Seed cycling is the naturopathic and nutritional practice of taking certain seeds in two main phases of the menstrual cycle; the Follicular Phase or first half of your cycle and the Luteal Phase or second half of the cycle (more on these phases later).
During these two phases, key sex hormones Estrogen and Progesterone rise and fall as they carry out different tasks of the menstrual cycle. The key nutrients in the selected seeds support these hormone fluctuations.
These include: Lignans, Essential Fatty Acids, Vitamins and Minerals. When these nutrients are taken in sync with the hormones that benefit from them the most -
you experience more balanced hormones and when you have balanced sex hormones, you experience fewer symptoms of PMS, PCOS, Endometriosis, Cramps and Irritability. It will also improve your fertility, energy levels and libido.
Does seed cycling work for PCOS?
Yes, seed cycling is effective for PCOS. As PCOS is a hormonal condition that involves high androgens, which are male-type hormones like Testosterone, seed cycling promotes the production of more female sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can encourage the hormones to balance back into their natural fluctuations.
Hormonal balance = fewer PCOS symptoms.
100’s of women have experienced fewer and fewer PCOS symptoms after seed cycling. But before diving in, it is important to make sure that you understand what type of PCOS you have to get the most out of seed cycling combined with other treatments. Yes, there are multiple types of PCOS, e.g., Insulin resistance PCOS, Post-pill temporary PCOS, Inflammatory PCOS, Adrenal PCOS.
You can find this out by visiting your natural healthcare practitioner or multiple health care providers to get a range of opinions and tests to clarify your type. Seed cycling is a gentle yet effective practice you can combine with any prescribed natural treatment from your practitioner.
Ingredients of Seed Cycling for Treating PCOS and Balance Hormones
There are four main seeds used for seed cycling. Flaxseed and pumpkin seed are used in the first half of the cycle known as the follicular phase. Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are used in the second half of the cycle known as the luteal phase. The nutrients in the seeds include the following:
Lignans: Lignans are a large group of low molecular weight polyphenols. They are a precursor to phytoestrogens. This means they don’t mimic estrogen like phytoestrogens, instead they can stimulate or block estrogen production through receptors on the surface of cells. This can regulate the body’s estrogen levels when there is too little or too much.
Essential Fatty Acids: Cholesterol is essential for producing all steroid hormones in the body. Oils from the seeds contribute to creating a great environment for cholesterol to produce healthy hormones. Health fats also help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, E and K.
Minerals: Your body does not make minerals so it is crucial to get these from your diet or supplementation. Certain minerals such as Zinc, found in all of the selected seeds - play a crucial role in the process of reproduction, growth and development of the embryo. Magnesium is also found in the seeds and helps with liver detoxification to help move excess estrogen out of the body. It also helps to reduce cramps by relaxing the smooth muscles of the uterus and reducing the prostaglandins that cause period pain.
Vitamins: Vitamin E possesses estrogenic, androgenic and progesterone-like properties. Other vitamins such as pantothenic acid affect adrenal function - which is a vital building block for healthy sex hormone production. There are a range of other nutrients the seeds have that make consuming them daily a beneficial habit.
Cycling Nutrients with Hormones
The act of consistently consuming nutrients that interact with sex hormones brings your body into sync with it’s natural rhythms. It’s like feeding the hormones when they are most hungry with the food they most like.
How to do Seed Cycling for PCOS?
You take 2 tablespoons daily of either the FOL blend or LUT blend. Add the blends to your breakfast meal, smoothie or try one of the delicious recipes in the Seed Cycling recipe book by Seed Cycle Blend. You take FOL blend from Day 1 of your period until ovulation (on average day 14 of your cycle). Then you switch to LUT blend from ovulation until Day 1 of your period. We recommend using an ovulation thermometer with the Sympto-Thermal Method to accurately measure your ovulation.
When will I Start Seeing Results?
Some people can notice changes in 1 month, others can take up to 3 months depending on their health history and severity of their PCOS condition.
Why Seed Cycle Blend is the Best Solution
Seed Cycle Blend makes seed cycling easy and effortless. Made from 100% organic ingredients, pre-ground into the perfect dose for 14 days per pack. It is naturopathic doctor approved and can be shipped worldwide. People using Seed Cycle Blend have seen incredible results including no more period cramps, clear skin and falling pregnant after trying to conceive for 13 months. It is the most effective way to be consistent with seed cycling and make your cycle health a priority.
Advantages and Disadvantages over Other Medications
Advantages:
- There are no side effects (unless you are allergic to seeds)
- It is a food as opposed to a lab processed herb or vitamin which means it is easier for the body to absorb and get faster results.
- They are pre-ground and ready to consume - so, no need to grind the seeds yourself.
- All ingredients are 100% organic so no irritation from pesticides or other chemicals
- On top of balancing your cycle hormones and improving your PCOS condition you will get more nutritional benefits to other hormone groups and organs in the body including gut health, brain health and adrenal health.
- Seed Cycle Blends saves you time and money compared to if you were to make the blends yourself.
- Seed Cycle Blend guarantees you money back on your last order after the third month of consistent use if you didn’t see results.
- You are supporting a small female owned business.
Disadvantages:
- It is not an overnight pill that will give you immediate results. It’s about long term balance and health, which means it takes a little longer to get results. But they last longer with no side effects.
- Due to the lack of funding for food based treatments for hormone balance the science around seed cycling is low. However there are 100’s of Doctors who already approve and prescribe the treatment to their patients, with amazing results.
Seed cycling is an effortless and gentle ‘food is medicine’ approach to rebalancing hormones from conditions like PCOS, endometriosis or PMDD. Seed Cycle Blend makes it easy to seed cycle for PCOS or any other cycle hormone imbalance condition. Give seed cycling a go so you can love your cycle again instead of loath it.
