Seed Cycling for Hormonal Balance

byAngie Spuzak

Discover the benefits of seed cycling for hormonal balance. Learn how incorporating specific seeds into your diet can support estrogen and progesterone levels throughout your menstrual cycle. Discover a natural approach to balancing women’s hormones.

Seed Cycling for Restoring Your Hormonal Balance

Hormonal balance is crucial for women’s overall health and well-being. From menstrual cycles to menopause, hormones play a vital role in regulating various bodily functions. The concept of naturally and easefully regulating one’s hormones may seem like a distant dream.

The idea of naturally balancing and regulating the complex hormonal system with a simple at-home method may seem unimaginable. Yet, there is an effective and inexpensive way to do so. It is a practice known as Seed Cycling and is becoming increasingly prevalent. I have experienced its benefits firsthand and cannot recommend it highly enough. It has helped keep me sane in these crazy, modern times.

Seed cycling is a natural method that has gained popularity for its potential to support hormonal balance through different phases of the menstrual cycle. This blog will explore what seed cycling is, how it works, and the benefits it may offer.

This holistic practice gets to the root of hormonal imbalance by providing natural nutritional support that allows your cycle to get in sync with its natural rhythm. It incorporates whole foods (specific seeds) that are used during particular times of the cycle to help it regulate itself. There’s no need for complicated tests, supplements, or pharmaceuticals. By following this practice, you can reduce symptoms such as PMS, irregular periods, and cramping.

A Bit of Background

Two main hormones regulate a woman’s menstrual cycle: estrogen and progesterone. During the first half of the cycle, estrogen rises, and during the second half, progesterone rises. An imbalance occurs between these two hormones, which is often the reason so many women experience less-than-ideal symptoms such as acne, irregularity, painful cramping, PMS, and more.  

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

To grasp the concept of seed cycling, it’s important to understand the two main phases of your menstrual cycle.

The Follicular Phase

The follicular phase starts on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation, typically around 14 days. During this phase, estrogen levels rise, preparing your body for ovulation.

The Luteal Phase

The luteal phase begins at ovulation and continues until your next menstrual bleed, usually lasting around 14 days. During this phase, progesterone levels rise while estrogen levels gradually decline. Balanced hormone levels mean estrogen increases in the first half of your cycle and progesterone dominates in teh second half. However, an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can lead to issues such as PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, acne, amenorrhea, anovulation, irregular cycles, or estrogen dominance. Understanding these phases is key to effectively using seed cycling to support hormonal health. 

What is Seed Cycling?

It is the simple practice of incorporating different seeds, such as pumpkin, flax, sunflower, and sesame seeds, into one’s diet during specific times of the menstrual cycle. 

The seeds used in the first half balance estrogen levels by helping detoxify estrogen properly, and the seeds in the second half help to increase progesterone production. 

How To Seed Cycle?

The seeds are rotated from day one of your menstrual cycle to day 14 (Phase 1) and from day 14 to the first day of your next period, typically on a new or full moon (Phase 2).

Remember that Day 1 counts as the first day of real flow, not just spotting. Write this down on a calendar to help you keep track. 

For women who are more regular with their cycle and have it between 25-29 days, rotate with your own cycle. For those with irregular or shorter cycles (less than 25 days or more than 29 days), rotate with the lunar cycle. This also applies to women who have already gone through menopause.

Phase One – the Follicular Phase

Day 1 – 14 of your cycle

  • The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts until ovulation.
  • During this phase, we are regulating the absorption and production of estrogen. This vital hormone prepares the body for ovulation. If the woman’s body doesn’t produce enough estrogen, ovulation might not occur. However, if too much estrogen is produced, it can stir up many symptoms often associated with PMS.
  • Similarly, we must maintain a balanced level of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids during this phase as they, too, aid with proper hormone circulation.
  • Use 1 Tablespoon of each raw, freshly ground flax and pumpkin seeds daily.
  • Flaxseeds: These seeds are rich in lignans, which can help modulate estrogen levels. They also contain omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support overall hormonal health.
  • Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc and support progesterone production, benefiting the luteal phase. Zinc also helps improve immune function and skin health.

