SEED CYCLING 101
- georgiebday
- Sep 11
- 4 min read
The idea of eating certain seeds at certain times of your menstrual cycle for hormonal balance, may sound like a pretty ludicrous idea (I used to think so too), but if you’re still not convinced by the end of this article, let blind faith lead you into trying it out for yourself, then come back to me with your full feedback…!
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WHAT IS SEED-CYCLING?
Seed-cycling is a 100% natural method whereby pumpkin seeds & flax seeds, or sunflower seeds & sesame seeds support the physiology and hormones of the 2 weeks each in which they are eaten.
HOW IT WORKS:
The ideology behind this method is twofold:
The seeds themselves contain phytonutrients and potent minerals and/or vitamins that support the hormones and physiology of the female body in the weeks in which they are eaten.
The consistency instigates and induces a natural rhythm - which is what can help regulate unbalanced hormones, or maintain a regular cycle.
WHAT DOES IT DO?
If you’ve ever experienced painful periods, PMS cramps, an irregular cycle, absent or delayed ovulation &/menstruation, seed-cycling is something you can (and I highly recommend you do as it helped me re-establish a cycle from zero hormones) try, with zero side effects or anything that could potentially go wrong (lest we mention the OCP) as you’re literally just eating seeds… (but in a rhythmical, methodical way).
HOW TO SEED CYCLE:
From your Day 1 (the first day of your period), every day, for 14 days, eat:
1 tbsp flax seeds
+ 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
Then, for the 14 days following that, SWITCH, to eat daily,:
1 tbsp sesame seeds
1 tbsp sunflower seeds
THE SEEDS x THE PHYSIOLOGY
Flax seeds
Rich in lignans, which are plant compounds that help modulate estrogen levels. Since estrogen starts to rise in the follicular phase, lignans help balance its production, preventing excessive spikes.
• Phytoestrogens (plant-based estrogens) support a healthy estrogen increase without causing dominance.
• High in omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support healthy cell function.
Pumpkin Seeds
High in zinc, which supports progesterone production in the next phase (luteal phase). While estrogen rises now, the body is also preparing for a smooth transition to ovulation and progesterone dominance.
Magnesium and tryptophan aid in relaxation, reducing stress-related cortisol spikes that can interfere with hormone balance.
Rich in iron, which is especially beneficial in the early follicular phase if blood loss from menstruation was significant.
Why these seeds work together in the Follicular Phase
Flax balances estrogen as it rises.
Pumpkin seeds set the stage for ovulation and progesterone production with zinc support.
Together, they create an optimal hormonal environment for egg maturation and ovulation, which are key events in the follicular phase.
Sesame Seeds
Rich in lignans, which help regulate estrogen metabolism. During the luteal phase, estrogen naturally starts to decline, and sesame seeds support this transition, preventing estrogen dominance.
High in calcium, which can help reduce PMS symptoms like bloating and mood swings by supporting muscle relaxation and nerve function.
Anti-inflammatory properties, which help counteract progesterone-related water retention and inflammation.
Sunflower Seeds
Vitamin E supports progesterone production, which is crucial for a balanced luteal phase. Progesterone helps maintain a healthy uterine lining and prevents PMS symptoms like irritability and breast tenderness.
Selenium supports liver detoxification, helping the body break down and eliminate excess hormones, preventing estrogen buildup.
Magnesium helps reduce stress and anxiety, which can be heightened due to natural progesterone fluctuations.
Why these seeds work together in the Luteal Phase
Sesame seeds ensure proper estrogen clearance so estrogen doesn’t linger too long.
Sunflower seeds boost progesterone production, which is essential for a smooth transition to either pregnancy or the next cycle.
Together, they support hormone balance, reduce PMS symptoms, and help ease the body’s natural shift toward menstruation.
FAQ’s:
What if my cycle isn’t regular?
This is the perfect way to regulate your cycle and balance your hormones. Begin seed cycling on your Day 1 (the first day of your period), and eat 1tbsp of each flax & pumpkin seeds for 14 days. Then switch to sunflower and sesame seeds for 14 days. Then switch back to flax & pumpkin REGARDLESS OF CYCLE - do this for ~3x months to begin instigating a regular rhythm.
What if I don’t have a cycle? - Where/when do I start?
This sounds very out there -- but it worked for me... I began with flax and pumpkin seeds on the New Moon (technically Day 1 of the Lunar cycle). I seed-cycled in accordance to the moon cycle, and that is how I got my period back..!
What if I don’t ovulate before I need to switch to sunflower and sesame seeds?
A great question - switch anyways. Do 14 days, then 14 days.
What if my period hasn’t come after 2 weeks of sunflower and sesame seeds?
Another great question - again, continue to the plan: 14 days, then 14 days.
What if my period comes before the 2 weeks of S+S is over?
Potentially the most controversial question - some will say continue with 14 days/14 days to continue the rhythm, some will advise to start as Day 1 (move to flax & pumpkin seeds wherever you are in your 14 days of sesame and sunflower (S+S)) as pumpkin and flax seeds support the first half of the cycle.
I'd say do this. If your period comes before 14 days of S+S is up - begin F+P from Day 1 of your cycle for 14 days.
HOW TO EAT YO SEEDS:
My favourite go-tos are:
Breakfast-topper (on eggs, avo toast, oats, yoghurt & fruit)
Salad/ lunch bowl-topper
Stirred into cooked quinoa or rice (with a touch of tamari and/or sesame oil mmmm)
Same as above but with broccoli, or roasted cauliflower
Roasted veggie -topper
(Anything -topper really)
RECIPES ON THIS BLOG THAT CONTAIN YOUR SEED-CYCLING SEEDS:
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