatory effect is dose-dependent on body weight. 1g EPA+DHA is effective at normal weight; 2g warranted above 80kg.
Age
CoQ10
Endogenous synthesis declines ~50% by age 40. Essential tier dose (100mg) should scale to 200–400mg for women 40+. Currently flat.
Calcium
Post-menopausal profile already boosts calcium. Future: continuous taper from baseline ~500mg at 20 → 1000mg at 50+ based on bone remodeling curves.
Collagen
Skin collagen density declines 1%/year after 25. Add-on dose (10g) is standard; no weight/age adjustment needed at this dose.
Wearable — HRV trend (rolling 90-day)
Phosphatidylserine
Currently binary: HRV < 85% baseline → add PS. Future: dose-titrate from 100mg (mild) to 400mg (severe HRV suppression).
Ashwagandha
Combined cortisol/stress signal (HRV + self-report stress) to add ashwagandha as second-line adaptogen when PS alone is insufficient.
Wearable — Sleep architecture
Melatonin
Current: 0.5mg if sleep score < 65. Future: 0.5mg for delayed circadian phase, 1mg for total sleep time < 5h, skip if sleep latency is the only issue.
Magnesium glycinate
Slow-wave sleep deficiency (when provided by device) triggers evening timing emphasis. Currently timing is fixed to evening regardless.
CGM — continuous glucose
Berberine
Currently static threshold (avg glucose > 100). Future: time-in-range <70% or post-meal spikes >160mg/dL trigger dosing regardless of fasting average.
Inositol
Myo-inositol 2g/day reduces post-meal glucose in PCOS even without elevated fasting glucose. Add when CGM shows persistent follicular-phase spikes.
Rationale for weight-based dosing: Most supplement RCT doses are calibrated on 60–70kg study populations. For ingredients with narrow therapeutic windows or steep dose-response curves (magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3, creatine), weight-adjusted dosing improves efficacy and reduces the risk of under-dosing in larger-framed women. Height adds context for lean vs. adipose mass distribution, which affects fat-soluble vitamin absorption (D, K2, omega-3). Implementation requires only BMI or weight at onboarding — no clinical-grade measurement is needed.
Add-ons are user-selected daily boosters that ship alongside the base pack. They bypass tier capsule caps and are always included once subscribed, subject to individual contraindication checks. All are available as standalone subscriptions at any tier.
Daily 3g pouch — brain, strength, and cycle-phase stamina. Women start with ~80% lower stores than men.
Creatine boosts phosphocreatine in both muscle and brain — women start with ~80% lower stores than men, so the cognitive and strength gains from supplementation are proportionally larger.
Ramp: No loading phase needed. 3g/day reaches full saturation in 28 days with no GI impact — this is the clinically preferred protocol.
Daily 2g pouch — insulin sensitivity and ovulation support. Works with or without PCOS.
Insulin sensitizer and FSH amplifier — restores ovulation in PCOS in multiple RCTs.
Ramp: Start at 1g for the first week, then step up to 2g. Full cycle-regulation effect takes 8–12 weeks.
Daily 10g bovine pouch — clinical-dose skin, hair, and joints. Add to morning coffee.
Estrogen supports collagen synthesis — supplementing in follicular phase amplifies the effect. 10g is the clinical dose; capsule form is impractical at this amount.
Ramp: Start at 5g for week 1 if your stomach is sensitive. Skin changes take 6–8 weeks of consistent use to notice.
Vitamin C + silica + lysine — the vegan collagen-building stack, in capsule form.
Supports your body's own collagen synthesis — vitamin C is the essential enzyme cofactor, silica enables cross-linking, lysine provides the substrate. A complete vegan alternative to exogenous peptides.
Ramp: Results build over 8–12 weeks. Works via endogenous synthesis rather than exogenous peptides — the mechanism is different, the outcome is comparable.
Daily 250mg NMN — raises NAD+ for mitochondrial energy, egg quality, and cellular repair. Especially relevant for women 35+.
Raises intracellular NAD+ — declines ~50% between 40 and 60, accelerating during perimenopause. 2025 Nature Metabolism head-to-head RCT showed NR and NMN raise blood NAD+ equivalently. NR recommended: same efficacy, lower cost (~$0.50/day vs $2+/day for NMN). Pair with apigenin to inhibit CD38 (the enzyme that re-depletes the pool). Supports oocyte mitochondrial function — most critical in the 90 days before retrieval or natural conception.
