Seed Cycling: What Is It and Does It Work?

Seed cycling is a dietary practice that involves eating certain kinds of seeds – flaxseed, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds – during the menstrual cycle or at certain times of the month. This article takes a closer look at what seed cycling is, how to do it, and what the science says about it.

The rationale behind the method is that the seeds help the body maintain a healthy balance between estrogen and progesterone. In turn, this is meant to help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility, and it’s been claimed to reduce symptoms of PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, and menopause. Seed cycling itself is not new, but it has gotten more attention and become more widespread in recent years through social media and the wellness industry.

How does seed cycling work?

There are two main phases in the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase (before ovulation) and the luteal phase (after ovulation), and each phase is regulated by certain sex hormones. The main female sex hormones are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen levels are higher at the start of the cycle during the follicular phase while the body prepares to ovulate. Later, during the luteal phase, the levels of progesterone are higher to prepare the body for a potential pregnancy. When one practices seed cycling, one eats seeds to support the hormones in each cycle phase – flaxseed and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase to support estrogen, and sunflower and sesame seeds during the luteal phase to support progesterone. According to the method’s guidelines, it’s recommended to do this for at least three months.

How to do seed cycling?

The most common version of seed cycling is to follow a 28-day menstrual cycle, assuming that ovulation happens on day 14. Here’s how to do it:

 

• Eat 1-2 tablespoons each of ground flax and pumpkin seeds per day during days 1-14
• Eat 1-2 tablespoons each of ground sunflower and sesame seeds per day during days 15-28

 

A question that comes to mind here is what to do if the cycle doesn’t follow the 28-day pattern (which most don’t – only 13% of cycles are 28 days long, according to study of over 600,000 cycles). If a woman is tracking cycle and ovulation, she eats flax and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase and sunflower and sesame seeds during the luteal phase (if one is using Natural Cycles, one can know when to ovulate and adapt accordingly). However, even if usually has a different cycle length than 28 days, it’s still often recommended to follow the 28-day cycle when seed cycling and to eat each batch of seeds for 14 days.

Why does seed cycling claim to balance hormones?

Well, there are two main ways in which the seeds used could potentially affect our hormones (although more research is needed in this area – more on that later). The first is that the seeds used in seed cycling contain lignans, which is a type of phytoestrogen (a chemical compound that is found in plants). Lignans have some similar traits to estrogen, and they both have estrogen-like properties or block the effects of estrogen. In theory, eating seeds that contain lignans boosts estrogen levels when needed, and it blocks excess estrogen, balancing estrogen levels so that there’s enough estrogen in the follicular phase and not too much in the luteal phase. The second way in which seed cycling is claimed to balance hormones is by boosting progesterone levels, which happens due to the minerals and vitamins that the seeds contain.

 

The idea is that when eating flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds in the follicular phase, the lignans help make sure that estrogen levels are optimal. Pumpkin seeds contain zinc, so eating them in the follicular phase is meant to help with progesterone production ahead of the luteal phase. Switching to sesame and sunflower seeds in the luteal phase is claimed to help boost progesterone levels as they contain lots of zinc and vitamin E, which are good for progesterone production. At the same time, the lignans in sesame seeds help make sure that estrogen levels don’t get too high in the luteal phase.

Is there any science to support that seed cycling balances hormones?

Research into seed cycling and how it affects the menstrual cycle and our hormones is limited, so it’s hard to give a clear-cut answer to this question. There have been some smaller studies that have shown promising results. For example, one study of 90 women with PCOS found that diet control (controlled portion sizes) and seed cycling improved hormone levels, but it’s not possible to distinguish which change led to the improvement. Another small study on 45 women with PCOD (Polycystic Ovarian Disease) found that exercise in combination with a seed cycling regime gave better results than an exercise-only regime to improve blood glucose, stress, and anxiety, and came to the conclusion that nutrition plays an important role here.

Flaxseed, in particular, has been the subject of some research. One small study compared the cycles of 18 women who ate their regular diet for three cycles and added a flaxseed supplement for another three cycles. The results showed that there were no anovulatory cycles (cycles with no ovulation) during the cycles where they ate flaxseed (compared to three during the control cycles). The luteal phase was significantly longer on average during the cycles where the participants ate flaxseed.

