if you've been scrolling wellness content lately, you've probably come across the term seed cycling.
but what exactly is it and does it actually work?
seed cycling is a food based wellness practice that involves eating different types of seeds during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle: the follicular phase (days 1 to 14) and the luteal phase (days 15 to 28). the idea is that specific seeds contain nutrients like lignans, zinc, selenium, and essential fatty acids that support your body's natural hormone production and metabolism at the right times.
the follicular phase (days 1 to 14)
during the first half of your cycle, oestrogen is rising. flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds are eaten during this phase. flaxseeds contain lignans, which help the body metabolise excess oestrogen, while pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports progesterone production in the second half of the cycle.
the luteal phase (days 15 to 28)
after ovulation, progesterone becomes the dominant hormone. during this phase, sesame seeds and sunflower seeds take over. sesame seeds contain lignans that support progesterone, while sunflower seeds are high in vitamin e and selenium, both of which support hormone metabolism and reduce inflammation.
why are people trying it?
seed cycling appeals to people who want to support their hormonal health through food rather than or alongside medication. it's particularly popular among people managing pms, irregular periods, pcos, perimenopause, and post pill hormone rebalancing.
does the science support it?
seed cycling as a complete protocol hasn't been studied in large clinical trials, but the individual nutrients in these seeds have strong research backing. with less than 4% of research in women's health, we are fighting for this to finally get the research it deserves.