Navigating Hormonal Health: A Clinical Nutritionist's Personal Experience with Seed Cycling
Let’s not sugarcoat it; hormones can be complex. As someone who has grappled with irregular cycles and hormonal imbalances for years, I understand first-hand the challenges that many women face when they (virtually) sit across from me in my clinic, seeking natural solutions to puzzling reproductive symptoms.
You know how the story goes: cyclical bloating, cramping, breakouts, sore breasts, mood swings, headaches and fatigue. Ah, the joys of being a woman. For some ladies, these symptoms are much more stubborn, frustrating and even debilitating.
My role as a Clinical Nutritionist has always inspired me to test out new health rituals and products for myself before I can feel comfortable recommending them to clients. So when I came across such a convenient and practical solution like seed cycling, I just had to give it a go for myself.
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a holistic practice that embraces the functional properties of food. Traditionally, seeds like flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds have been recognised for their nutritional profile, in addition to their ability to balance the body’s natural hormonal fluctuations (namely of oestrogen and progesterone). These benefits are thanks to compounds such as lignans, essential fatty acids, zinc and selenium.
Here’s how to try seed cycling for yourself:
Seed Cycling should be done according to your menstrual cycle if it is regular or according to the phases of the moon cycle if your own cycle is irregular or absent. For instance, you would start with Phase 1 of the protocol on the first day of the new moon and begin Phase 2 of the protocol approximately 14 days later when the moon is full. I recommend choosing organic, raw and unsalted seeds.
Phase 1 (Follicular Phase, Days 1-14)
Phase 1 commences on the first day of your period. This is the oestrogen-dominant phase of your cycle.
1 Tablespoon flax seeds.
1 Tablespoon pumpkin seeds.
These seeds are both rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which promote healthy cell membranes. Flax seeds contain lignans, which will block excess oestrogen in the first phase of your cycle. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which supports progesterone production and release for the second phase of your cycle.
Phase 2 (Luteal Phase, Days 15-28)
Ovulation marks the beginning of Phase 2, where your body shifts from oestrogen production to progesterone production.
1 Tablespoon sesame seeds.
1 Tablespoon of sunflower seeds.
These seeds are high in omega-6 fatty acids. Sesame seeds, which also contain lignans, help to block excess oestrogen. Sunflower seeds provide the body with selenium, a trace mineral that assists the liver in its detoxification process and, thus, overall hormonal balance.
Here’s my experience with seed cycling:
After just two months of consistent seed cycling, I noticed a shift in my hormonal balance and experienced great benefits in my emotional and physical premenstrual symptoms. I felt calmer around the time of my period and had more energy, fewer breakouts and far less breast tenderness than usual.
And that’s not all. My cycle began to regulate, and my period became more predictable, as if like clockwork. As someone who has grappled with inconsistent menstrual bleeds in the past, I’m pleased to report my last two cycles have both been exactly 30 days apart.
And the best part? The seeds were delicious and were easily incorporated into my daily routine. I enjoyed the seeds in smoothies, on breakfast bowls, sprinkled through salads and stirred through yoghurt. I’m a big believer that health should be sustainable, achievable and enjoyable - so seed cycling got a big tick, tick, tick from me!
I’m early days into seed cycling, but this simple ritual already feels like a game changer for my reproductive health. This personal journey has given me the confidence to take charge of my own hormonal health and to help my wonderful clients do the same.
For those curious about seed cycling, I encourage you to give it a go. The seeds are easily sourced and can be freshly ground using an electric spice grinder. There are also fantastic Australian companies, such as The Seed Cycle, that offer pre-prepared seeds if you’re after a convenient, user-friendly solution.
The key takeaway:
By providing your body with the building blocks it needs for hormone production and metabolism, you may achieve a more balanced and harmonious cycle. But the benefits are not just isolated to your reproductive system. A healthier menstrual cycle may lower your stress levels, boost your energy, increase your self-confidence and improve your overall wellbeing.
Whilst you might observe positive changes within your initial month of seed cycling, substantial enhancements in menstrual-related symptoms typically become evident after 3-4 cycles (months). Therefore, it's important to maintain consistency and practice patience as you work with your body through this process. I invite you to think of your menstrual cycle as a monthly report card from your body. If you feel that something is out of balance, be sure to work with a healthcare practitioner that you trust to identify the root cause and provide personalised guidance.
Chloe Louise
