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Frequently Asked Questions
About the shift
The Shift is a clinical-strength, non-hormonal herbal protocol formulated to regulate your nervous system. During peri/menopause, rising stress load and declining hormonal buffers push the body into a state of chronic dysregulation, driving mood instability, disrupted sleep, and cognitive fatigue. The Shift works as a neuro-endocrine modulator, using full-spectrum extracts of 10 synergistic herbs to help your system recalibrate its own signals, without synthetic hormones.
Most peri/menopause supplements target a single symptom with generic ingredients. The Shift is designed to regulate the whole system. We use full-spectrum granule extracts that are significantly more potent than ground raw herbs, and deliver the therapeutic dosage standard used in clinical Traditional Chinese Medicine practice, now formulated for the Western woman.
This formula is designed for women who feel fragmented. If you are navigating sleep disruption, mental fog, emotional reactivity, mood swings, etc. this systems-level approach is for you. It is particularly effective for the wired-but-tired pattern, where high-stress exhaustion and anxiety go hand in hand.
Note: If you are currently taking blood thinners or are pregnant or nursing, consult your physician before starting this protocol.
The Shift follows two phases: Reset and Sustain.
During Reset (month one), your body needs a higher concentration of botanicals to build baseline support. Your first shipment includes two bottles to cover this higher dose. From month two onward, you shift to the Sustain dose: one bottle per month.
The price is the same throughout. The extra bottle in the Reset is our investment in your results, not an added cost to you.
If you choose the Gentle Path (4 capsules per day instead of 8), one bottle lasts a full month. You'll receive a heads-up email mid-subscription with a simple option to skip your next delivery so nothing piles up.
Because the formula targets the root regulatory imbalance rather than individual symptoms, women report improvements across several areas:
- Mood: Less irritability, anxiety, and the feeling of being constantly on edge.
- Energy: More sustained vitality and less heavy fatigue.
- Sleep: Falling asleep faster and staying asleep longer.
- Brain fog: Improved focus and mental clarity.
- Temperature: Reduced frequency and intensity of hot flashes and night sweats.
- Body tension: Reduced neck, shoulder, and jaw tightness.
The formula is a 10-herb network, each selected for specific bioactive compounds that interact with distinct biological pathways: Bupleurum (Chai Hu), White Peony (Bai Shao), Dong Quai (Dang Gui), Atractylodes (Bai Zhu), Poria (Fu Ling), Licorice Root (Gan Cao), Ginger (Gan Jiang), Mint (Bo He), Gardenia (Zhi Zi), and Moutan Bark (Mu Dan Pi).
See the full ingredient breakdown on the product page.
The base formula has over 600 years of clinical use across Asia and is supported by a growing body of modern research. For the broader research behind the formula, visit our science page. Before public launch, Project M ran a private pilot study with 35 women over 8 weeks, tracking symptom changes across brain fog, sleep, energy, mood, and more. You can read the full pilot results here.
HOW TO TAKE IT
We recommend chatting with M, our herbal advisor for the most personalized dosing to achieve for best results.
In general, split the dose. Take half in the morning and half in the aearly evening to maintain a steady level of active herbs throughout the day. If you are on a maintenance dose of 4 capsules or fewer, you can take them all at once if that works better for your routine.
Ideally, yes. These are potent root extracts and having food in your stomach supports smooth digestion and optimal absorption. If you have a resilient stomach, taking them with water is also fine. Listen to your body.
Most women feel a shift within the first two to three weeks. The higher starting dose is specifically designed to accelerate this.
- Days 1–10: Physical changes tend to come first. Deeper sleep, less bloating, better digestion.
- Days 11–21: The nervous system begins to recalibrate. Fewer hot flashes, steadier mood, lifting brain fog.
If you don't feel a difference by week 3, email us. We can help adjust your routine or dose.
Take it when you remember. If you missed your morning dose, take your evening dose as usual and return to your normal routine the next day. Do not double up to compensate. Consistency over time is what drives results.
