Seed Cycling: A Gentle, Food-Based Way to Balance Hormones Naturally

What is Seed Cycling?

Seed cycling is a natural method of supporting hormonal balance by rotating specific seeds in alignment with the phases of your menstrual cycle. It works by providing the body with nutrients and phytochemicals (like lignans, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E) that help modulate oestrogen and progesterone levels at different times of the month.

It’s particularly helpful for:

• Hormonal imbalances (PMS, acne, heavy or irregular periods)

• Coming off the pill

• Perimenopause

• PCOS

• Menstrual migraines

• Postpartum hormone recovery

  
  

And for those without a regular cycle, seed cycling can be synced with the moon’s natural rhythm to help re-establish a connection to cyclical patterns.

The Hormonal Logic Behind It

To understand how seed cycling works, it's helpful to break down the two phases of the menstrual cycle and how different seeds support each one.

Phase 1: Follicular Phase (Day 1 to ~14)

Or New Moon → Full Moon for irregular cycles

This phase begins on the first day of your period. Your ovaries start maturing follicles, and oestrogen levels rise steadily to prepare for ovulation.

Goal: Support healthy oestrogen production and detoxification.

Eat daily:

• 1 tbsp freshly ground flaxseeds

• 1 tbsp freshly ground pumpkin seeds

  
  

Why?

• Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, which bind to excess oestrogen and help the body excrete it, preventing oestrogen dominance.

• Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which supports the maturation of follicles and helps prime the body for progesterone production in the second half of the cycle.

• Both provide omega-3 fatty acids, which reduce inflammation and support healthy cell signalling in the endocrine system.

  
  

Phase 2: Luteal Phase (Day 15 to ~28)

Or Full Moon → New Moon for irregular cycles

This phase starts after ovulation. The focus shifts from oestrogen to progesterone, which helps prepare the body for a potential pregnancy and balances the effects of oestrogen.

Goal: Support progesterone production and lower inflammation.

Eat daily:

• 1 tbsp freshly ground sunflower seeds

• 1 tbsp freshly ground sesame seeds

  
  

Why?

• Sunflower seeds are rich in selenium, a trace mineral needed for liver detoxification and thyroid hormone conversion—both of which affect progesterone levels.

• Sesame seeds contain lignans that help block excess oestrogen, plus they’re high in vitamin E, which helps stimulate natural progesterone production.

• Both are high in healthy fats that nourish the reproductive system and support mood, skin, and energy.

  
  

No Cycle? Use the Moon

For women with absent or irregular periods (due to PCOS, perimenopause, post-birth control, etc.), syncing seed cycling with the moon provides a gentle external rhythm that mimics the natural hormonal ebb and flow.

• New Moon → Full Moon = Follicular support (Flax + Pumpkin)

• Full Moon → New Moon = Luteal support (Sunflower + Sesame)

  
  

This method supports re-entraining your circadian and hormonal rhythms—especially helpful when natural cues are lost or disrupted.

How to Prepare the Seeds

• Use raw, organic seeds when possible.

• Grind fresh every few days using a coffee grinder or mini blender.

• Store ground seeds in the fridge in a glass jar to preserve nutrients.

• Add to smoothies, porridge, yogurt, chia pudding, soups, or sprinkle on veg and rice bowls.

• Avoid heating, as some nutrients are heat-sensitive.

  
  

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Seed cycling works gradually—this is not a quick fix. Most people notice subtle changes by the second or third cycle, including:

• Less PMS

• More regular periods

• Improved mood and sleep

• Less bloating or breast tenderness

• Clearer skin

  
  

For perimenopause or post-pill users, it may take 3–6 months to see the full benefits, but it’s a safe, nourishing practice you can continue long-term.

Bonus Tip: Pair with Daily Sunlight + Blood Sugar Balance

Seed cycling works best alongside:

• Daily morning light exposure to anchor your circadian rhythm

• Balanced meals with protein, healthy fat, and slow carbs

• Gentle exercise and stress support (like yoga or breathwork)