Can Seed Cycling Fix My Hormones?
@findingbalancewithkelly
Seed Cycling is one of the easiest things women can do to help re balance their hormones. It involves incorporating certain seeds into the diet at different times during the menstrual cycle to help promote either oestrogen or progesterone production. Women have been using seed cycling to help regulate their periods, enhance their fertility, overcome PMS and boost their progesterone. If you are struggling with any of these then DEFINITELY give seed cycling a try.
The menstrual cycle can be broken down into two phases the follicular phase and the luteal phase. During the follicular phase the ovaries produce oestrogen to help grow the egg ready for ovulation. High oestrogen levels near the end of the follicular phase triggers ovulation. The luteal phase occurs after ovulation where the corpus luteum on the ovary starts to produce progesterone. Many of the symptoms of PMS, infertility, hormonal headaches, spotting, breast tenderness and period pain can be attributed to low progesterone levels.
The Benefits of Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is beneficial for all women but it can be very beneficial for women struggling with PMS, irregular periods, breast tenderness, infertility, period pain, period headaches, low progesterone and irregular ovulation.
The Science Behind It
Pumpkin Seeds and Flaxseeds – Follicular Mix
Pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds both contain lignans that help modulate oestrogen production within the body (Read the science here and here). These lignans are pretty amazing in that they can increase oestrogen when it is low and lower oestrogen when it is high. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc while flaxseeds contain omega-3 fatty acids (good, anti-inflammatory fats) that help treat and prevent period pain and inflammation.
Sesame Seeds and Sunflower Seeds – Luteal Phase Mix
Sesame seeds contain lignans similar to flaxseeds that can exert an oestrogen or an antioestrogenic effect within the body (Read the science here). By eating sesame seeds in the luteal phase it helps reduce oestrogen dominance and the fibre supports oestrogen clearance. Sunflower seeds are rich in zinc necessary for progesterone production but the good fats they contain can be converted to gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) which is supports progesterone production and helps relieve breast tenderness and inflammation.
How to Seed Cycle
Use raw and ideally organic seeds if you can. Whole seeds can be kept in the cupboard but once you grind them up, they must be kept in the fridge as heat and light will damage the good fats they contain. You can add the ground seeds to muesli, smoothie, salad or just mix with water and drink.
Follicular Phase - Cycle Day 1-14
Grind together 14 tablespoons of pumpkin seeds and 14 tablespoons of flaxseeds. Mix them together, keep them in the fridge and take 2 tablespoons of this mix everyday during your period right up until you ovulate.
Luteal Phase – Cycle Day 15-28
Grind together 14 tablespoons of sesame seeds and 14 tablespoons of sunflower seeds. Mix them together, keep them in the fridge and take 2 tablespoons of this mix everyday from after ovulation until you get your period.
What If I Have an Irregular Cycle or No Period At All?
Seed cycling is perfect for women with irregular cycles or those who don’t get a period. As it is harder for you to know when your follicular or luteal phase is, sync your seed cycling in with the moon. On the new moon start the follicular phase mix and then on the full moon switch to the luteal phase mix. Keep going on this routine until your menstrual cycle become regular.
How Long Should I do It For?
At least 3 months. The egg you will ovulate today started maturing 90 days prior (i.e. 3 months). Therefore, you need to seed cycle for at least 3 months before you expect to see changes to your menstrual cycle.
Have you used seed cycling to help regulate your period? Let me know below I’d love to hear about your experience with seed cycling.