No. Peri/menopause is a transition, not a permanent state. The Shift is designed to restore your baseline. Once you are sleeping well, calm, and clear, you can taper off. That said, many women choose to stay on a low maintenance dose because they simply feel better on it.
It depends on where you are in the transition. If your symptoms have fully resolved and your lifestyle supports your new baseline, you may stop and stay stable. If you are still in the thick of perimenopause, symptoms may gradually return as the underlying hormonal fluctuation continues. If you decide to stop, step down to 2 capsules daily first rather than stopping abruptly.
Health Considerations
Yes! The two work well together. HRT addresses hormonal levels directly and often resolves hot flashes effectively. What it frequently does not resolve is irritability, mood instability, and disrupted sleep. These are nervous system symptoms, and that is where The Shift works. Many women on HRT find that adding The Shift produces the most complete relief. Consult your doctor regarding your specific regimen.
No. One of the key ingredients, Dong Quai (Dang Gui), supports blood circulation. If you are on prescription anticoagulants such as Warfarin or Coumadin, do not take this product.
Generally yes, but timing matters. Thyroid medications require an empty stomach. Take your thyroid medication first thing in the morning as prescribed, then wait at least three hours before taking your first dose of The Shift. We always recommend consult your doctor regarding your specific situation and schedule.
The Shift contains no synthetic hormones. Its underlying formula has been studied specifically in the context of breast cancer. A 2023 meta-analysis of 17 randomized controlled trials found that modified Xiaoyao San (the underlying herbal formula) combined with chemotherapy improved quality of life and reduced treatment-related symptoms. In China and Japan, this class of formula is routinely prescribed alongside conventional oncology treatment, including Tamoxifen.
We always recommend consulting with your health provider before starting any supplement protocol.
The Shift is a modified version of Xiao Yao San. Memorial Sloan Kettering's write up of this formulation. Full ingredients: White Peony Root (Bai Shao), Dong Quai Root (Dang Gui), Bupleurum Root (Chai Hu), Poria Mushroom (Fu Ling), White Atractylodes Rhizome (Bai Zhu), Gardenia Fruit (Zhi Zi), Tree Peony Root Bark (Mu Dan Pi), Honey-Prepared Licorice Root (Zhi Gan Cao), Fresh Ginger Rhizome (Sheng Jiang), Mint Herb (Bo He).
SUBSCRIPTIONS, SHIPPING & RETURNS
We currently ship to all 50 United States and Puerto Rico.
Shipping is complimentary on all subscriptions. One-time purchases ship at a flat rate of $8 unless otherwise noted.
Most orders are fulfilled within 2 business days. Standard delivery takes 3–6 business days after shipment. You will receive a tracking link by email when your order ships.
Yes. You are in full control of your subscription at all times. To pause or skip an upcoming order, visit your account at joinprojectm.com/account. To cancel, email us at hello@joinprojectm.com and we will take care of it right away.
We offer a 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee on your first order. If you have taken The Shift consistently and do not feel a meaningful improvement within 90 days, email us at hello@joinprojectm.com for a full refund.
If you take The Shift consistently for 90 days and do not feel a meaningful improvement, we will refund you in full. No questions asked. This applies to your first order. Email hello@joinprojectm.com to request a refund.
We do not accept HSA or FSA cards directly at checkout. However, many providers will reimburse you with a doctor's note. We have created a Letter of Medical Necessity template to make this easy. Download it, bring it to your next appointment for a signature, and submit it to your provider.
Quality & Standards
No refrigeration needed. Keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing near steam (bathrooms, showers), as the granules can clump with moisture. Keep the silica packet inside the bottle.
The Shift is a dietary supplement regulated by the FDA under current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). Our manufacturing facility also holds PIC/S GMP certification, an international pharmaceutical standard used by health authorities in Europe and Australia. This exceeds standard US requirements.
The Shift is manufactured in a cGMP-certified facility in California, using herbs sourced from the native regions where each grows with the highest potency.
