Balancing Hormones Naturally: The Power of Seed Cycling

Hormonal imbalance affects 80% of women today while 70% are unaware they even have conditions like PCOS because of prolonged hormonal irregularities. The good news is there are many natural and holistic ways to heal your hormones, and the one we will dive into today is seed cycling. Hormonal health plays a crucial role in overall well-being, and it’s time we explore a simple yet effective method to bring your hormones back into harmony. 

What is hormonal imbalance?

Hormonal imbalances can manifest in a variety of ways, including menstrual irregularities, overproduction of androgens like testosterone, ovarian abnormalities, infertility, weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, PMS, cold hands and feet, and breast pain. Left untreated, hormonal irregularities can lead to chronic illnesses like diabetes, heart disease, thyroid disease, and PCOS. Achieving hormone balance is not only about symptom relief but also about safegaurding your long-term health. 

Restoring Balance Naturally

Seed cycling is a simple and effective way to improve hormonal health. Incorporating seeds into my daily routine has been transformative. I add the seeds to my morning smoothie, making it an easy and nutritious addition to my life. Condtitions like amenorrhea (the absence of a period), anovulation, or cycles longer than 28 days can all benefit from this cyclical habit. Seed cycling is also beneficial for women experiencing menopausal symptoms or post-menopause. 

Key Benefits of Seed Cycling include:

Regulating menstrual cycles

Alleviating PMS symptoms

Improving fertility

Managing menopausal symptoms

Nutrient-Rich Seeds

Seed cycling consists of four seeds: flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds. Adding these into your diet is a great way to improve nutrient deficiencies which is a major contributor to hormonal imbalance symptoms. In general, the seeds provide omega-3 fatty acids crucial for lowering inflammation, fiber to support healthy elimination, minerals such as magnesium and zinc with various benefits, including reducing menstrual pain and supporting reproductive health, and lignans, compounds that help alleviate menopausal symptoms and regulate processes influenced by estrogen (1)(2)(5). 

How to Seed Cycle

The first 14 days of your cycle is considered your follicular phase and that begins on the first day of menstruation. During this phase, consuming 1-2 tbsp of ground, raw pumpkin and flax seeds is the first part of seed cycling. Pumpkin and flax seeds provide antioxidants to lower inflammation, promote cellular processes necessary for ovulation, and improve the ratio of estrogen to progesterone by promoting progesterone production and binding excess estrogen. Flax seeds reduce anovulatory cycles and help lengthen luteal phases to improve fertility (3)(6). Pumpkin seeds are high in minerals that are essential for the cellular processes associated with hormone balance. 

The second phase, days 15-28, is considered the luteal phase. It occurs after ovulation and prepares the body for pregnancy or menstruation. During this phase, consume 1-2 tbsp of ground, raw sesame and sunflower seeds. They help to boost progesterone production by blocking excess estrogen as progesterone rises. They also contain necessary nutrients like magnesium, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E that lower inflammation and are the main deficiencies in conditions like PCOS (4). 

To ensure maximum nutrient absorption, it is important to use raw seeds (not roasted or salted) and grind them. You can grind the seeds in batches (I like to grind a bag of each at a time) for easy access and store them in the fridge or freezer for best storage. Sprinkle the seeds into smoothies, yogurt, granola, salads, soups, pasta sauces, or any meal to suit your preferences. Think of them as healthy sprinkles! 

Make Seed Cycling Work for You

Convenience is key. Find a routine that fits your lifestyle. I like making a big batch by grinding all the seeds and mixing them with their cycle partner. Then I store it in the fridge or freezer so I can easily sprinkle into my morning smooties. Experiment and adapt the process to your preferences. Consistency is crucial for seeing results. 

Changes in your cycle may take some time to notice. Track your menstrual cycle and journal any symptoms or changes you observe. I love tracking my cycle through my basal body temperature first thing in the morning. This can show you when you have ovulated or if you ovulated at all based on your temperature. 

Takeaway

If you are looking for a simple practice to improve your hormone health, consider incorporating seed cycling into your routine. By doing so, you take another step toward better health from a holistic perspective. Remember, your hormones play a vital role in governing your body’s functions, so prioritize their well-being. Give seed cycling a try for four months, and observe the transformative effects it can have on your hormonal balance. 

Remember, always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant dietary changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions. Hormonal health is a journey, and seed cycling can be an essential part of it. Start today and nurture your hormonal balance naturally. Your body will thank you for it!