Hormonal health: the low-down on seed cycling

Seed cycling is a naturopathic approach to balancing hormones. It involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle.  The menstrual cycle is typically 28 days in length, however cycle lengths can differ. The nutrient profile of the seeds involved can help to naturally support your cycles and hormone balance.

It is important to note that some may see benefits from seed cycling in terms of hormonal balance within one to three months. Everyone is different and you may not notice any benefits. There is little scientific evidence to back up the practice though there is plenty of anecdotal evidence. Overall, it is a great way to get additional beneficial nutrients into your diet that you may not have otherwise had.

How to seed cycle

I use a coffee grinder to grind my seeds. I prepare the seeds weekly as part of my meal prep and then store them in a dark glass jar in my fridge to protect the natural oils.

Enjoy the seeds on top of your breakfast, in smoothies, in protein balls, sprinkled on top of soups, in pesto, or in salads.

Follicular phase

(During days 1 – 14 of your cycle, beginning on the first day of menstruation and ending with ovulation)

Consume one tablespoon each daily of freshly ground flax and pumpkin seeds which can help regulate oestrogen during this phase of the hormone cycle.

Flaxseeds are rich in phytoestrogens that may help support oestrogen metabolism.  They are also a source of anti-inflammatory omega 3 and a good source of fibre.  Pumpkin seeds provide zinc that can help promote progesterone during the second half of your cycle.

Luteal phase

(During 15-28 of your cycle,  ovulation to menstruation)

Consume one tablespoon each daily of ground sunflower seeds and sesame seeds until the first day of your next period. This can help to support the hormone progesterone in the last phase of your cycle.

The vitamin E in the sunflower seeds may help with increasing progesterone levels.  The minerals zinc and selenium found in sesame seeds also support progesterone production. While lignans also found in sesame seeds can help with excess oestrogen.

Not everyone’s cycle is 28 days long. If your cycle is shorter or longer than 28 days simply adapt the length of the two phases to fit with your cycle.

Incorporating seed cycling as part of a balanced diet and lifestyle may help with hormonal balance,  helping to balance estrogen and progesterone levels therefore potentially reducing symptoms of hormonal imbalances. Either way, adding seeds to the diet is an excellent way of consuming an array of essential nutrients that are key to overall health and skin as well as hormone function.

I’d love to know, do you seed cycle? Have you found any benefits from seed cycling? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences @katiejensonhull on Instagram.

Much love,

Katie xx