Seed Cycling: How it Saved My 30s and Balanced My Hormones Naturally

There’s something magical about discovering a natural health hack that actually works. Enter seed cycling. I stumbled upon it in my 30s when I was searching for ways to balance my hormones, boost my mood, and manage my cycle. Seed cycling seemed almost too simple to be effective, but the benefits quickly spoke for themselves. In this guide, I’ll share everything I’ve learned about seed cycling, from what it is and how to do it, to a few easy recipes and ways it’s transformed my life.

What is Seed Cycling?

So, what exactly is seed cycling? Simply put, seed cycling is a natural way to support hormone balance throughout the menstrual cycle by incorporating specific seeds at different phases. During the first half (the follicular phase), pumpkin and flax seeds are recommended to boost estrogen levels, and during the second half (the luteal phase), sunflower and sesame seeds help increase progesterone. Together, these seeds provide essential fatty acids and nutrients that help regulate your cycle, manage symptoms, and keep your hormones in check.

How to Do Seed Cycling

Ready to give it a try? Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to start your seed cycling journey:

Day 1 to Day 14: one tablespoon of Flax seeds and one tablespoon of pumpkin seeds.

Flax and Pumpkin seeds contain essential fatty acids that not only support estrogen production, but have enough fiber to support estrogen metabolism (important to clear excess estrogen). These seeds are an excellent way to provide healthy levels of estrogen without leading to high levels of estrogen a.k.a. estrogen dominance.

Day 15 to Day 28: one tablespoon of sesame seeds and one tablespoon of sunflower seeds.

This phase (luteal phase of the cycle) is well known for PMS. Progesterone is the little terrorist behind PMS. Part of the symptoms can be caused by estrogen not being cleared out properly from the system (remember the estrogen drop?). Sesame seeds are high in zinc and sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E which both help in production of progesterone. Both seeds also contain selenium and good Omegas that support liver function which is necessary for good hormone excretion (bye bye unwanted estrogen).

Get all the seeds from Amazon

Not sure of your cycle length? No worries! You can follow the phases of the moon: the new moon can represent Day 1 (start of the follicular phase), and the full moon marks the start of the luteal phase.

"I think this is a good time for me to put in my disclaimers. I am not a health expert! This is my personal experience and recommendation but not to be treated as an alternative to seeking medical attention"

How to Seed Cycle Without a Period

Seed cycling isn’t just for those with regular cycles. If you’re not menstruating due to menopause, PCOS, or any other reason, you can still benefit by syncing with the moon phases. Start the follicular phase on the new moon and transition to the luteal phase at the full moon. This approach is popular among women who want hormone support without a traditional cycle.

Seed Cycling Before and After

Okay back to my seed cycling experience!

I’ve always loved seeing the before and after transformations of health journeys, and seed cycling has made a noticeable difference in my own well-being. Before starting, I dealt with mood swings, bloating, and unpredictable cycles. A few months into seed cycling, I noticed less bloating, a more regular cycle, and even a boost in my energy levels. Of course, everyone’s results vary, but this practice has made a world of difference for me and many others.

Benefits of Seed Cycling

The benefits of seed cycling go beyond hormone health. Here’s a breakdown of the ways it can support your well-being:

• Hormone Balance: Seed cycling supports estrogen and progesterone levels, helping to reduce PMS symptoms, irregular cycles, and mood swings.

• Skin Health: The essential fatty acids in the seeds contribute to clear, hydrated skin.

• Digestive Health: The fiber from these seeds promotes good digestion and regular bowel movements.

• Emotional Balance: Improved hormone balance often means fewer mood swings and a more stable emotional state

Where to Find Seeds and Blends for seed cycling

Finding high-quality seeds is essential for getting the best results from seed cycling. Look for organic, raw seeds whenever possible, and store them in the fridge to keep them fresh. Many health food stores carry these seeds in bulk, but you can also find options online. Amazon, for instance, has a variety of organic seed cycling blends I have done the work for you and placed my recommendations in one place on my Amazon Storefront , and if you’re in Canada, health stores and larger retailers have options as well.

Frequently Asked Questions on Seed Cycling

1. How do I store the seeds ?It’s best to keep seeds in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer to maintain their freshness and nutrient quality.

2. Can I just take seed oil instead? While oils do provide some benefits, whole seeds contain fiber, which is important for digestion and hormone support.

3. What if I miss a few days? No worries! Just get back on track as soon as you remember. Consistency is key, but perfection isn’t necessary.

So would I say seed cycling has been beneficial to me? Absolutely yes! Was it a lot of work? In the beginning, most definitely. But I eventually got the hang of it. The nitty gritties of seed cycling requires a lot of discipline. The seeds must be freshly ground as our bodies are not able to breakdown the hard cover of the seeds. So a little trick I do is to grind a week worth of seeds and refrigerate in an air tight container and refill as needed.

Another important thing to note is that you must either consume the seeds or store them in the fridge immediately after grinding because they start to oxidize within fifteen minutes. It is recommended to eat two tablespoons a day (a table spoon of each seed). I add mine to yoghurts for breakfast, sprinkle on salads, mix it in my oats, or sprinkle on my avocado and toast breakfast (which I absolutely love ).

I have also come to learn that it is important to increase your protein intake as you grow older. Your body will require more protein to keep a healthy level of metabolism. It is sometimes very difficult in ensuring you have a good intake of protein consistently but you can find organic alternatives like LIVEWELL that provide plant based organic supplements

My journey with seed cycling has been transformative, offering me natural hormone support that’s easy to follow and sustainable. If you’re curious to try it, remember to be patient and consistent—hormone balance takes time! With a little effort, seed cycling might just become the wellness habit you never knew you needed. I am certain this might not be a solution for everyone but it is an inexpensive way to stay healthy. I would definitely recommend to try especially if you struggle with the symptoms I mentioned earlier. What’s there to lose anyway?

Have you tried seed cycling? What has been your experience? If you haven’t, would you give it a go? As always I’d love to hear your thoughts and comments about this.