Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance

Seed cycling is a nutrient-based practice that involves consuming specific types of seeds over different phases of the menstrual cycle (or moon cycle if menstruation is absent) to support one’s body and hormones in functioning optimally. Seed cycling is a popular practice among alternative health practitioners, and is understood to have been popularized in 2012 by naturopathic practitioner Lindsey Jesswein.

The first step in seed cycling is to tune into the rhythm of our own menstrual cycle, or into the rhythm of the moon cycle if menstruation is very irregular, or absent. The two main phases of a women’s menstrual cycle are the follicular and luteal phase. The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. The second phase is after ovulation, and this is referred to as the luteal phase. Typically, the follicular phase is from day 1-14, and the luteal phase day 15-28, having said that every human body is different and that is why this discovery of your cycle is so important. If cycles are very irregular, overly long / short, or postmenopausal, one can follow the phases of the moon to practice seed cycling: Day 1-14 new moon to full moon and days 15-28 full moon to new moon.

Image Source: Clue App

Our hormone requirements are very different during these two phases, and we can support this by using the seed cycling protocol. Certain varieties of seeds contain different amounts of lignans and essential fatty acids that are important for hormone production. Lignans bind to excess estrogen to support balanced levels and the fatty acids assist in hormone production. During the follicular phase (Days 1-14) we use Flax, Chia and Pumpkin seeds to support Estrogen and in the luteal phase (Days 15-28) we use Sesame and Sunflower seeds to support Progesterone.

Following a seed cycling protocol for hormone balance, along with a supportive diet and lifestyle, women have seen noticeable improvements in acne, PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, infertility, libido, depression, PCOS, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, and managing coming off birth control.

What functions do the various seeds have? ...

Flax seeds contain lignans which support healthy estrogen productions. These lignans, also found in sesame seeds, can bind to excess estrogen which is helpful in the second phase of the menstrual cycle when progesterone is the dominant hormone. Pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds both contain high levels of zinc which helps support the uterus and the production of progesterone. Flax and pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that promote blood flow to the uterus and increase progesterone secretion and maintain healthy cell membranes. Sunflower seeds are high in selenium and support estrogen detoxification in the liver.

To get started ... add 1-2 TBSP of ground Flax seeds, Chia seeds and /or Pumpkin seeds to your daily diet during the follicular phase (Days 1-14) and 1-2 TBSP of Sesame seeds and /or Sunflower seeds daily for the luteal phase (Days 15-28). You can consume these however you prefer... whether this be to add them into a smoothie, sprinkle them onto veggies or cooked dishes, or prepare Seed Cycling specific energy balls! (see recipes below...)

Photo Credit: Abigail Plaskett

Continue this each cycle and pay attention to your body and notice how you are responding to this practice. Because it is a gentle food-based approach you may need to be patient as it could take several cycles to notice the improvement.

Are you interested in learning more about hormone function and how we can use natural approaches to balance hormones? Book a free Discovery Call with me and let's chat more about how we can work together on this!