Improve PMS, Menopause Symptoms, and More
If you’re struggling with PMS, infertility, or menopause symptoms, you likely know that hormone imbalances may be at the root of your problems.
But did you know that something as simple as a seed could help you find your balance?
Seed cycling is a growing wellness trend that has been shown to regulate hormones and relieve hormone-related issues such as PMS, hot flashes, and more. The best news? It’s relatively easy to implement and could significantly help you balance your hormones naturally.
Read on to learn more about seed cycling and how you can try it yourself!
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a way to promote a healthy hormone balance, simply by eating certain seeds at certain times in your menstrual cycle.
Why seeds? The seeds used in seed cycling are known for their hormone-balancing effects. While some are phytoestrogenic (plants that act like estrogen in the body), others are simply packed with key nutrients that your endocrine system needs to stay balanced:
- Zinc
Zinc supports the production of the corpus luteum, which supports healthy progesterone levels. - Lignans
Lignans bind to excess estrogen in the body to prevent estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency. - Omega 3 fatty acids
Healthy fats like omega 3s help to bring blood flow to the uterus, support healthy follicle development, reduce PMS symptoms, and increase progesterone production. - Selenium
Selenium helps the liver detoxify excess estrogen and encourages a healthy luteal phase.
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
What Seeds Are Used in Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling uses four seeds throughout the month: two seeds in the follicular phase of your menstrual cycle, and two seeds in the luteal phase.
FOLLICULAR PHASE: FLAX + PUMPKIN SEEDS
The follicular phase is the first phase of the menstrual cycle. This is when your body grows and prepares to release an egg to be fertilized. During this time, we want to support the natural rise in estrogen, while not letting it get out of control. We also want to encourage the body to start producing progesterone in preparation for the second half of the menstrual cycle.
- Flax Seeds
Flax seeds contain lignans which bind to excess estrogen in your system. This prevents a condition known as estrogen dominance – a hormone imbalance that leads to symptoms such as abnormal menstruation (heavy/painful periods), PMS, headaches, decreased sex drive, bloating, mood swings, fatigue, anxiety & depression, breast tenderness, endometriosis, fibroids, and hormonal weight gain. 
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are one of the best sources of zinc. Zinc encourages healthy progesterone production and balances out excess estrogen.
LUTEAL PHASE: SESAME + SUNFLOWER SEEDS
After ovulation, the luteal phase starts. During this phase, our focus is on boosting progesterone and clearing away leftover estrogen from the follicular phase. When too much estrogen is still in the system after ovulation, it can prevent progesterone levels from reaching a normal level and cause a range of issues such as irregular cycles, poor uterine lining, infertility, and PCOS. 
- Sesame Seeds
Sesame seeds contain lignans that block estrogen production and encourage healthy progesterone levels.
- Sunflower Seeds
Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E and selenium. These antioxidants help detox the liver of excess estrogen and boost progesterone production.
The Benefits of Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is often used to enhance fertility by regulating the various phases of the menstrual cycle. But, it can also be used to combat PMS, menstrual issues, or times of hormone transition (coming off birth control, postpartum, or perimenopause).
- Reduces PMS symptoms
Most PMS symptoms are caused by hormonal imbalances. Seed cycling may be helpful in balancing hormones and reducing PMS symptoms such as cramping, irritability, and breast tenderness. - Regulates the menstrual cycle
If your cycle is irregular or absent due to hormone imbalances, seed cycling may help. Studies show that those who practice seed cycling have more regular periods and can stimulate menstruation in those with amenorrhea. - Boosts fertility
The first step to a healthy pregnancy is a healthy menstrual cycle. Since seed cycling can help you regulate your menstrual cycle and encourage hormone balance, it may also help you prepare for a healthy pregnancy. - May reduce menopause symptoms
Like PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms are often related to an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone. Seed cycling can encourage a healthy hormone balance to reduce or prevent common issues like hot flashes, night sweats, and dryness.
How to Practice Seed Cycling
Ready to try seed cycling? Here’s how you can incorporate this simple wellness practice into your daily routine:
- Days 1-14 of your cycle: Eat 1-2 tablespoons of ground flax and 1-2 tablespoons of ground pumpkin seeds.
This is usually the start of menstruation to ovulation. If you are not experiencing a regular period, are postpartum, or perimenopausal, do this from the first day of the new moon to the full moon. - Days 15-28 of your cycle: Eat 1-2 tablespoons of ground sesame seeds and 1-2 tablespoons of ground sunflower seeds.
This is usually the two weeks after ovulation until you start your period. If you are not experiencing a regular period, are postpartum, or perimenopausal, do this from the full moon to the new moon.
Tips for Seed Cycling 
- Buy whole, then grind at home.
Some seeds need to be ground to get the full nutrient benefits (especially flax seeds). But, pre-ground seeds can lose their benefits and flavor after sitting on grocery store shelves. Buy your seeds whole, then grind at home for the best results. - Use raw seeds.
The best benefits come from raw, unsalted seeds. Skip the roasted or toasted varieties! - Store your seeds in the freezer.
Seeds can be expensive, so the most budget-friendly way to practice seed cycling is to buy in bulk. But, when seeds are exposed to heat or sunlight, they can go rancid. Store your seeds in the fridge or freezer to keep them fresh for months. - Incorporate seeds into your daily diet.
Don’t like the idea of chewing seeds every day? You don’t have to! There are so many delicious ways you can incorporate these seeds into the foods you already eat. Here are some ideas to get you started:- Blend into smoothies
- Add to chia seed pudding or yogurt
- Sprinkle over your oatmeal, salads, soups, or stir fry
- Make homemade seed butter to spread on toast or apples
- Add to pesto or hummus
- Include in healthy baked goods
At Moringa Natural Health, we have treatment plans for menopause and hormone imbalance. We personalize each plan according to each person’s unique biological makeup. Want to learn more about our treatment plans? Schedule your free appointment with Dr. Fernandez today!
Bonus Tip: Live a Hormone-Healthy Life
Seed cycling is a great natural way to encourage hormone balance, but it’s not a magic bullet. To truly stay on top of your hormones, you need to eat a hormone-healthy diet, manage stress, get quality sleep, and eliminate everyday toxins.
Sound like a tall order? Don’t worry! The team at Moringa Natural Health Center is here to help. From nutritional consultations to acupuncture to bio-identical hormone therapy, we have everything you need to start a life that supports the best hormone balance for you.
We guide your body into balance with an individualized and comprehensive hormone wellness plan. With a blend of natural therapies and habits like seed cycling, you can take back control of your hormones and thrive.
Ready to find your balance? Request an appointment to get started today!
Much love,
Dr. Lena Fernandez
Thank you for posting valuable information.