A simple guide to seed cycling for hormone balancing. Find out what flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds can do, plus tips on using organic toxin free pads.
A few years ago no one was talking about flax seeds and their hormone benefits at the dinner table. Now seed cycling is everywhere on social media. Someone will post a photo of a small jar of ground seeds and how their cramps have improved and it will blow up.
Seed cycling for hormone balancing is a simple way to use food to help your hormones. It involves eating specific seeds in the first half of your cycle and different seeds in the second half. This approach to seed cycling for hormone balance uses no expensive powders, just seeds from the supermarket.
It is not a miracle cure or a cure. Some women love it and others feel nothing. There is not a lot of research on it but it is cheap, low risk and means you are paying attention to your body which is valuable. Below we give you an overview on how it works, what is genuine and what is hype. We will also cover the part most articles ignore.
The Basics
Your cycle can be broken into two main parts. The follicular phase begins on day one of your period, and lasts up until you ovulate (around day 14 in a textbook 28 day cycle, although most of us don’t have this! ). The second half is known as the luteal phase, from ovulation until your next period starts.
Estrogen levels rise in the first half and progesterone takes over in the second. Specific seeds are believed to give your body the nutrients needed to help support the right hormone. It’s not a cure all but just a gentle push.
In the first half of your cycle you would eat flax and pumpkin seeds. In the second half you would eat sesame and sunflower seeds. Around a tablespoon of each ground per day. These can be added to your favourite foods such as porridge, yogurt or smoothie.
Whilst there are not any huge clinical trials to prove this, it is based on knowledge of the nutrients found in the seeds and many practitioners have found this can help their clients. So it is worth knowing.
Follicular Seeds
Flax seeds are high in lignans (plant compounds). Some studies suggest they may help your body to process estrogen better. They contain omega 3s and fibre. Fibre is important as your gut helps to clear out old hormones.
Pumpkin seeds contain zinc and magnesium. Zinc helps with ovulation and the message passing between your brain and ovaries. Magnesium is a mineral many of us lack and often low magnesium and period cramps go hand in hand.
Try to grind your flax seeds as they are fresh. Whole flax seeds often pass straight through you. Pre ground will lose freshness quickly so store in the fridge.
Luteal Seeds
After ovulation you want to eat sesame and sunflower seeds. Sesame contains lignans, zinc and some believe helps to balance progesterone whilst estrogen can be a bit noisy. Sunflower seeds contain vitamin e and selenium. Selenium is important for your thyroid and liver detox pathways. Vitamin e has been looked at for pre-menstrual breast soreness.
We’re not saying these seeds will do exactly what the charts say. Bodies are not always straightforward! However these seeds are all highly nutritious and most of us don’t eat enough of them anyway. Whilst the hormone aspect may be a bit of a placebo effect (it could be!), you are still getting some great minerals, healthy fats and fibre.
Irregular or No Period
This is a common question. If you have PCOS, coming off the pill or in perimenopause it can be confusing to track. Your cycle could be 40 days one month and 25 the next.
If you have no period, many people use the moon phase. New moon = flax and pumpkin. Full moon = sesame and sunflower. Whilst this seems like a bit of a hippy thing to do, it is just to create a rhythm. The seeds are not reacting to the moon. Some people track their ovulation using their basal body temp or ovulation strips. They will swap their seeds when they see they have ovulated.
Most practitioners will say give it at least 3 months to see if it works for you. Hormones don’t change overnight. If your cycles are very irregular or you have had no periods for months please see a doctor. Seeds are an aid. If you have something like thyroid issues or PCOS please get tested. I wouldn’t want anyone to leave a jar of flax sitting for a year when something could be resolved.
The Part No One Talks About
You may be eating the perfect seeds but you are still putting harmful things against your body every day. Most traditional pads and tampons contain a mixture of plastics, synthetic materials, fragrance and bleached materials. Many brands don’t have to state what is in them. The fragrance can hide away many chemicals. The skin in that area is much thinner and absorbs more than your forearm so it is wise to be cautious.
We aren’t trying to scare you. There is still much to learn about long term effects but if you are doing everything you can to help your hormones with your diet then why not take a look at this part too. Many women find they suffer with less itchiness, irritation and odd smells.
Top Tips for Using Organic Toxin Free Pads
Organic toxin free pads are made from organic cotton. They do not contain fragrance, chlorine bleaching or plastic tops. Look for third party certifications such as GOTS or OEKO-TEX. Read the ingredients to ensure they are using natural ingredients. ‘Natural’ on the packaging means very little.
Start with one box. Try using them on a lighter day or night. How does your skin feel? Organic cotton pads feel different. They feel softer and more breathable. They don’t feel like a plastic nappy. Some are slightly thicker and absorb differently. Give them a couple of cycles to get used to.
They are a bit more expensive but think of them as the seeds. Small changes over a period of months. You don’t have to change everything in one day. Just one thing at a time.
Getting Started
To keep it simple, choose a day to start. Probably day one of your next period. Buy raw flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds. Grind a few tablespoons and place in a glass jar in the fridge. Eat one tablespoon of the correct combination everyday. Add to your usual foods.
Ensure you are also drinking enough water, eating real protein, sleeping and moving your body in ways you enjoy. Hormones are affected by your overall lifestyle. When ready, swap to organic toxin free pads.
Keep a small diary or app. Note down how you are feeling, cramps, energy, bleeding and skin. After 3 cycles look back. If there is a pattern, great! If not you haven’t lost out and you will have learned about your body. If anything feels off please speak to a doctor.
Conclusion
Seed cycling for hormone balancing will not be a cure all. Anyone saying it will be selling something. It is an easy way to get into a gentle, low cost habit. Many women find this helps them feel more in tune with their cycle. Combine with real food, sleep and good medical care. Take a look at what you are using on your skin. Switching to organic toxic free pads is one of the easiest swaps to make and your body will probably thank you.
FAQs
Will seed cycling help my hormones?
There isn’t a lot of research. The seeds are high in nutrients that help with hormone health. Many women find they have better cycles but it is not proven like medication. Think of it as a food based aid.
How long does it take to see results?
Give it at least 3 full cycles. Hormones are slow to change.
Can I do seed cycling if I don’t have periods?
Yes! Many people use the moon phases or track their ovulation. If you have stopped having periods please speak to your doctor to find out why.
Are organic toxin free pads better?
They don’t contain any fragrance, plastics or chlorine bleaching. Many people with sensitive skin or irritation prefer to use them. Ensure they have certifications and read the ingredients.
Can I use organic pads and seed cycling?
Yes! They work on both sides of the same goal. One from the inside and one from the outside.
Is seed cycling safe?
For most people, yes. They are just seeds. However if you suffer from allergies, hormone sensitive conditions or are pregnant please speak to your doctor first.