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Seed Cycling is a hormone balancing practice; it’s one of the most popular wellness practices among women. Many famous bloggers have tried it and Instagram has many bloggers mentioning their experience with seed cycling as well.
To start with, let us speak about woman’s hormones. A woman’s hormones are a complex system that functions in a delicate balance. And these hormones are greatly influenced by our diet, exercise, sleep, stress levels, and environmental toxins. This means that any of these factors can easily affect our hormonal balance. And these hormonal imbalances are responsible for a number of health concerns, including irregular periods, acne, PCOS, thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, etc.
So Seed cycling is a process that can support your hormones in a gentle, yet effective way. This simple practice helps in balancing hormone levels, reduces PMS symptoms, boosts fertility, and can help stimulate menstruation in amenorrhea (Complete absence of menstruation).
Let us talk more about seed cycling in detail.
Table of Contents
Read: Natural remedies for Irregular periods
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed Cycling is the practice of supplementing your diet with seeds like sunflower seeds, pumpkin, flax, and, sesame. This helps to promote a healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. It’s a completely natural way that helps in balanced hormones.
Also, seed cycling can be used at any stage of a woman’s life (including post-menopause). But it’s especially beneficial when coming off of hormonal birth control or struggling with post-birth control syndrome symptoms like acne, irregular periods or missing periods, PCOS or PMS.
Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle
For a better understanding of how seed cycling works, First you need to understand the two main phases of your menstrual cycle.
Follicular Phase and Luteal Phase
The first 14 days of your menstrual cycle make up the follicular phase, while the following 14 days make up the luteal phase. When your hormone levels are balanced, estrogen rises during the first half of your cycle whereas progesterone levels rise (while estrogen levels slowly decline) during the second half of your cycle.
An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can contribute to PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, acne, short luteal phases, anovulation, irregular cycles, and amenorrhea.
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Seed Cycling and The Moon
A full lunar cycle is 28 days and so is the women’s menstrual cycle. Ancient knowledge says that we were made in accordance with the moon’s cycle. The belief is that we would be at our peak fertility or would be ovulating during the full moon(brightest nights) and low fertility during the new moon(darkest nights).
How Does Seed Cycle Work?
1. Follicular Phase (Menstruation to Ovulation) – Day 1 to Day 14 from the first day of your period
During the first phase of the menstrual cycle (follicular phase), pumpkin seeds and flax seeds help improve our estrogen levels while preventing excess estrogen. Flax seeds contain lignans which bind to excess estrogen. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which helps support progesterone production as you move towards the progesterone rise in the second phase of your cycle.
2. Luteal Phase (Ovulation to Menstruation) – Day 14-28 beginning right after Ovulation
During the second phase of your cycle (luteal phase), sesame seeds and sunflower seeds help boost progesterone production. The two seeds are ground and eaten raw. Whole seeds will have difficulty in absorption into the body, hence it is recommended to eat them in the ground powder form.
Sesame seeds are a rich source of zinc which helps boost progesterone production and also contain lignans that help block excess estrogen while progesterone rises. Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E can help boost progesterone production, while selenium helps detox the liver of excess estrogen.
Seed Cycling For PCOS- The Role of Seeds
1. Lignans for Hormones
Flax seeds are considered phytoestrogens, which have a weak estrogen-like effect in the body. This naturally supports healthy estrogen production and Flax seeds contain lignans which is good for estrogen binding. Some research shows that flax seeds help in lengthening the luteal phase, improving ovulation, and reducing common PMS symptoms such as breast pain and cramping.
Sesame seeds also contain lignans which help to block excess estrogen during the second phase of your menstrual cycle when progesterone rises. Research shows that sesame seeds are beneficial for postmenopausal women by improving blood lipids, antioxidants, and sex hormones.
2. Zinc for Hormones
Pumpkin and sesame seeds both contain high levels of zinc. This mineral helps to improve the formation of the corpus luteum in the uterus. The corpus luteum is responsible for producing progesterone and stimulates the uterus to thicken in preparation for potential implantation.
3. Omega-3s, Omega-6s + Vitamin E Importance in Seed Cycling for Hormones
Both flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s promote blood flow to the uterus, increase progesterone secretion, and help maintain healthy cell membranes. In addition, Vitamin E has been linked to reducing PMS symptoms. Research also shows that Vitamin E, omega-3s, and omega-6s found in pumpkin, sesame, sunflower, and flax seeds are essential for hormone production and follicle function.
4. Selenium in Seeds and the Cycle
Sunflower seeds are high in the trace mineral selenium, and support estrogen detoxification in the liver. This helps reduce excess estrogen during the luteal phase when estrogen declines and progesterone rises.
How to Seed Cycle For PCOS?