According to a review article, because the existing body of research on the topic is inconclusive, seed cycling should be studied further to elucidate mechanisms that seed cycling may impact in various hormonal conditions. The reason for this criticism is that while flare-ups of fibroids are associated with estrogen, it is not clear if these seeds could stimulate the growth by an elevation in estrogen levels, as a failed approach to hormone balancing therapy for endometriosis once did. though that article also noted that the seeds are part of a supportive protocal for a healthy way of eating to help promote good hormonal health as a good source of minerals and healthy fats.

At the end of the day, more research on this topic is necessary, but it may be worth consuming these seeds, particularly when taken in combination with a healthy diet in general. If a female has any questions regarding making a change to her diet, then this is something which should be discussed with a healthcare provider. 

What causes hormonal imbalance?

Several things cause hormonal imbalances, and this includes both temporary lifestyle-related factors and more permanent conditions, for example:

Puberty, pregnancy, and menopause – during certain stages of life, hormonal changes are natural and happen more than usual.

• Stress – stress has a big impact on our health in general and causes hormonal imbalances.
• Medication or steroid use – it’s always good to discuss with a healthcare professional before taking medication if a girl wonders if they affect hormones.
• Tumors or damage to an endocrine gland, like the thyroid or adrenal glands.
• Certain autoimmune conditions, like Grave’s disease or Addison’s disease.

 

Symptoms of hormonal imbalances range greatly – from general fatigue to sudden unexplained weight loss or gain, irregular cycles, or depression. If one has already been diagnosed or believes that one has a hormonal imbalance, one must not delay contacting a doctor – they carry out the necessary tests and suggest a treatment. As regards seed cycling, it must be remembered that while it becomes a part of a healthy routine, it must not replace medical treatment. 

Are seeds good for anything else?

Seeds are a healthy addition to the diet for a lot of reasons that have nothing to do with hormonal health – after all, they are rich in protein, fat, and fiber, and a variety of minerals and vitamins.

• Flaxseed – contains omega-3, vitamin B, and minerals like copper, magnesium, zinc, and lignans. It’s suggested to reduce cholesterol levels, lowering blood pressure, and prevent certain kinds of cancers.

• Sesame seeds – contain vitamins E and B6 and minerals like selenium, iron, copper, zinc, manganese, and calcium. They’re good for bone health and reduce risk factors of heart disease due to lower cholesterol and blood pressure. In addition, they have some anticancer effects.

• Sunflower seeds – contain a lot of vitamin E and selenium. Their other health benefits include lowering cholesterol blood pressure and blood sugar as well.

• Pumpkin seeds – contain a lot of antioxidants, as well as iron, zinc, and magnesium. They’re good for the heart: lower blood pressure and blood sugar. They have some anti-cancer properties.

 

Seed Cycling For PCOS: Does It Work?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a quite common hormonal disorder that affects around 4%–20% of women of childbearing age. However, its symptoms vary, ranging from irregular periods and weight gain to infertility and acne. Even though there is no specific treatment for PCOS, numerous natural remedies help women to alleviate their symptoms. One such remedy is seed cycling, which means incorporating certain seeds into one’s diet throughout the specific menstrual cycle days.

The Science Behind Seed Cycling for PCOS

There are a few scientific investigations regarding this issue: because seed cycling itself is not a specific and unique treatment for PCOS. However, the nutrients incorporated in certain seeds are known to support appropriate hormonal balance. Thus, flaxseeds are rich in lignans, which are assumed to be beneficial in terms of insulin sensitivity as well as reducing androgen levels. Moreover, pumpkin seeds are a good source of zinc, which is beneficial in terms of normal ovarian function and fertility. One specific star study revealed that flaxseed oil factually helped to improve menstrual regularity and androgen levels among women suffering from PCOS. Thus, even though sound scientific investigations still need to be conducted to identify the natural benefits and risks of seed cycling, a vast majority of people practicing it claim that it helps alleviate PCOS symptoms and balance one’s hormone levels. 