Phase Two -The Luteal Phase

(Day 14 – 28)

  •  The beginning of this phase is ovulation.
  • The seeds used during this time support the production of progesterone and increase progesterone levels. Progesterone is what builds the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy. If pregnancy does not occur, the progesterone levels naturally fall, and the uterus lining is shed. Maintaining balanced progesterone is necessary for a healthy pregnancy and lightening PMS symptoms.
  • Use 1 Tablespoon of each raw, freshly ground sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
  • Supplementing with Evening Primrose oil (though it can be estrogenic for some women; if that’s the case, take Black Currant oil instead).
  • Sesame Seeds: Like flaxseeds, sesame seeds contain lignans that help balance estrogen levels. They are also high in calcium, which can ease PMS symptoms.
  • Sunflower Seeds: Rich in vitamin E and selenium, sunflower seeds support progesterone production and overall hormonal balance. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps reduce inflammation, while selenium supports thyroid function, which is crucial for hormonal health.

The Phases of Seed Cycling

Seed cycling is typically divided into two phases, corresponding to the two main phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase and the luteal phase.

  1. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14)
    • Seeds: Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds
    • Purpose: To support estrogen production
    • Benefits: Flaxseeds contain lignans, which help modulate estrogen levels. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports progesterone production later in the cycle.
  2. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28)
    • Seeds: Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds
    • Purpose: To support progesterone production
    • Benefits: Sesame seeds are high in lignans, similar to flaxseeds, which can help balance estrogen. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and selenium, both of which support progesterone levels.

Preparing Seeds for Seed Cycling

I recommend soaking the seeds you will use to remove the phytic acid. Phytic acid blocks the absorption of certain minerals, so please don’t omit this step! First, rinse the seeds under cool water. Next, fill a glass jar half full of seeds of your choice. To this, add one teaspoon of sea salt. Cover with filtered water and let it sit at room temperature between 12 and 24 hours. Once the time has passed, drain off the water, rinse well, and dehydrate the seeds in a dehydrator at 110 F or the oven at low temperature. The seeds will remain raw this way. Once they are completely dried, the seeds are ready to be used in seed cycling. You can store excess seeds in a glass jar in the refrigerator to help prevent them from going rancid. When ready to use them, grind the seeds in a coffee grinder each day before use. Grinding them fresh also helps prevent rancidity, as the oils in seeds are highly volatile. For this reason, I don’t recommend purchasing pre-ground seeds, as the fats often get rancid as well.

Nutritional Benefits of Seeds

Lignans

Flax seeds, acting as phytoestrogens, support healthy estrogen levels and contain lignans that bind excess estrogen, potentially lengthening the luteal phase and alleviating PMS symptoms.

Zinc

Both pumpkin and sesame seeds, rich in zinc, contribute to the formation of the corpus luteum, which is responsible for progesterone production and uterine preparation for potential implantation.

Omega-3s, Omega-6s, and Vitamin E

Pumpkin and flax seeds, abundant in omega-3 fatty acids, facilitate blood flow to the uterus, increase progesterone secretion, and maintain healthy cell membranes.  Vitamin E, found in seeds, is associated with reduced PMS symptoms and supports hormone production.

Selenium

Selenium, present in sunflower seeds, aids in estrogen detoxification in the liver, reducing excess estrogen levels during the luteal phase.

Benefits of Seed Cycling

  • Balances Hormones: Seed cycling helps regulate estrogen and progesterone levels by aligning the consumption of specific seeds with one’s menstrual cycle, reducing hormonal imbalances.
  • Reduces PMS Symptoms: Regular seed cycling reduces PMS symptoms, such as bloating, mood swings, and cramps, for many women.
  • Enhances Fertility: Seed cycling can promote regular ovulation and menstrual cycles, which benefits women trying to conceive.
  • Improves Skin Health: Balanced hormones often lead to clearer skin and reduced acne, which is commonly linked to hormonal fluctuations.
  • Supports Menopausal and Perimenopausal Women: For women in menopause, seed cycling can help alleviate symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings by promoting a more stable hormonal environment.