- Grind Pumpkin and Flax seeds and store them in a freezer to keep them fresh
- Consume 1-2 tablespoons of the above-mentioned seeds by just sprinkling some of them onto your dish. You can sprinkle them on your salads, smoothies, etc.
- Consume this till your ovulation
- Change the seeds to sesame and sunflower on the day of your ovulation
- Continue this till you menstruate
- Repeat consumption of pumpkin and flax seeds from the first day you menstruate
- Continue this cycle for a minimum of 3 months to start seeing results.
Seed Cycling Chart
How Long Does Seed Cycling Take To Work?
Good things take time so, seed cycling takes time to show results in your body. It can take at least three months of daily use to start noticing the benefits. Keeping a journal to track your symptoms throughout the month can help you identify the shifts happening over the months. And if you are planning to follow this practice for a long time, then it’s totally up to you. There is no harm in eating these seeds every day.
Seed Cycling Before and After 3 Months
Since I was diagnosed with PCOS about 7 years back, I have always had irregular periods. I have tried every remedy available including the prescribed hormonal pills to induce periods. The pills did help me get my periods for a month or 2 and then the same story continued. Some of the side effects of these pills included weight gain and cystic acne. Cystic acne for me was the worst as it made me self-conscious and also reduced my confidence.
There were times when I just didn’t want to look at myself in the mirror.
On one such day, I came upon a youtube video mentioning “seed cycling and its benefits for PCOS”. I immediately googled the keyword and came across many articles on how seed cycling helped them clear up their acne and also regulate their menstrual cycles.
So, I finally decided to give it a try.
Since my periods were very unpredictable, I started with flax seeds and pumpkin seeds on the first day of my periods till the 14th day and then swapped them with sesame and sunflower seeds.
How I Incorporated Seeds Into My Daily Routine
- I added them to smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or chia seed pudding
- Sprinkled on toast, nourish bowls, salads, or soups
- Sometimes when I was bored, I also added these seeds to homemade sauces or chutneys
- I also made my very own homemade granola with pumpkin and flax or sesame and sesame seeds
What happened after I started Seed Cycling?
My acne slowly started to clear up and I got my periods in around 35 days which is rare. I also had fewer premenstrual symptoms and there were little to no clots in my blood flow.
I also had lesser mood swings and felt light on my stomach. I always used to feel bloated and after incorporating seeds into my diet, my motions also seemed to be more regular(thanks to the fiber content in seeds).
Most importantly, my emotions were under control. My skin felt soft unlike before.
I cannot give all the credit to seed cycling as I also made some lifestyle changes like going for whole foods, regular exercise, and trying to stay away from processed and junk food as much as possible.
Cutting down on dairy has personally helped me a lot.
As you can see, my acne has cleared a lot, and coming to periods, they have improved. I am yet to see the perfect 28-day cycle.
If you are also looking for a safer alternative to metformin, then check out the below article.
Read: Myo Inositol for PCOS Benefits & Best Inositol Supplement Brands
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Seed Cycling
Q) Does seed cycling have any side effects?
Ans) Seed cycling is a natural hormone balancing therapy that works in accordance with the moon’s phases. It doesn’t have any serious side effects.
Q) Is seed cycling good for acne?
Generally, imbalanced hormones show up on the skin as acne, and regularly incorporating these seeds in your diet like the way mentioned can help your hormones. Balanced hormones result in clear and acne-free skin.
Q) Do you have to grind seeds for seed cycling?
Whole seeds can be difficult to digest. Hence, it is very important to grind the seeds as it makes digestion easier. By grinding seeds, all the nutrients are properly absorbed by the body.
Q) Is seed cycling good for conceiving/fertility?
Seed cycling balances the female hormones – progesterone and estrogen which are necessary for fertility. This results in increasing your chances of conceiving naturally.
Q) Will seed cycling cure PCOS?
PCOS is caused due to hormonal imbalance as well. And, seed cycling can indeed support balancing the hormones naturally.
Q) Is seed cycling safe during pregnancy?
Yes, you can safely consume seeds during pregnancy. One of the main benefits you get from seed cycling during pregnancy is its nutritional benefits. The seeds have a lot of fiber which makes them the best addition to your diet.
Seed cycling Grocery List
Buy all the required seeds below by clicking on the links.
- Health Warrior Organic Pumpkin Seed Protein Bars
- Organic Flaxseeds
- Organic Pumpkin Seeds
- Organic Sesame Seeds
- Organic Sunflower Seeds
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This seems to be an amazing article for information regarding hormonal balance
This is a very new information I have come to know about harmonal imbalance. Keep it up.
Amazing had no clue about seed cycling before
It is so knowledgeable
Such an informative and interesting article ❤
Such an informative article .. I love to eat seeds but never knew these many benefits and aspects of it .. you explained it pretty well ..