Ramp: Start at 300mg/day. Take in the morning (circadian alignment with NAD+ synthesis). Add TMG (trimethylglycine 500mg) as a methyl donor companion if taking >500mg/day long-term.
Creatine monohydrate— the most evidence-backed women's supplement not already in the base stack. Women start with ~70–80% lower creatine stores than men (smaller muscle mass + typically lower dietary intake from red meat). 3g/day raises muscle PCr stores by 20–30% and has emerging evidence for luteal-phase mood and cognitive support (see Smith-Ryan 2021, Dolan 2019). No loading phase needed. Safe at all cycle phases.
55 total ingredients. Evidence levels: strongmoderateemerging
Multiple RCTs or systematic meta-analyses, sample sizes >500, effect replicated in independent labs
RCTs exist but with limitations (small N, industry funding, short duration) or only observational cohort data
Mechanistic or animal data only, early-phase human pilot, or strong traditional evidence awaiting RCT confirmation
300mg
Relaxes uterine muscle and calms the nervous system — the most evidence-backed PMS supplement.
sleep calm
timing: evening
CI: kidney-disease
500mg EPA+DHA
Competes with prostaglandins to reduce cramping and systemic inflammation.
pain inflammation
timing: morning · with food
CI: blood-thinners
18mg
Gentle iron that replenishes what you lose each cycle without GI upset.
energy metabolism
timing: morning
CI: hemochromatosis
250mg
Inhibits prostaglandins — as effective as ibuprofen for dysmenorrhea in RCTs.
pain inflammation
timing: with-meal · with food
CI: blood-thinners
1 capsule
B vitamins power mitochondria — especially important as estrogen rises and energy should too.
energy metabolism
timing: morning · with food
200mg
Adaptogen that sustains the follicular energy lift and sharpens focus without a crash.
stress hpa
timing: morning
CI: bipolar
2000 IU
Vitamin D deficiency is epidemic and disrupts the HPG axis — critical for cycle regularity.
hormone balance
timing: morning · with food
CI: hypercalcemia
15–25mg
Peaks at ovulation — critical for follicle maturation, plus blocks 5α-reductase (less acne).
hormone balance
timing: evening · with food
500mg
Amplifies libido at its natural peak — works on the hypothalamus, not hormones directly.
libido intimate
timing: morning · with food
CI: hormone-sensitive-conditions
200mg
Mitochondrial fuel for developing follicles — most critical in the 90 days before ovulation.
fertility
timing: morning · with food
CI: blood-thinners
400mg
Raises progesterone by lowering prolactin — reduces PMS in 52% of users vs 24% placebo.
⚠ Mild headache or nausea in the first 1–2 weeks is common and usually resolves on its own.
hormone balance
timing: morning
CI: hormonal-bc, pregnant, ivf
30mg
Comparable to fluoxetine for PMS mood symptoms at 30mg in RCTs. Raises serotonin naturally.
mood serotonin
timing: evening · with food
CI: ssri, pregnant
500mg
48% reduction in PMS symptom score in trials — most effective supplement for overall PMS.
hormone balance
timing: evening · with food
CI: hypercalcemia
50mg
Cofactor for serotonin synthesis — directly counters the luteal serotonin dip.
mood serotonin
timing: morning · with food
200mg
Shifts estrogen metabolism toward safer pathways — targets estrogen dominance directly.
⚠ Urine may turn slightly darker — this is normal. Some notice headaches in week 1 as estrogen pathways shift.
hormone balance
timing: evening · with food
CI: pregnant, estrogen-deficient
500mg
Blocks beta-glucuronidase, preventing reabsorption of conjugated estrogens in the gut.
hormone balance
timing: morning · with food
900mg
Clinically shown to reduce free testosterone in PCOS — equivalent to 2 cups spearmint tea/day.
androgen control
timing: morning · with food
2g
Insulin sensitizer and FSH amplifier — restores ovulation in PCOS in multiple RCTs.
⚠ Occasional loose stools in week 1 at full dose — almost always self-resolving.
androgen control
timing: morning
CI: bipolar
500mg
AMPK activator — comparable to metformin for insulin sensitivity in PCOS without prescription.