How to Incorporate Seed Cycling into Your Routine

  • Sprinkle them on salads or blend them into the smoothies
  • Make crackers
  • Make seed and nut bars
  • Sesame seeds are delicious when sprinkled on a healthy dessert
  • Make tahini – use tahini in salad dressings, topped over veggies bowls, in smoothies, in soups
  • Blend into smoothies, yogurt, oatmeal, or chia seed pudding
  • Sprinkle over a toast
  • Prepare pesto or homemade seed butter using pumpkin and flax seeds
  • Create homemade granola with pumpkin, flax, sesame, or sunflower seeds

How Long Does it Take to See Results?

The timeline for experiencing noticeable results from seed cycling can vary greatly among individuals. Factors such as the severity of hormonal imbalances, overall health status, adherence to the seed cycling protocol, and other lifestyle factors can influence the speed and extent of results.

In general, some women may notice improvements in hormonal symptoms within a few menstrual cycles of starting seed cycling, while others may take longer. It’s essential to be patient and consistent with seed cycling, as hormonal balance often requires time to adjust.

Typically, it’s recommended to try seed cycling for at least three to four menstrual cycles to gauge its effectiveness fully. During this time, you may observe changes in symptoms, such as improved menstrual regularity, reduced PMS symptoms, clearer skin, and enhanced overall well-being.

However, it’s essential to remember that seed cycling is not a quick fix and may not work for everyone. If you don’t notice significant improvements after several months of consistent seed cycling, it may be beneficial to consult with a healthcare provider to explore other treatment options or underlying issues contributing to hormonal imbalances.

Things To Consider Before Starting 

GRIND YOUR SEEDS: Using a coffee or spice grinder to grind or chop the seeds, especially flax and sesame, aids in digestion and absorption. While grinding is optimal, incorporating whole seeds is still beneficial, except for flax seeds, which require grinding for absorption. If you prefer a convenient option, consider Beeya Seed Cycling Blends, pre-ground blends tailored for each phase of your cycle, eliminating the need for preparation.

USE RAW SEEDS: Opt for raw (unroasted, unsalted) seeds to preserve their nutrient content. Choosing organic seeds when possible reduces exposure to pesticides, which can disrupt hormones.

STORE IN THE REFRIGERATOR OR FREEZER To prevent oxidation and maintain freshness, store seeds in the refrigerator or freezer, especially due to their high polyunsaturated fat content, which can turn rancid quickly, especially in warm or sunlight-exposed environments.

TRACK YOUR CYCLE

Tracking your menstrual cycle is crucial for effective seed cycling. While aligning with lunar phases is an option, syncing seeds with your individual cycle yields optimal results. Use the basal body temperature method, measuring your temperature before getting out of bed each morning with an oral thermometer. Alternatively, consider using devices like the Ava Bracelet, which tracks basal body temperature and other parameters to predict ovulation accurately.

PRIORITIZE HORMONE BALANCE Recognize that seed cycling is not a standalone solution. Hormone imbalances often stem from various factors, including digestive issues, blood sugar fluctuations, stress, inadequate dietary fat and protein intake, poor sleep quality, and exposure to environmental toxins. To maximize the benefits of seed cycling, prioritize adequate sleep, stress management, balanced nutrition, hydration, and minimizing exposure to hormone-disrupting substances in your environment and daily products.

By connecting back to our cycles and the moon’s cycle, we tap into the larger rhythms of our planet. Through the waxing and waning of the moon, our bodies can find the compass that can give it direction and structure in a very chaotic world. Ideally, our bodies will stay balanced with the natural hormonal rhythm following the moon’s 28-day cycle. Naturally, we are most fertile during the Full Moon and the least fertile on the New Moon. The practice of seed cycling helps us to embody the natural pulse around us and bring that into the body in a way it can recognize and harness to balance itself.

Maintaining patience with this practice is crucial, as the results may take several months to appear. As is typical with addressing the root cause of any health issue, it takes time to see the results. This simple practice greatly influences the intricate world of hormones but will also take dedication. Keep a journal to help yourself track your cycle and the symptoms and experiences you are having. The ritual of tuning into our bodies and paying attention to these larger cycles is some of the most profound, fulfilling, and life-giving work we can do.

I also highly recommend getting your hormones tested and talking to qualified healthcare practitioners before diving deep into hormone-related protocols. I think you will like the results once you feel ready to embark on this natural and holistic way of balancing hormones.

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