Seed cycling for women’s hormone health: Does it work?

What is seed cycling?

Seed cycling involves consuming seeds during specific phases of the menstrual cycle to potentially balance hormones and improve health outcomes. This practice targets hormonal imbalances that contribute to issues such as irregular menstruation, infertility, menopausal symptoms, and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Seed cycling protocol

The protocol for seed cycling involves two main phases:

– Follicular phase (Days 1-14): During this phase, women consume one tablespoon each of pumpkin seeds and ground flaxseeds daily. These seeds are believed to support estrogen levels, as estrogen becomes dominant while the endometrium thickens in preparation for potential pregnancy.

– Luteal phase (Days 15-28): Its is recommended to consume one tablespoon each of sesame and sunflower seeds daily to support progesterone levels. During this phase, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone, preparing the body for a potential pregnancy.

For those with irregular periods or who are not currently menstruating, the moon cycle can serve as a guide to follow: Begin the flax and pumpkin seed phase on the night of a full moon, and transition to sesame and sunflower seeds on the new moon to align with hormonal changes.

Why these specific seeds?

Each seed used has unique properties that contribute to hormone regulation:

– Flaxseeds: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and phytoestrogens, flaxseeds can help reduce inflammation and balance estrogen levels.

– Pumpkin seeds: High in omega-3s and zinc, these seeds support progesterone production and provide phytoestrogens to mimic estrogen.

– Sunflower seeds: Containing vitamin E and lignans, sunflower seeds aid in progesterone support and help detoxify excess estrogen through selenium.

Sesame seeds: Rich in zinc and lignans, sesame seeds assist in regulating both estrogen and progesterone levels.

What is the scientific evidence?

Scientific research supports the role of these nutrients in hormone health and wellbeing:

Hormone balance: Phytoestrogens in flax and sesame seeds may mimic estrogen, helping to balance hormone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.

Menstrual and menopausal symptoms: Nutrients like zinc, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids may alleviate menstrual cramps, reduce breast tenderness, and ease menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): Seed cycling may help balance hormones and reduce estrogen dominance, which is common in those with PCOS, though it should not be used as the sole treatment.

However, despite its popularity, most evidence supporting seed cycling is anecdotal. This may be due to a few reasons:

– The amount of seeds you would need to eat to meet the nutritional requirements is beyond what you would find in a single tablespoon

– Food sources high in nutrients like zinc and magnesium (e.g. red meat, poultry, seafood, wholegrains) contain numerous other beneficial nutrients that can support balanced hormones and menstrual/menopausal symptoms – so you wouldn’t want to eat less of these foods in place of eating only seeds!

– Seed cycling alone is not a treatment for hormone-related conditions and, if used, should be incorporated as part of broader dietary and lifestyle changes

Our conclusion

While seed cycling is a promising natural therapy for supporting hormonal health, more research is needed to substantiate its claims. It may be a valuable addition to a holistic wellness protocol but should be used alongside other treatments and lifestyle modifications.

If you do want to consume seeds, you don’t have to eat them on their own either – they can be added to smoothies, salads, stirfrys or chia puddings! Ground seeds may offer higher nutrient absorption, and using unsalted, raw, and unroasted seeds is recommended for full benefits.

Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your health routine, especially if you have conditions like PCOS.

Want to learn more? Read our latest blog on: How important are iron-rich food for women’s health.