Seed cycling means consuming particular seeds during the follicular and luteal phases of your menstrual cycle. Doing this can help support healthy levels of progesterone and estrogen. Also, it’s a completely mild and natural method to lessen PMS symptoms, stimulate menstruation in those experiencing menstrual absence, improve fertility, and help deal with other hormonal issues.
Seed cycling can be done at any stage of a woman’s life. But the benefits can be better appreciated when a woman plans to stop hormonal birth control or has difficulties with post-birth control symptoms such as irregular periods or not having periods at all, PMS, and breakouts.
Ways Seed Cycling Help in Hormone Balance
Follicular Phase
Pumpkin and flax seeds can boost estrogen levels without producing excessive amounts during the first phase of the menstrual cycle. Flax seeds have lignans that bind to extra estrogen. Pumpkin seeds have a lot of zinc which can help in the production of progesterone. This is helpful as you move to the next phase of your menstrual cycle.
Luteal Phase
Sesame and sunflower seeds are great during this phase because it helps in progesterone production. That’s because sesame seeds have a lot of zinc and lignans. Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E helps in progesterone production and selenium helps in liver detoxification of extra estrogen.