The Power of Seed Cycling: A Natural Hack for Hormone Balance
If you’ve been searching for a natural, food-based way to support your hormones, seed cycling might just be your new wellness obsession. This simple, nutrient-packed practice involves eating specific seeds at different phases of your menstrual cycle to help balance estrogen and progesterone levels, support mood stability, and even improve skin health.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a functional nutrition practice where you eat flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds in the first half of your cycle (the follicular phase) and sesame and sunflower seeds in the second half (the luteal phase). Each seed type provides essential fatty acids, lignans, and micronutrients that support optimal hormone function.
The Phases & The Seeds
Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): Estrogen Support
Estrogen rises in the first half of the cycle, supporting mood, energy, and ovulation. However, too much estrogen can cause bloating, mood swings, and acne.
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Flaxseeds: Contain lignans that help balance estrogen levels.
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Pumpkin seeds: Rich in zinc, which supports progesterone production later in the cycle.
How to Use: Try our estrogen loving berry smoothie or add 1 tablespoon each of ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds to smoothies, oatmeal, or salads.
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): Progesterone Boost
After ovulation, the body needs more progesterone, the calming hormone that helps with sleep, anxiety, and PMS symptoms.
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Sesame seeds: Packed with zinc and lignans to modulate estrogen levels.
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Sunflower seeds: High in vitamin E, which supports progesterone production.
How to Use: Try our progesterone boosting sesame energy balls or sprinkle 1 tablespoon each of sesame and sunflower seeds on roasted veggies, yogurt, or soups.
Why Seed Cycling Works
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Balances hormones naturally without the need for synthetic hormones or supplements.
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Supports skin health by stabilizing estrogen and reducing hormonal acne.
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Eases PMS & period symptoms like bloating, cramps, and mood swings.
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Boosts fertility by supporting ovulation and a regular menstrual cycle.
Expert Insight:
Dr. Nat Kringoudis, a leading Australian hormone expert, shares: “Seed cycling is a gentle, food-based approach to supporting hormone health, and when paired with a nutrient-dense diet, it can be incredibly effective.”
How to Start Seed Cycling Today
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Track your cycle (apps like Clue or Flo make it easy!).
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Get high-quality, organic seeds to ensure maximum nutrient content.
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Grind flax and sesame seeds for better absorption.
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Be consistent—hormone balancing is a long game!
A Small Change for Big Results
If your hormones feel out of sync, seed cycling is a simple and effective way to bring them back into harmony. Start incorporating these powerhouse seeds and experience better energy, improved mood, and fewer PMS symptoms—all through the power of real food.