SEED CYCLING FOR HORMONE BALANCE

Bailey Fitzgerald R.H.N

Hormonal imbalances have become increasingly more common, affecting numerous women worldwide. For many, these hormonal fluctuations can lead to an array of  physical and emotional challenges, ranging from irregular menstrual cycles and mood swings to skin issues and fertility struggles. While conventional medicine offers various treatments, I want to share with you a holistic approach that empowers individuals to take control of their hormonal health. This approach is called seed cycling.

Seed cycling is a time-honored natural remedy that is gaining recognition in the world of holistic health. This ancient practice harnesses the power of seeds to help support balanced hormone levels, reduce PMS symptoms, boost fertility and help stimulate menstruation, if absent. 

Although seed cycling by itself is not a cure-all, when consistently used, it serves as an excellent way to harness the therapeutic properties of food. Today we’ll jump into this approach, exploring its roots, the science behind it, and practical tips for incorporating seed cycling into your daily life.

WHAT IS SEED CYCLING

The general idea behind seed cycling is to consume a combination of seeds rich in specific nutrients during the two main phases of the menstrual cycle: the follicular phase (the first half) and the luteal phase (the second half), to promote the healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. It’s a gentle and completely natural way to reduce PMS symptoms, boost fertility, stimulate menstruation if it’s absent, and improve other symptoms because of hormonal imbalances.

Seed cycling can be used at any stage of a woman’s life (including post-menopause). However, it’s especially beneficial when coming off hormonal birth control or struggling with post-birth control syndrome symptoms like acne, irregular periods or missing periods, or PMS.

UNDERSTANDING THE MENSTRUAL CYCLE

To understand seed cycling fully, you need to understand the two main phases of your menstrual cycle first. 

1. The first phase is called the follicular phase. It begins the first day of your menstrual bleeding until ovulation. It typically lasts around 14 days.

2. The second phase is called the luteal phase. It starts at ovulation until your next menstrual bleed. This phase length can vary but is also typically around 14 days.

When your hormone levels are balanced, estrogen rises during the first half of your cycle. During the second half of your cycle progesterone levels rise while estrogen levels slowly decline. An imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can contribute to PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, acne, short luteal phases, cessation of ovulation (anovulation), irregular cycles, and absent periods (amenorrhea).

HOW DO I START SEED CYCLING?

Seed cycling is quite simple. You incorporate 1-2 TBSP of pumpkin and flax seeds daily during the follicular phase of your cycle. Once you ovulate, you incorporate 1 TBSP of sunflower and sesame seeds daily during your luteal phase.

DAYS 1-14 OF YOUR CYCLE (OR MENSTRUATION TO OVULATION)

· 1-2 tablespoons ground flax seeds

· 1-2 tablespoons ground pumpkin seeds

BENEFITS:

During the first phase of the menstrual cycle, 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.

DAYS 15-28 OF YOUR CYCLE (OR OVULATION TO MENSTRUATION)

· 1-2 tablespoons ground sunflower seeds

· 1-2 tablespoons ground sesame seeds

BENEFITS:

During the second phase of your cycle, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds help boost progesterone production. Sesame seeds are high in zinc, to help boost Progesterone. Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E helps boost progesterone production, while selenium removes Excess estrogen.

HOW DO I INCLUDE MORE SEEDS IN MY DIET?

Sprinkle on Breakfast Cereals or Yogurt: add seeds to your morning cereal, oatmeal, or yogurt. 

Blend into Smoothies: toss into your morning smoothie. They’ll blend in seamlessly and provide an extra nutrient punch.

Use as Salad Toppings: sprinkle seeds such as pumpkin  or sunflower on top of your salads. 

Make Homemade Energy Bars: Make your own energy bars or protein bars using a combination of seeds, nuts, and dried fruits. This way, you can customize the ingredients to your liking.

Make Seed Butter: Just like peanut or almond butter, you can make seed butter. For example, you can make sunflower seed butter or tahini (sesame seed butter) and use them as spreads or in recipes.

Add to Soups and Stews: some seeds, like sesame seeds, can be sprinkled on top of soups and stews just before serving.

Bake into Granola: when making homemade granola, include a variety of seeds for added nutrition and crunch. This is a great way to have seeds in your morning cereal or yogurt.

Create Seed-Crusted Proteins: coat proteins like chicken, fish, or tofu with crushed seeds before cooking. It can add a flavorful and nutritious crust.

Snack on Roasted Seeds: roast seeds like pumpkin or sunflower with your favorite seasonings for a tasty and nutritious snack.

Sprinkle on Stir-Fries: add sesame seeds  to stir-fried vegetables or tofu for added flavor and texture.

The truth is, there is minimal scientific research available to establish a direct connection between seed cycling and balanced hormones in women. Unfortunately, there just haven’t been enough studies on this topic but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work. It’s important to keep an open mind with nutrition and holistic healing practices since this field of research may have limitations and gaps, particularly regarding certain topics, and acknowledging this is crucial.