⚠ GI cramping or diarrhea if taken on an empty stomach — always take with food.
androgen control
timing: with-meal · with food
CI: pregnant, metformin, diabetes-meds
600mg
Glutathione precursor — reduces androgen levels and oxidative stress in PCOS.
androgen control
timing: morning
CI: nitroglycerin
40mg
Best-studied non-hormonal option for hot flashes — works via serotonin receptors, not estrogen.
hormone balance
timing: evening · with food
CI: liver-disease, hormone-sensitive-cancers, pregnant
80mg isoflavones
Plant estrogens that partially activate estrogen receptors — reduces hot flash frequency.
hormone balance
timing: morning · with food
CI: hormone-sensitive-cancers, pregnant, blood-thinners
300mg
Cortisol modulator — high cortisol tanks progesterone; ashwagandha breaks that cycle.
⚠ Occasional GI discomfort if taken fasted. Rarely: vivid dreams in week 1.
stress hpa
timing: evening · with food
CI: thyroid-meds, autoimmune, pregnant
200mg
Alpha brainwave activator — calm without sedation. Pairs with caffeine to prevent the jitters.
sleep calm
timing: anytime
300mcg
Physiological replacement dose (300mcg) resets circadian timing without suppressing endogenous melatonin — higher consumer doses (3–10mg) cause receptor desensitisation over time.
⚠ 300mcg is the pineal gland's natural nightly output. At this dose, next-day grogginess is rare.
sleep calm
timing: evening
CI: autoimmune, pregnant
400mcg
Active form bypasses MTHFR gene variants — 40% of women can't convert folic acid.
fertility
timing: morning · with food
CI: methotrexate
100mg
Blunts the cortisol spike from stress — especially useful in luteal when HRV dips.
stress hpa
timing: evening · with food
CI: blood-thinners
400mg
AKBA in boswellia inhibits 5-LOX — a different anti-inflammatory pathway than NSAIDs.
pain inflammation
timing: with-meal · with food
CI: pregnant
10g
Estrogen supports collagen synthesis — supplementing in follicular phase amplifies the effect. 10g is the clinical dose; capsule form is impractical at this amount.
⚠ Rarely causes bloating at 10g in sensitive stomachs. Check the source if you have a shellfish or egg allergy (bovine-sourced is safe for most).
skin hair
timing: morning
vitamin C 500mg · silica 15mg · lysine 500mg
Supports your body's own collagen synthesis — vitamin C is the essential enzyme cofactor, silica enables cross-linking, lysine provides the substrate. A complete vegan alternative to exogenous peptides.
skin hair
timing: morning · with food
200mcg
Essential for T4→T3 conversion — most women with thyroid issues are selenium deficient.
thyroid
timing: morning · with food
250mg
Increases LH and testosterone in women at physiological doses — boosts libido without virilization.
libido intimate
timing: morning · with food
CI: hormone-sensitive-conditions, pregnant
1000mg
GLA reduces PGE2-driven breast tenderness and supports vaginal mucosal health.
hormone balance
timing: evening · with food
CI: pregnant, seizure-disorders, blood-thinners
500mg
BCM-95 form inhibits NF-κB and suppresses endometrial cell migration — distinct from COX-2 pathway.
pain inflammation
timing: with-meal · with food
CI: blood-thinners, gallstones, pregnant
400mg EGCG
EGCG reduced fibroid volume by 32.6% vs placebo in the only published RCT (Wahab et al., 2022).
hormone balance
timing: morning
CI: liver-disease, iron-deficiency, pregnant
500mg
Inhibits fibroid cell proliferation and aromatase; synergistic with EGCG for anti-fibroid effect.
hormone balance
timing: morning · with food
CI: quinolone-antibiotics, blood-thinners
100mcg
Directs calcium into bones rather than arteries — essential after estrogen loss accelerates bone turnover.
hormone balance
timing: morning · with food
CI: warfarin
220mcg (290mcg BF)
Breast milk iodine depends entirely on maternal intake — critical for infant brain development; most prenatal vitamins omit it.
thyroid
timing: morning · with food
CI: thyroid-disease, hyperthyroid
250mg
Transferred to breast milk at the expense of maternal stores — critical for infant neural development and widely undersupplemented.
energy metabolism
timing: morning · with food
CI: trimethylaminuria
3g
Creatine boosts phosphocreatine in both muscle and brain — women start with ~80% lower stores than men, so the cognitive and strength gains from supplementation are proportionally larger.