I am so happy knowingly and unknowingly I imbibed see cycling in my life . Thank you for this bold and the details covered … informative and handy ❤️
This is truely amazing .. I already eat seeds coz I love em .. and theres benefits too amazing
Amazing article learned so much…had no idea about seed cycle befire
Very informative post on this issue…there are women who face issues but never talk about it…I hope this post reaches them
Very informative. Thanks for sharing in detail.
Woah. The article is really insightful. As hormonal imbalances are faced by women you have shared really helpful tips and also have very well explained the frequent answers that comes into women’s mind regarding seed cycling. The article is in very much detailed. Thank you for sharing.
This is soo informative post thank you for sharing this information with us
This is indeed a very informative article. Flaxseed and pumpkin seeds are very beneficial for menstruation cycle
Thats really something which I didn’t knew…thanks for this blog … really very informative
I’m always a big supporters of consuming seeds. It’s a very natural way of balancing a lot of things in your body. Didn’t know the technicalities though, very well explained
Amazing had no idea about seed cycling before will definetly try
Amazing had no idea about seed cycling before will definetly try it
I was totally unaware of these facts…u alwyz come up with something helpful..such a sweetheart
I heard about these seeds very much but by reading this article I got to knw a lot more…
I really didn’t knew anything about it ! I read each and very bit of the article and it was indeed very informative, helpful and so good for knowledge creation! Thankyou for sharing this wonderful post with us ❤️❤️❤️❤️
I never heard the term seed cycling before…each and every point mentioned in this article is explained so well..many women face hormonal imbalance but they don’t discuss about it…this article should reach out to every women out there
I I have been in this industry for some time now
for some time now but then this infinite information was totally new to me and never thought and this way how you explained everything so well , like about the seeds cycle and the moon , wow ! What an amazing concept
I have heard a lot about seed but after reading this article I got to know a lot more
People will hormonal imbalance would find it all the more informative!!! Amazingggg Content! ✔️
How do you know so much of everything? I am veryyyyyyyy impressed
Such an informative post ! This article should reach out to every women out there..❤
These seeds are really good. My dietitian recommended taking pumpkin, flax and sunflower seeds to balance my hormones. It has helped me a lot
This is really info to me. though I know the amazing benefits of adding seeds in your diet but using this in a proper and plan way to treat hormonal balance is new to me. thanks a lot for sharing it. will explore more about it from my side.
Wow what an incredible way to promote a healthy body. I had never heard of seed cycling before but now i feel so motivated to try it.
I had heard about seed cycling but wasn’t aware how to go about it. Such a wonderful article and all details have been explained in such an easy manner. Good one.
My body has lack estrogen so should I eat flaxseed only or have to follow the full seed cycle?
Seed cycling is scientifically proven to help with PCOS! Won’t cure though but helps a lot with the symptoms.
This is truly amazing, all seeds are full of nutrition, and help to live healthy .
I have heard about it but no good knowledge about the seed cycling. You have shared everything in detail about hormones balance and imbalance, and explained so well. Thank you for sharing.
I have heard about this but not have good knowledge about the same. You have shared everything in detail about hormone imbalance and explained so well. Thanks for sharing this article.
Omg this post is definitely helpful for me as i have a problem with irregular periods. I had absolute no idea about this seed cycling process that also in healthy way with no any sode effects. Will definitely try thank you for sharing hope it will help in my period.
I’m having problems of Acne because of harmonal changes hope this will help I’ll let you know after a time ❤️❤️
You always give the right information. Very helpful
Oh wow I am truly blown away with this informative post so much to learn about seeds I love my seeds and as a nation we love the sunflower seeds while we drink our tea… love your post ❤️
Ohh my waoo I just love you for this i never heard about this,this is actually informative blog. I have acne issue due to hormone hope this help.
Thats so informative article and something new for me again. I just love this blog a lot for always imparting useful information .
Wow this is so interesting and informative article… thanks for sharing this knowledge about seeds and how they impact our hormones ❤️
I had no clue about seed cycling . Thanks for the information ❤️
Very informative article, kudos
Such an informative article dear. I love to eat seeds but never knew these many benefits and aspects of it .. you explained it pretty well. Keep it up…
This information is very relevant as well as really clearly discribes for anyone to read and get benefits
Had heard about seed cycling but never practiced but now after reading your article I have realised its importance. Harmonal imbalance is new for me.
Wow you are a pool of some good information I never knew these benifits of the seeds though
This is so insightful and informative, i didn’t actually know so many things but after this article i think i know it all
This is an interesting read… got to know so many new things
Honestly, I had no idea how seeds were helping us manage our hormones. This article truly gave me a proper insight. Gonna follow them
Such a well written article
Wow I have never heard of seed cycling. I am nearing my menopause it seems. Can I delay it with aeed cycling.?
