Seed Cycling for Hormonal Balance

Have you ever heard of seed cycling? Seed cycling is the practice of eating specific seeds during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to help promote the healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. It’s a completely natural way to help reduce PMS symptoms, boost fertility and can help stimulate menstruation and other symptoms of hormonal imbalances.

Seed Cycling For Hormone Balance

The two main phases of your menstrual cycle are the follicular and luteal phases. The first 14 days of your cycle makes up the follicular phases, while the following 14 days are the luteal phase. When your hormones are balanced, estrogen rises during the first half of your cycle, whereas progesterone levels rise during the second half. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can include symptoms such as menstrual camps, PMS symptoms, short luteal phases, irregular cycles and amenorrhea. 

How Seeds Influence Hormones

During The Follicular Phase, Phytoestrogens In Flax Seeds Help Increase Or Decrease Estrogen Levels As Needed. Phytoestrogens Are Compounds In Plant That Can Mimic The Action Of Estrogen. Zinc From Pumpkin Seeds Is Claimed To Promote Progesterone Production In Preparation For The Next Phase Of The Cycle. During The Luteal Phase, Lignans — A Type Of Polyphenol — In Sesame Are Supposed To Inhibit Estrogen Levels From Increasing Too Much. Also The Vitamin E In Sunflower Seeds Is Thought To Help Boost Progesterone Levels. 

Days 1-14 Of Your Cycle

• Eat 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax seeds

• Eat 1-2 tablespoons of ground pumpkin seeds

Days 15-28

• Eat 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds

• Eat 1-2 tablespoons of ground sesame seeds

If you have an irregular cycle, you can use the phases of the moon as a general guideline. In this case, day 1 of your cycle would begin with the new moon.

Days 1-14 (new moon to full moon), eat pumpkin seeds and flax seeds

Days 15-28 (full moon to new moon), eat sunflower seeds and sesame seeds

Seed Cycling for Menopause Symptoms

Flax seeds are also great for postmenopausal women helping to improve symptoms like hot flashes, nervousness, mood changes and headaches. It also is linked to cancer-fighting properties and a reduced risk of breast cancer in postmenopausal women. 

Other Benefits of Seed Cycling

Including flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds into your diet is a great way to promote good health! All four seeds are rich in fibre, magnesium, copper, thiamine, vitamin E, and healthy fats. These are all vital to good health.