Seed Cycling: A Holistic Approach to Hormone Balance
As a natural method with ancient roots, seed cycling combines traditional wisdom with modern research to support hormone health. It's a practice that involves consuming specific seeds—flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds—at different phases of your menstrual cycle. This beautiful food as medicine approach can relieve various hormonal issues, from PMS and hormonal acne to irregular cycles and menopausal symptoms.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is an intentional practice that involves eating certain seeds during the two main phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase and the luteal phase. Each seed type provides unique nutrients that support hormone production and regulation.
Historical studies suggest that the lunar calendar, or moon phases, may help regulate a woman’s cycle by influencing the release of neurohormones, sex hormones, and melatonin.
For those without a regular menstrual cycle, such as individuals with PCOS, endometriosis, or those in menopause, following the moon phases can serve as a guide for seed cycling. Some women find that after a few months of seed cycling with the lunar phases, their cycles become more regular, allowing them to transition to seed cycling based on their own menstrual cycles.
How Does Seed Cycling Support Hormone Health?
Hormones fluctuate due to internal and external factors like stress, diet, exercise, sleep, and environmental toxins. These imbalances can cause symptoms such as PMS, irregular cycles, hormonal acne, and even conditions like PCOS and thyroid issues. By integrating seed cycling into your daily routine, you can help manage these symptoms and promote a more balanced hormone profile.
Key Seeds and Their Benefits
Flaxseeds: Rich in lignans, flaxseeds can support estrogen balance and lengthen the luteal phase (ovulation to the next period). They can also help improve the ratio of progesterone to estrogen, making them a great addition for those with low progesterone or skipping periods.
Pumpkin Seeds: High in zinc, these seeds boost progesterone production and support testosterone levels, which is crucial for triggering ovulation.
Sesame Seeds: Also rich in zinc, sesame seeds help with progesterone production and contain lignans that can reduce excess estrogen. They are particularly beneficial for painful periods and hormone balance.
Sunflower Seeds: These are a good source of selenium, which supports liver detoxification of excess estrogen, and Vitamin E, which may aid progesterone production and protect cells from oxidative stress.
Seed Cycling and PCOS
PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is a complex hormonal disorder that can cause symptoms like irregular cycles, hair loss, acne, and insulin resistance. Recent research, including a 2023 study, highlights the benefits of seed cycling for individuals with PCOS. The study found that incorporating seed cycling into a balanced diet can aid in weight management, reduce cysts, and regulate hormones such as FSH and LH, which are often elevated in PCOS.
In the study, women who practiced seed cycling along with portion control experienced a decrease in body weight, hormone stabilization, and even cyst degeneration, which underscores seed cycling's potential as a natural tool for managing PCOS.
Getting Started with Seed Cycling
If you're interested in seed cycling, here’s how to incorporate the practice into your routine:
Follicular Phase (Days 1-14):
Seeds: 1 Tbsp of flaxseeds and 1 Tbsp of pumpkin seeds daily
Benefits: Supports estrogen production and prepares the body for ovulation
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):
Seeds: 1 Tbsp of sesame seeds and 1 Tbsp of sunflower seeds daily
Benefits: Enhances progesterone production and helps detoxify excess estrogen
You can add the seeds to smoothies, yogurt bowls, salads, or soups. Store seeds in the fridge to preserve freshness, and grind them daily for optimal nutrient absorption.
Bringing Seed Cycling into Your Lifestyle
If you prefer convenience, companies like Seed Cycle offer pre-blended seed mixes.
You can also create your own mixes using organic seeds, ensuring they’re fresh and nutrient-dense. Regardless of how you incorporate it, seed cycling offers a simple, food-based approach to supporting hormone balance and overall wellness.
By aligning this ancient practice with your modern lifestyle, you can embrace a holistic approach to health that empowers you to take charge of your hormonal well-being.