Totally love how informative your all articles are
I really enjoyed reading this article and love to eat seeds but didn’t know when to eat. Now it’s clear
For the first time I got to know about SEED cycling although I was very much aware of PCOS in real life. Thanks for letting me know
Very informative post … I think as a fellow women we all are curious about this topic
the menstrual cycle is a series of natural changes in hormone production and its relation with seeds consumption is totally a new concept for me. thank you for explaining
the menstrual cycle is a series of natural change in hormone production and its relation with consumption of seeds is totally a new concept for me. thank you for sharing
Totally unaware of this one . Very new for this me that time for seeds . Thanks
Such an amazing and inormative article.I use seeds in my diet but now I will consume with much clarity .
Very finely articulated.. it’s impressive as you’ve covered all the important details regards seed cycling.
Such an amazing n informative post…love reading your article always..
I really enjoyed reading this article. It’s so informative and very well articulated ☺️
Something I really recommend others to read…Richa I love your video and overall content everytime..and this is something unique and brilliant write up
Very well researched post..The idea of grinding seeds is new to me,will try this..
So much deep information loved this article this has covered so many questions that we come across
I had no idea about seed cycling! Thank you for educating me, your articles are always so so interesting!
This article has covered almost all the answers for those questions which we come across in every day life thanks for sharing
This is a wonderful article buddy☺️☺️I love all your writings today’s topic is really interesting
Such an awesome content for women and loving all topics related to girls✔️
Wowww I am so glad!! Been having seeds since long! This is amazing information!! Thanks!
Never hear about seed cycling It’s very interesting, I will star eating more seeds as you suggest, I think will help balance my hormones.
Very interesting
Great information !! I dint knew about seed cycling so much , all your posts are so well explained !!
It is compiled very well. I read full and it is very knowledgeable.
Very detailed article on seed cycling. I myself have tried it for more than 6 months. The health benefits are really great
Seed cycling is completely a new topic for me. I have learnt about it while reading this article. Thank you for sharing
Wow that is a new information for me. I wasn’t aware about seed cycling and how it helps in balancing the hormones’. I suffer from PCOD and weight gain has been on the rise due to these hormone issues. I would love too try this myself.
The two things that made me curious to read your article are the words, ‘seed cycling’ & ‘hormonal balance’. I have been suffering a lot due to hormonal imbalances but have never heard this term seed cycling. Since this is a completely natural way of balancing hormones, I am definitely going to try this out. Thanks for sharing this informative post.
It’s an important information that you have shared. Often we grab half baked info and end up applying it wrongly. This post enables us to know seed cycling completely
Wow I had no idea about this concept at all! Your post has been an absolute eye opener and I’m taking a lot of information from here.
This is such an interesting topic and has got me intrigued. Never knew about seed cycling. Seeds are part of my daily diet. I consume them with my oats in my brekkie.
Wow i never knew about this at all . This is so informative post . I am struggling with hormonal balance . I have saved your post and going to follow this cycle .
Very informative post. Honestly didn’t know aboit such a vast benefits of seeds to our body. Thia post deserves to share as much as we can. As Women are onws who are struggling with so many woman problems, need to know the right food for their body in the form of seeds.
Wow today I learnt something new. I have never before heard about the term Seed Cycling and it was interesting to read and know so much about it.
wow this is very interesting, didin’t know about this. Thanks for sharing because a lot of women face hormonal imbalance issue.
This is such an insightful article. I had no idea about seed cycling. So good to know about this, something that I now wish to try out. Will spread d word too.
Wow didn’t know about this
Very useful articles :)) – mytwobaobeis
interesting article, tks for sharing
gd to know this
Thank you for sharing
What an insightful article. I am a person who live to munch all kinds of seeds for snaking so super glad to know all the good effects of having these .
Oh wow so many good information in there that is so useful.
Interesting. Glad it works out for you.
That is very useful
Thank u for sharing I do have pcos N hope it help me
Good information! I never knew these
Such a great informative article
It’s good for health
This is a very useful article
Great information shared, it’s useful!
Great information about this article.
Very interesting on seed cycling
Very informative article indeed. Good job
Great job thanks for sharing this
This really very amazing
Well written and very informative
This is really interesting! So informative too
Nice and interesting info!
You are diligent to do this consistently. I can see the results on your face! Thanks for the informative sharing!
Interesting article! Very informative
Very informative article good
this is really great
Very informative article. Thanks for sharing this
This is so useful !
Wow this is so useful to me! TYVM!
Thanks for such informative sharing!
This is so useful thank you!
Great article there!!