Seed cycling: a natural approach to balancing hormones

Seed cycling is a natural practice that helps maintain female hormonal balance in a simple way. It’s becoming increasingly popular, though not always explained accurately. The practice involves consuming specific seeds at different phases of the menstrual cycle to support the body in each stage. Thanks to the beneficial properties of these seeds, it can promote cycle regularity and relieve symptoms such as cramps, mood swings, and fatigue.

Seed cycling, what is it?

Do you know how the menstrual cycle works? Many women believe they can answer positively to this question, but in reality there is a lot of misinformation about it. Studies show that one in three women does not know how the menstrual cycle works, its different phases, or how hormonal changes affect daily life. It’s crucial to clarify this point if we want to understand what seed cycling is, as this method is based precisely on the different phases of the menstrual cycle.

The menstrual cycle consists of four phases:

Menstrual phase. It coincides with the bleeding days and therefore covers the first 3-5 days of the cycle, it is in this phase that the levels of estrogen and progesterone decrease, causing both physical and mental tiredness and hypersensitivity. It is also in this phase that many women feel a high desire for sweets which is normal as it is a reaction of our body to the lack of serotonin .
Follicular phase. With the end of menstruation, the follicular phase begins. Estrogen levels along with vaginal lubrication and mucus production, a phase that lasts until about the fourteenth day of the menstrual cycle.
Ovulatory phase. After the follicular phase, ovulation begins. It is the shortest phase of the cycle, lasting a couple of days at most. Estrogen and testosterone levels peak, and during these days, a woman is at her highest fertility.
Luteal Phase. When ovulation ends, the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle begins. Estrogen levels decrease while progesterone increases, which can cause bloating, decreased libido, mood swings, nervousness, and irritability. These are all symptoms that every woman is all too familiar with, aren't they?

The benefits of seed cycling for hormonal health

The hormonal changes that occur in the female body during the different phases of the cycle are completely natural. However, it is true that stress, an unbalanced diet, a sedentary lifestyle, and unhealthy habits can have an impact. These can create real imbalances that are unfortunately becoming more frequent due to the hectic pace of our routines. Because of these imbalances, many women face various challenges during the different phases of the cycle. Some experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS), characterized by symptoms like bloating, headaches, mood swings, and irritability. For many, menstruation can also be painful, with intense and frequent cramps during these delicate days. Not to mention that irregular cycles are increasingly common, and hormonal imbalances can also affect libido and fertility.

Don't listen to those who tell you that all this is normal and that you have to live with it. Taking care of your well-being is a right and seed cycling is a completely natural method that can help you in this endeavor. It is based on the intake of different types of seeds depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle, as seeds are rich in micronutrients that can have an impact on the production of hormones and, consequently, on female well-being. Contrary to what one might think, it’s not a new method. In fact, it has roots that go far back in time.

How to get started with seed cycling: a practical guide and lots of helpful tips

Seed cycling is a nutritional practice that involves the intake of different varieties of seeds based on the phases of the menstrual cycle, with the aim of promoting hormonal balance. The seeds, rich in nutrients and phytoestrogens, can positively influence female hormone levels, supporting well-being throughout the cycle.

Menstrual phase (first 3-5 days of cycle) and follicular phase (days 5-14)

Flaxseeds. They are high in lignans and Omega-3 fatty acids. They help maintain optimal estrogen levels and promote ovarian health and fertility. They also help relieve typical PMS and menstrual symptoms, such as cramps, breast pain, inflammation and swelling.
Pumpkin seeds. They contain high doses of zinc, magnesium and Omega-6 fatty acids. They support the production of estrogen and hormonal balance and are useful for alleviating the typical symptoms of PMS and menstruation as they have an important anti-inflammatory effect.
Chia seeds. They are rich in Omega-3, fiber and antioxidants. They help reduce inflammation and keep hormones balanced.

Ovulatory phase (days 14-15) and luteal phase (days 15-28)

Sesame seeds. They are rich in lignans, zinc and vitamin E. They help balance estrogen, support the production of progesterone and promote proper hormonal balance.
Sunflower seeds. They are high in Omega-6 fats, vitamin E, magnesium, selenium. They help reduce inflammation, improve overall well-being, and support hormonal balance and ovarian health.

Of course, you can eat seeds as they are, like a true snack, but you can also add them to other foods. Try adding seeds to yogurt in the morning for a wellness-boosting breakfast, or sprinkle them on salads or soups. You can even mix your favorite seeds into bread and focaccia dough. There’s no limit to how seeds can be used in the kitchen.

But does seed cycling really work ? Let's start with an important premise. Eating seeds is very good for your health, as they are rich in micronutrients that provide many benefits to our body. For example, they are high in fiber, which helps increase satiety and supports digestive health. They’re also rich in vitamins, minerals like magnesium and potassium, and fatty acids, and they contain significant amounts of plant-based proteins. While there is no scientific evidence on seed cycling, trying it won’t hurt because seeds are beneficial regardless. However, in order to experience any benefits, it is essential to be consistent in daily consumption, as regularity is key to achieving concrete results.

It is true, however, that there is much more we can do to achieve hormonal balance. We can exercise regularly, for example, follow a lifestyle that is as healthy as possible, rest for at least eight hours every night and have a balanced diet, avoiding excessively processed foods, refined sugars and alcohol. We can also take food supplements, better if natural of course, designed specifically for female hormonal well-being.

Embrace your menstrual cycle and feel at ease in every phase with our PERIOD LOVE supplement. Chasteberry offers valid support for alterations and disorders typical of the menstrual cycle and helps avoid irregularities. Melilot combats fluid retention. Do you often feel tired and fatigued ? Thanks to the formula enriched with magnesium, vitamin B1 and B2, zinc, these are also easy problems to address. Without forgetting that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory complex of this formulation helps combat pain and cramps.