Seed Cycling: Balancing Hormones Naturally

Seed cycling is an increasingly popular practice to support the natural fluctuation of women’s hormones throughout their cycle, particularly estrogen and progesterone. It is especially helpful for those going through hormonal transitions, such as coming off of the birth control pill, those with PCOS or endometriosis, or women in perimenopause. 

Estrogen & Progesterone: Understanding the Cycle
Seed cycling corresponds to the two main parts of the reproductive cycle – the follicular phase and the luteal phase. 
During the follicular phase (about days 1-14 for a regular cycle), estrogen is steadily rising in order to develop the egg follicle. During the luteal phase (about days 14-28 for a regular cycle), estrogen declines and progesterone is gradually rising to support building the endometrial lining. If pregnancy has not occurred, progesterone levels decrease and the process begins again. 

Incorporating Seeds for Support
Eating different seeds during the phases of your cycle can help support natural estrogen and progesterone levels. 

The Follicular Phase
During roughly days 1-14, try consuming 1-2 tablespoons of freshly ground flax seeds or 1-2 tablespoons or pumpkin seeds to support healthy estrogen levels. 
Both freshly ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are great for promoting the protective type of estrogen (2-hydroxyestrone) rather than the inflammatory form of estrogen (16-alpha-hydroxyestrone). They also both help bind to excess estrogen and reduce estrogen dominance. It is ideal to purchase whole flax seeds and freshly grind them yourself in a coffee grinder for each dose. Flax can go rancid quickly! 

The Luteal Phase 
During roughly days 14-28, try consuming 1-2 tablespoons of sunflower seeds or 1-2 tablespoons of sesame seeds to support healthy progesterone levels. 

Both sunflower seeds and sesame seeds can help promote healthy progesterone levels by providing sources of zinc, selenium and vitamin E which are essential for progesterone production. 

If you don’t have a cycle or have irregular cycles where it is difficult to track your cycles, begin the follicular phase seeds on the new moon and the luteal phase on the full moon. 

Try implementing this practice for a few months and notice if your hormones feel more balanced.