⚠ Mild water retention in week 1 as muscles hydrate — this is the creatine working, not fat gain. GI issues only happen with old-school loading (20g/day); skip that.
energy metabolism
timing: morning · with food
CI: kidney-disease
480mg
Montmorency tart cherry contains anthocyanins and natural melatonin precursors — reduces exercise-induced muscle damage by 10–15% and cuts time to sleep onset.
pain inflammation
timing: evening · with food
250mg DHA
Vegan-source DHA from microalgae — the original source fish accumulate omega-3s from. Clinically equivalent to fish oil for mood, cognition, and anti-inflammation, without animal products.
energy metabolism
timing: morning · with food
1000mcg
The most bioavailable form of B12 — critical for nerve conduction, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency is near-universal in plant-based diets and common with MTHFR variants.
energy metabolism
timing: morning
1g
GABA-receptor modulator that blunts luteal-phase anxiety and irritability. 2023 Science paper identified taurine decline as a hallmark driver of aging; supplementation supports mitochondrial and cardiac function.
⚠ Very well tolerated. GI upset only at doses >6g/day.
sleep calm
timing: evening
CI: kidney-disease
300mg
Raises intracellular NAD+ — declines ~50% between 40 and 60, accelerating during perimenopause. 2025 Nature Metabolism head-to-head RCT showed NR and NMN raise blood NAD+ equivalently. NR recommended: same efficacy, lower cost (~$0.50/day vs $2+/day for NMN). Pair with apigenin to inhibit CD38 (the enzyme that re-depletes the pool). Supports oocyte mitochondrial function — most critical in the 90 days before retrieval or natural conception.
⚠ Mild flushing at high doses (less than niacin). Rare GI discomfort. At very high doses (>2g/day) may paradoxically inhibit sirtuins via NAM accumulation — stay at studied range.
energy metabolism
timing: morning
4mg
Carotenoid from microalgae (vegan); 6,000× stronger antioxidant than vitamin C in lipid membranes. Clinical trials show improved skin elasticity, hydration, and UV protection. Emerging anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial benefits.
⚠ Can tint skin/stool slightly pink-orange at high doses. Rare at 4mg.
skin hair
timing: morning · with food
1mg
Polyamine that activates autophagy — the cellular self-cleaning process that declines with age. Naturally present in wheat germ, mushrooms, and aged cheese. Human observational data links dietary spermidine to reduced all-cause mortality.
⚠ No significant adverse effects reported at food-equivalent doses (1–5mg).
energy metabolism
timing: morning · with food
40–60mg SGS equiv.
Activates the NRF2 pathway — the master switch for antioxidant and detoxification genes. 2022 meta-analysis showed −10.9 mmHg SBP; 2025 RCT showed fasting glucose improvement (microbiome-dependent). Critical: supplement must contain glucoraphanin + active myrosinase enzyme — heat destroys myrosinase in most capsule products.
⚠ GI discomfort in some users at high doses. Theoretical goitrogen concern at very high doses — stay at studied range.
pain inflammation
timing: morning
CI: chemotherapy, thyroid-disease
1.5–2g complex (144mg elemental Mg)
The only magnesium form shown to raise CSF magnesium levels — threonate transporter enables CNS penetration that other forms lack. 2025 industry-funded RCT (n=100) showed improved working memory composite and self-reported sleep. Distinct from magnesium glycinate: glycinate targets sleep/muscle; L-threonate targets cognitive function. Use this if brain fog is the primary symptom; use glycinate for sleep and cramps.
⚠ Well tolerated. Less GI upset than other Mg forms. Morning grogginess uncommon at studied dose.
sleep calm
timing: evening
CI: kidney-disease
5–20mg
Amino acid with a dedicated human transporter (OCTN1/SLC22A4) — its evolutionary conservation suggests biological necessity. Concentrates in mitochondria-rich tissues. Singapore cohort data links low plasma levels to cognitive impairment and frailty; longitudinal data shows slower cognitive decline with higher intake. Primary dietary source: mushrooms (oyster ~5mg/100g). No large interventional RCTs yet — evidence grade is observational.
