Let's talk hormones
To really understand how seed cycling works - we first need to understand our hormones.
Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that instruct other parts of the body to do things. Key female sex hormones estrogen and progesterone fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle to complete all their tasks. When they are out of balance we experience symptoms like pain, PMS and mood swings.
Female Sex Hormones
This is an example of a balanced hormone cycle during a non-oral contraceptive menstrual cycle. Estrogen is dominant in the Follicular Phase and Progesterone is dominant in the Luteal Phase.
Rotate seed blends
Seed cycling is when you rotate specific ground seeds (in your food or smoothie) through the Follicular Phase and the Luteal Phase of the menstrual cycle. Or if you don't have a period you can rotate the blends with the lunar cycle (see below). The key nutrients in each blend promotes healthy levels of hormones for better cycles and happy ovaries.
*Please note not everyone ovulates on day 14.
Hormone imbalance red flags 🚩
Signs of hormonal imbalance can include:
- Extremely painful periods
- Weight gain (even if with diet & exercise)
- Heavy periods
- Periods longer than 7 days
- Irregular cycles (over 37 days)
- Severe mood changes and PMS
- Being bloated all the time
- Sleeping terribly
- Adult acne
- Amenhorhea
- Facial hair
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Anovulatory cycles
- Anxiety/depression
- Fatigue and exhaustion
- Thinning hair / hair falling out
These are all signals from the body that your hormones need to be addressed.
Seed cycle with the moon
If you don't have a period, you can seed cycle with the moon phases. Take FOL blend from the new moon until the full moon, then switch to LUT blend and take until the new moon.
Seed cycling for peri-menopause and menopause. Read here.
The Science
The latest science 2023
We are so excited to see more emerging scientific research, data AND clinical trails for seed cycling. The most recent clinical trial was done in March 2023 on the Effectiveness of combined seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed): As adjacent therapy to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in females. Read the full publication here
Estrogen detoxification ¤
We need to excrete left over estrogen to avoid reabsorption of toxic used hormones. The lignan present in flaxseed (7-hydroxymatarezinol) and the plant sterol (beta-sitosterol) found in pumpkin seed binds to excess estrogen and helps to eliminated it during the follicular phase.
Lignans also have estrogenic and anti-estrogenic properties that help to regulate estrogen levels.
Boosted levels of essential fats º
Higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids lower bad cholesterol and improve levels of good cholesterol. We need cholesterol to produce all s*x hormones.
They can also improve insulin levels and keep blood sugar under control. Not to mention reducing inflammation in the body and skin, whilst promoting mood.
Increased Progesterone production
Zinc and selenium found in sesame seeds and sunflower seeds help to increase the production of progesterone in the luteal phase.
Zinc can increase the number of binding sites on a progesterone receptor in order to increase progesterone naturally. Selenium helps to maintain the function of the corpus luteum in the luteal phase.
View all scientific references here.
We always recommend to consult with a health care professional before trying something new. Our Naturopath offers a mini-consult to give you expert advice for your situation. Learn more here.