Hormonal balance plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being, especially for women. From menstruation to menopause, a woman’s hormonal fluctuations can impact everything from mood to energy levels to skin health. In recent years, an ancient practice called seed cycling has gained popularity as a natural approach to support hormone balance.¹

Seed cycling involves consuming different types of seeds at different phases of the menstrual cycle to help support hormonal health. These seeds, packed with nutrients, can promote the body’s natural hormone production and regulate hormone levels. Let’s take a closer look at how seed cycling works and its potential benefits for women.

How Does Seed Cycling Work?

The menstrual cycle is typically divided into two main phases:

• Follicular phase (Days 1-14): This phase starts on the first day of menstruation and ends when ovulation occurs.
  
  
• Luteal phase (Days 15-28): This phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of the next period.

During these phases, different hormones, like oestrogen and progesterone, fluctuate and play key roles in the body’s reproductive processes. Seed cycling works by incorporating seeds into your diet that are rich in nutrients to help balance these hormones throughout the two phases.²

The Seeds And Their Benefits

Flaxseeds & Pumpkin Seeds (Follicular phase)
During this phase, the body needs extra support for oestrogen production as oestrogen levels rise. The combination of flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds offers the perfect hormonal boost.

• Flaxseeds: Rich in lignans (a type of phytoestrogen), flaxseeds help balance oestrogen levels by interacting with oestrogen receptors.³
  
  
• Pumpkin Seeds: Rich in zinc, these seeds support oestrogen production and reproductive health. Zinc also helps with progesterone production in the luteal phase.⁴
  
  
• How To Use: Consume 1-2 tablespoons of ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds daily during the first 14 days of your menstrual cycle (follicular phase).

Sesame Seeds & Sunflower Seeds (Luteal phase)
This phase is marked by the rise of progesterone in preparation for a potential pregnancy. Incorporating sesame seeds and sunflower seeds during this phase helps support the body’s production of progesterone, which is essential for maintaining a healthy menstrual cycle.

• Sesame Seeds: High in zinc, vitamin E, and lignans, sesame seeds help regulate progesterone, balance oestrogen, and reduce inflammation.^5,6
  
  
• Sunflower Seeds: Rich in selenium, these seeds support thyroid health, help remove excess oestrogen, and promote progesterone production.⁷
  
  
• How To Use: Consume 1-2 tablespoons of ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds daily during the second half of your menstrual cycle (luteal phase).

Health Benefits of Seed Cycling

1. Hormonal Balance
   By supporting the body’s natural hormone production with the specific nutrients found in these seeds, seed cycling may help regulate oestrogen and progesterone levels, promoting overall hormonal balance. This can be particularly helpful for women with PMS, irregular cycles, or menopausal symptoms.⁸
   
   
2. Improved Menstrual Cycle Regularity
   Regularly consuming seeds in line with your cycle can help promote more predictable and balanced periods. This is because the nutrients in the seeds support the natural rise and fall of oestrogen and progesterone levels, potentially reducing menstrual irregularities.⁹
   
   
3. Enhanced Skin Health
   Hormonal imbalances can often lead to skin issues like acne or dryness. Seed cycling’s support for balanced hormones may help improve skin health, reduce breakouts, and promote a healthier, more radiant complexion.¹⁰
   
   
4. Increased Energy & Mood Stability
   Hormonal fluctuations can significantly affect energy levels and mood. By supporting your hormonal system through seed cycling, you may experience more stable moods, reduced PMS symptoms, and increased energy levels throughout your cycle.¹¹
   
   
5. Reduced Symptoms Of Menopause 
   For women in perimenopause or menopause, seed cycling may help reduce common symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. The phytoestrogens in flaxseeds, along with other nutrients in the seeds, may help the body adjust to lower oestrogen levels and provide relief during this transitional phase.¹²

How To Get Started With Seed Cycling

1. Grind Your Seeds
   For optimal absorption, grind the seeds before consuming them. This makes the nutrients more bioavailable to your body.
   
   
2. Consistency Is Key
   To experience the full benefits, try to stick with seed cycling for at least 2–3 months. Hormonal changes take time, so it’s important to stay consistent with your seed intake.
   
   
3. Simple Recipes
   Add the seeds to smoothies, salads, oatmeal, or yoghurt to easily integrate them into your daily routine.¹³

A Natural Approach To Hormonal Health

While seed cycling can support hormonal health, it’s important to note there's no strong clinical evidence or large-scale trials that show seed cycling directly influences hormone levels or regulates the menstrual cycle. However, if you're dealing with PMS, irregular cycles, or menopause symptoms, it's a natural way to explore improving your symptoms. We recommend consulting with a healthcare professional for personalised advice.

Incorporating seed cycling into your routine can be a simple and natural way to support hormonal balance and overall well-being. Whether you’re looking to regulate your menstrual cycle, improve your skin, or find relief from menopause symptoms, seed cycling could be the key to unlocking a more balanced hormonal life.