⚠ No known adverse effects at studied doses (5–25mg). GRAS status in several jurisdictions.
energy metabolism
timing: morning · with food
10 billion CFU
Multi-strain synbiotic that restores estrobolome balance — the gut bacteria community controlling estrogen recirculation. 2025 meta-analysis (17 RCTs, n=1,214) showed probiotic supplementation in PCOS/PMOS improved insulin resistance and androgen markers (PMID 41346361).
⚠ Mild bloating in week 1 as microbiome shifts — usually resolves by day 5.
gut microbiome
timing: morning
CI: immunocompromised
1 billion CFU
The only probiotic strain with RCT evidence specifically for menopause transition: 2024 study (PMID 38742994) showed L. brevis KABP052 maintained serum estradiol levels during the perimenopause window — mechanism is estrobolome-mediated estrogen recirculation.
gut microbiome
timing: morning
CI: immunocompromised
1 billion CFU each
The gold-standard vaginal microbiome combination — 20+ years of clinical data. Restores Lactobacillus dominance in vaginal flora. Vaginal microbiome composition predicts IVF implantation success; Lactobacillus-dominant is associated with significantly higher live birth rates.
gut microbiome
timing: evening
CI: immunocompromised
3 billion CFU
CEREBIOME — double-blind RCT evidence for reducing psychological distress scores and urinary free cortisol in healthy adults. 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. High cortisol in luteal phase blocks progesterone; this combination works the gut-brain-hormone axis from the root.
gut microbiome
timing: evening
CI: immunocompromised
50–100mg
Flavonoid that inhibits CD38 — the primary enzyme that degrades NAD+ (activity rises sharply with age and inflammation). Used as an adjunct to NMN or NR: NMN/NR refills the NAD+ pool; apigenin blocks the drain. Also binds GABA-A receptors for mild anxiolytic and sleep-onset effects. No standalone human RCT for CD38 inhibition; 2023 multi-component human study showed NAD+ elevation when combined with other precursors. Rich dietary source: chamomile tea.
⚠ Generally well tolerated. Potent CYP1A2 and CYP2C9 inhibitor — clinically significant drug interactions possible. Do not combine with warfarin, caffeine-sensitive medications, or serotonergic drugs without physician review.
energy metabolism
timing: evening
CI: warfarin, clozapine, erlotinib, ssri
Ingredient-level contraindications — each ingredient carries a list of conditions/medications that exclude it from the pack. These are checked individually at every pack build.
Profile-level removes — some hormone profiles actively remove ingredients from the base stack because those ingredients worsen the profile's pathophysiology (e.g., vitex is removed in PCOS because it can worsen androgen symptoms).
Hard stops (currently manual)— pregnancy, active cancer treatment, pediatric age (<13), and known hypersensitivity. These are collected during onboarding and result in full pack suspension pending clinical consultation. Not yet automated.
FDA disclaimer — All ingredients are classified as dietary supplements under DSHEA. No ingredient in the Selene formulary has an approved drug claim. Statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Saffron + SSRI interaction — Saffron (30mg/day) has mild MAO-inhibiting properties and serotonergic activity. It is contraindicated in the PMDD profile when SSRIs are active due to theoretical serotonin syndrome risk, despite limited clinical evidence at this dose. Conservative exclusion maintained.
Vitex + hormonal BC / IVF — Vitex may interfere with exogenous progestins and is excluded when hormonal birth control is active. It is also excluded during IVF due to unpredictable LH signaling interactions.
Berberine + metformin — Concurrent use may cause additive hypoglycemia. Berberine is excluded from any pack where metformin use is reported.
These ingredients have a plausible mechanism and a positive safety profile but insufficient large-scale human trial data to include in the core formulary. We track the literature and will promote them to active status as evidence matures. In the meantime they appear as optional add-ons for users who want early access.
Our inclusion threshold:≥2 human RCTs, >80 subjects total, no serious adverse signals in safety literature. “Unclear” means the mechanism is sound but effect size or optimal dose remains debated. “No harm” means low-risk to trial while research continues.
Key citations supporting ingredient selection, phase timing, dose rationale, and profile-specific recommendations. Organized by section. All studies are peer-reviewed unless noted as observational or review.
Selene Formulation Reference · Last updated via codebase sync · For clinical review only