What to Know About Seed Cycling For Hormonal Balance

Women's hormones are a mystery that science has been trying to understand for decades. While some of us are blessed with comfortable cycles, painless periods, stress-free family planning, and healthy pregnancies, others struggle. And there is no cure-all pill or potion. Often, hormonal balance feels like an absolute guessing game.

Most experts agree that healthy diets and lifestyles are the best foundations for hormonal balance, but eating a rainbow of fruits and vegetables and religiously hitting the yoga studio doesn't always do the trick. We can do everything right and still suffer from heavy, painful periods, difficult mood swings, and more. If you’re one of the millions of women still searching for answers, an increasingly popular approach called seed cycling might be worth trying.

Photo by Anthony Tran

What is Seed Cycling?

Seed cycling is surprisingly simple. You rotate between two seed blends timed to your menstrual cycle. The seeds are rich in specific nutrients believed to support healthy estrogen levels early in the cycle and boost progesterone (and even testosterone) later on.

Seed cycling follows the main phases of your cycle. Here's how it works:

• Days 1–14 (menstruation through the follicular phase, which is the first day of your period until ovulation): 1–2 tablespoons each of freshly ground flax seeds and pumpkin seeds daily.

• Days 15–28 (ovulation through the luteal phase): 1–2 tablespoons each of sesame seeds and sunflower seeds daily.

If your cycle is shorter or longer than 28 days, just switch at ovulation. You’ll usually notice the shift through temperature, cervical fluid, ovulation tests, or even your energy/mood.

That’s it. No complicated timing—just two simple seed blends synced to your natural rhythm.

"It is a trending remedy for the idea that it could balance hormones, regulate your periods, help with any fertility concerns, endometriosis, or PCOS, and even help with menopause symptoms," family medicine physician Laura Purdy, MD, medical director of SWELL Medical, told Women's Health. "Therefore, if you are experiencing any of the above, [seed cycling] could be something to look into and try."

Does Seed Cycling Really Balance Your Hormones?

Small studies found evidence that the seeds may help regulate menstrual cycles or lengthen the luteal phase. There are also endless claims from women that seed cycling worked magic on their hormonal imbalances. However, there haven't been many formal studies on the method, so there is no definitive evidence that it works.

Even though seed cycling isn't a sure thing, trying it will likely cause no harm. In fact, flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds are nutrient powerhouses that offer dozens of other benefits. So, it's a win either way. But be sure to talk to your doctor before trying any new hormonal imbalancing trends, especially if your symptoms are interfering with your daily life.