How will the seed cycle help with fertility and conception?

Seed cycling balances the two main hormones affecting pregnancy (Progesterone and Estrogen), and as a result, the chances of conceiving naturally are increased gradually. Even if you’re opting for assisted reproductive technology, the seed cycle increases your chances of getting positive results.

• Production of a healthy egg: Proteins, fibres, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids present in flax and pumpkin seeds improve the quality of the egg and also help in the growth of follicles during the first phase of our menstrual cycle.
• Implantation of the embryo: Iron, zinc, vitamin E, and omega-6 present in sesame and sunflower seeds help in the release of the egg, which usually takes place between day 14 and day 18 of our menstrual cycle. Whether we’re trying to conceive naturally or using methods like IVF and IUI, a strong endometrial lining is necessary to hold a healthy embryo. Following the seed cycle properly during the second phase of the menstrual cycle adds to the health and strength of the endometrial lining.
• Controlling the levels of progesterone: If the male hormone progesterone is high in a female body, it becomes a cause of failed conception. The seed cycle helps in controlling the level of progesterone effectively and maintaining the ratio between oestrogen and progesterone.
• Decreases insulin resistance: Insulin resistance in our body means high sugar levels in our blood. High Insulin resistance can be a cause of Oligomenorrhea and Secondary amenorrhea, two leading causes of infertility in women these days. Seed cycling is an effective and natural way of decreasing insulin resistance.

People Also Ask

 

Are there any downsides to seed cycling?
Regarding the downsides of seed cycling, it is mentioned that one issue rests on the presumption that the menstrual cycle maintains an unvarying duration for every woman. In fact, the length of the monthly cycle fluctuates drastically between individuals and also within the same person across time. Therefore, seed cycling does not consistently function in the intended fashion. Another potential problem lies in the relatively insignificant quantities of nutrients. It remains obscure whether ingesting seeds in the amounts and timing recommended for seed cycling would genuinely impact hormone levels at a discernible scale. Finally, how the seeds are processed and prepared influences the bioavailability of said nutrients. The efficacy likely depends on far more than simply eating seeds at strategic phases of the cycle. While presenting potential benefits, seed cycling in practice presents inconsistencies depending on a woman's natural rhythms and uncertainties regarding intervention at the hormonal level.

 

What is an example of a menstrual cycle-friendly meal?
There are a lot of different ways in which diet affects our reproductive systems and influences our menstrual cycles: for example, we need to make sure to consume enough fats to produce hormones. While it’s always a good idea to stay healthy and eat a balanced diet, there are some things one do to make sure to support the menstrual cycle at a certain point. Alcohol and caffeine restrictions are sometimes suggested to combat premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Being both overweight and underweight leads to menstrual cycle irregularities. What is more, both weight loss and weight gain affect our hormones. If a person thinking of making changes to their diet, it’s always a good idea to consult with a provider.

Conclusion

Seed cycling is a dietary practice that involves eating certain kinds of seeds – flaxseed, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds – during the menstrual cycle or at certain times of the month. The rationale behind the method is that the seeds help the body maintain a healthy balance between Estrogen and Progesterone. In turn, this is meant to help regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility, and it’s been claimed to reduce symptoms of PMS, PCOS, endometriosis, and menopause by regulating the follicular and luteal phase of the menstrual cycle.

The most common version of seed cycling is to follow a 28-day cycle, assuming that ovulation happens on day 14. The key factor involved in the benefits of seed cycling is that the seeds used contain lignan. Lignans have some similar traits to estrogen, and they both have estrogen-like properties or block the effects of estrogen. In theory, eating seeds that contain lignans boosts estrogen levels when needed, and it blocks excess estrogen, balancing estrogen levels so that there’s enough estrogen in the follicular phase and not too much in the luteal phase. The second way in which seed cycling is claimed to balance hormones is by boosting progesterone levels, which happens due to the minerals and vitamins that the seeds contain. With the help of these mechanisms, seed cycling can balance the hormones, treat PCOS and improve the chances of conception and fertility.