During the menstrual cycle, hormone variations can cause mood swings, hot flashes, cystic acne, bloating, headaches, and erratic irregular cycles. When there is not a healthy ratio of estrogen to progesterone, these symptoms can become more pronounced. 

These imbalances can point to underlying causes such as PCOS and Hypothyroidism and make conception challenging. Down the road hormone imbalances can lead to osteoporosis, and even heart disease. 

Historically, hormonal birth control is the modern answer to these imbalances. But oral contraceptives can come with risks such as depression, weight gain, metabolic disorders, and blood clots particularly if you are older, overweight and smoke. 

So What Can We Do?

Seed cycling is a natural tool to keep your hormones balanced throughout the month by rotating the consumption of particular seeds throughout the menstrual cycle. 

Specific nutrients in certain seeds support particular hormones, so shifting these seeds to amplify the hormonal signaling in concert during either the follicular or luteal phase can keep hormones in balance. In addition seeds are high in a fiber that can bind to toxins and hormones in the GI tract. 

A Guide To Choosing Your Seeds

Yin Phase Seeds (Pumpkin & Flax Seeds)

During the yin, follicular, or more estrogenic phase, we reinforce yin energy with lingans. Lignans are a compound found predominantly in pumpkin and flax seeds. This component can help regulate the estrogen levels. At the beginning part of the cycle, estrogen is penultimate in recruiting a lead follicle or egg cell to be prepared for ovulation and potentially be fertilized. Pumpkin and flax seeds are recommended as they are known to regulate ovulation and enhance a woman’s fertile window.

Not only that, but the selenium prevalent in this type of seed can help the liver clear the used portion of the hormones after it has done its job and has been active on the tissue. This is a big part of moving from the estrogenic yin phase to the yang phase.

Yang Phase Seeds (Sesame & Sunflower Seeds)

During the yang or luteal phase, when progesterone is more into play, we are supporting yang energy. The seeds consumed during the second half of the cycle after ovulation, like ground sesame and sunflower seeds, are a great source of zinc, a necessary nutrient for ovulation.

During the luteal phase progesterone is at its zenith and is the utmost yang of hormones. The vitamin E in these fatty seeds has been shown to improve progesterone production, which acts as a balancing hormone, mitigating the negative effects of too much estrogen in the body.  

Seeds are a great source of zinc, a necessary nutrient for ovulation. During the luteal phase progesterone is at its zenith and is the utmost yang of hormones. The vitamin E in these fatty seeds has been shown to improve progesterone production, which acts as a balancing hormone, mitigating the negative effects of too much estrogen in the body. This type of cycling is similar to our Chinese herbal formula and acupuncture intent that we work on during particular cycle days of the month for each individual patient. Fertility acupuncture and traditional herbal medicine works on. 

But How Do I DO IT?

It’s really easy and you can do it right at home. Make a base blend of desiccated coconut, chia and hemp seeds. Separate into two containers and add the respective ground seed blend to each container.  Sprinkle on coconut yogurt, sweet potato toast with avocado, and over salads. 

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