Seed cycling is a natural way to help regulate hormones by consuming specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle. The lignans and essential fatty acids in the seeds can help balance estrogen and progesterone levels, which can alleviate symptoms like PMS, heavy periods, acne, and fatigue.
Seed cycling is a simple, natural way to help balance your hormones. It involves consuming specific seeds at specific times of your menstrual cycle in order to support your body in producing the hormones it needs.
There are four main phases of the menstrual cycle: follicular (pre-ovulation), ovulatory, luteal (post-ovulation), and menstruation.
Each phase is associated with different hormone levels. Seed cycling can help support your body in maintaining healthy hormone levels throughout each phase.
The follicular phase is when estrogen levels are rising.
During this time, you would consume flaxseeds or pumpkin seeds, which are high in lignans (a type of phytoestrogen). Lignans can help bind excess estrogen in the body and promote its elimination.
The ovulatory phase is when progesterone levels are highest.
During this time, you would consume sunflower seeds or sesame seeds, which are high in zinc. Zinc helps support progesterone production and promotes egg health.
The luteal phase is when estrogen and progesterone levels start to decline.
This is the time when many women experience PMS symptoms such as bloating, cramping, and mood swings. Consuming hemp seeds or chia seeds during this phase can help alleviate these symptoms by providing essential fatty acids that help reduce inflammation.
Seed Cycling: What Is It, Does It Work, And Why You Should Start
What is Seed Cycling And How Does It Work?
If you’re looking to balance your hormones and improve your fertility, seed cycling may be worth a try. This natural approach involves consuming specific seeds at different times of your menstrual cycle in order to encourage hormone production. Let’s take a closer look at how seed cycling works and which seeds to eat during each phase of your cycle.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is an approach that uses specific seeds to promote hormone balance. The idea is that certain seeds contain nutrients that help support the glands responsible for producing hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
By including these seeds in your diet, you can encourage hormone production and help keep your levels balanced.
How Does Seed Cycling Work?
There are four main phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase, ovulation, the luteal phase, and menstruation.
Each phase is associated with different hormonal changes. Seed cycling focuses on using specific seeds during each phase in order to encourage hormone production or reduce symptoms related to hormonal imbalances.
Which Seeds Should I Eat During Each Phase?
During the follicular phase (days 1-14), it’s recommended to consume flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. These two types of seeds are high in lignans, a type of phytoestrogen (plant estrogen). Lignans can bind to estrogen receptors and help reduce excess estrogen levels in the body.
This can be beneficial for women who suffer from conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, both of which are associated with high levels of estrogen.
Flaxseeds are also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory effects and can help reduce PMS symptoms like bloating and cramps. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in magnesium, another nutrient that can help relieve PMS symptoms by relaxing muscles and reducing inflammation.
How Do You Do Seed Cycling?
If you’re looking to improve your hormone health, you might want to try seed cycling. Seed cycling is a natural way to help balance your hormones by eating specific seeds at different times of your menstrual cycle. Here’s everything you need to know about how to do seed cycling.
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural way to help balance your hormones by eating specific seeds at different times of your menstrual cycle. The premise is that the nutrients in the seeds can help support hormone production, which can in turn help regulate your menstrual cycle and alleviate symptoms like PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
How does it work?
There are four main phases of the menstrual cycle: follicular (pre-ovulation), ovulatory, luteal (post-ovulation), and menstruation. Each phase is controlled by different hormones produced in the ovaries.
The follicular phase is when the egg develops and matures in the ovary, and estrogen levels are high. During this phase, you would eat 1 tablespoon each of ground flaxseed and sunflower seeds daily.
The ovulatory phase is when the egg is released from the ovary and progesterone levels rise.
This phase lasts about days 12-16 of your cycle if you have a 28 day cycle. You would eat 1 tablespoon each of sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds during this phase.
The luteal phase starts after ovulation and lasts until menstruation begins.
Progesterone levels are high during this time, while estrogen levels decline. For symptom relief during this phase, you would eat 1 tablespoon each of ground chia seeds and hemp hearts every day .
Finally, during menstruation progesterone and estrogen levels both fall sharply as bleeding occurs .
To help ease cramping or other discomfort during this time , consume 1 tablespoon each of flaxseeds and sunflower seeds daily .
What is the Benefit of Seed Cycling?
There are a few benefits to seed cycling, which is the act of consuming specific seeds at certain times in order to promote hormone balance. For example, flax and pumpkin seeds are high in lignans (phytoestrogens) and help to increase estrogen levels, while sesame and sunflower seeds contain more zinc and help to boost testosterone production. This can be helpful for those who are struggling with PMS or other hormonal imbalances.
Additionally, seed cycling can also improve fertility and thyroid function.
What is Seed Cycling for Weight Loss?
If you’re trying to lose weight, you may have heard of seed cycling. This involves consuming different types of seeds at specific times during your menstrual cycle in order to encourage weight loss. While there is some anecdotal evidence that seed cycling can help with weight loss, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
However, seed cycling does offer other benefits, such as regulating hormones and improving fertility. If you’re interested in trying seed cycling for weight loss, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a type of naturopathic therapy that involves consuming different types of seeds at specific times during your menstrual cycle. The idea behind seed cycling is that it can help to regulate hormones and promote fertility. Some people also believe that it can help with weight loss by balancing hormones and increasing metabolism.
There are four main seeds used in seed cycling: flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. Each type of seed contains different nutrients and compounds that are thought to offer unique benefits (1).
Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, a type of phytoestrogen (plant estrogen).
Lignans have been shown to bind to estrogen receptors in the body and act as both an agonist (stimulating) and antagonist (blocking), depending on the tissue (2). Pumpkin seeds are a good source of magnesium, which is involved in over 300 biochemical reactions in the body including energy production and metabolism (3). Sunflower seeds contain selenium, a mineral that plays a role in thyroid health and metabolism (4).
Sesame seeds are rich in zinc, which is necessary for hormone production and regulation (5).

Credit: learn.artofskincare.com
Seed Cycling Side Effects
If you’re considering seed cycling, it’s important to be aware of the potential side effects. While most people don’t experience any negative effects, some may experience bloating, gas, or diarrhea. If you do experience these side effects, they should subside after a few days as your body adjusts to the new routine.
In rare cases, seed cycling can cause an allergic reaction. If you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or hives, stop seed cycling and seek medical attention immediately.
Overall, seed cycling is safe for most people.
However, as with any new supplement or health regimen, it’s always best to consult with your doctor before starting.
Conclusion
Seed cycling is a great way to help regulate your hormones and promote fertility. It is simple to do and can be done at home with just a few ingredients. Seed cycling can help to balance estrogen and progesterone levels, as well as improve egg quality.
If you are trying to conceive, seed cycling may be a helpful tool for you to use.