Seed Cycling: A Simple Practice for Balancing Hormones
Traditionally a woman’s practice, “seed cycling” is a way of eating that holds a magical science for creating monthly rhythm in the body. I this Radical Self Care technique to balance a woman’s cycle, prepare the body for fertility, or keep the body in rhythm during and after menopause.
For about two weeks, one set of seeds is eaten; then for the next two weeks another set of seeds is eaten. By eating certain seeds at certain times, we give the body access to the building blocks, the fats and lignans contained in the seeds, to support specific hormone production in the body, namely estrogen and progesterone.
What is the practice of seed cycling?
For two weeks, you’ll eat one set of seeds. Then for two more weeks, you’ll eat a different set of seeds. When you’re eating one set of seeds, avoid eating the seeds from the other set. You’ll improve the nutritional value of the seeds by grinding them up before eating them. I often throw the seeds into my smoothie.
Phase 1: Two Weeks to support estrogen balance.
Eat daily: 1 TBSP ground flaxseed & 1 TBSP ground pumpkin seeds
Phase 2: Two weeks to support progesterone increase.
Eat daily: 1 TBSP ground Sunflower seeds & 1 TBSP ground Sesame seeds
IMPORTANT: Use raw organic seeds and grind them fresh every few days.
When do I start?
If you’re menstruating, start on the first day of your menstrual bleed.
If you’re not menstruating, start on the new moon. Click here to find out what the current phase of the moon is. Phase 2 will start on the full moon.
What can I add into seed cycling to make it more powerful?
Some people add fish oil to both phases to provide more support with the building blocks that create the hormones we are supporting.
Other additions include...
Phase 1: Phytoestrogen herbals, increased legumes.
Phase 2: Evening Primrose Oil can be added into Phase 2 to help support healthy progesterone building. Phytoprogest formula can be added into Phase 2 to enhance the hormone support.
Check out my online Fullscript dispensary for these add-ons.
Who benefits from using seed cycling?
Seed cycling practice is for people who want to create or maintain a healthy internal rhythm of hormones. Women who turn to this practice are often hoping to...
Treat PMS
Enhance fertility
Recover from irregular menstrual cycles
Recover from hormone-related treatments (like birth control, hormone replacement therapy, or cancer treatments)
Transition through perimenopause
Get more connected with the moon cycle
If you are not having a menstrual bleed, you can start seed cycling on the new moon to tune in your body with natural laws and rhythms.
What is the hormonal benefit of starting on the new moon?
It should be said that a woman’s menstrual cycle does not need to be synced to the lunar cycle in order to be healthy. Most womens’ cycles do not line up exactly with the moon (Ilias, 2013). But for those of us looking to establish healthy hormonal rhythms, look no further than that handy moon! A woman’s healthy hormone cycle is usually about the same length as the lunar cycle (about 29 days).
How to use the lunar cycle?
We have studies showing that we can use the lunar cycle to establish healthy cycling for non-cycling women (Law, 1986). Because the symptoms of menopause are partly caused by a general disruption of rhythm in the body, it makes sense to continue to use the lunar rhythm throughout a woman’s lifetime. We believe that women do best when they are supported by rhythms aligned with natural laws.
The moon’s influence on our bodies is far more complex than just calendar rhythm. We have evidence that the release of neurohormones, sex hormones and melatonin are all influenced by the moon. Both the electromagnetic pull and the gravitational pull of the moon influence the earth and the brains of earth dwellers.
Do men have a lunar cycle?
Yes. Men also are impacted by the moon. One study conducted with men showed they have enhanced performance and improved sleep at the new moon (Dergaa, 2019). The studies published about men and the moon are very few, but there seems to be a trend toward more. We need more research to understand the electromagnetic and gravitational influences of the moon on all humans.
How many seed cycles to see changes?
A day in the life of the ovaries is 30 days, so give it a few days… or 90 days, really.
Then, STICK WITH IT.
Does seed cycling enhance fertility?
I have seen seed cycling balance hormones and menstrual rhythm. The ovulation that occurs right between Phase 1 and Phase 2 can become more reliable with this practice.
Does seed cycling ease the symptoms of menopause?
I have seen seed cycling support women whose cycles are beginning to change. With the seed support, I have seen hot flashes decrease and sleep improve.
Why isn’t my period regular?
Why is my menopause so torturous?
Stop the PMS!
Many factors can lead to hormonal dysregulation.
Stress in the form of emotional experiences, physical injury, illness, or significant changes in life can lead to irregularity in the hormone cycles. Food issues, such as nutritional needs or unhealthy dieting practices, can lead to irregularity. The causes are complex and can involve the digestion, thyroid, or brain function.
I invite you to continue learning from my Radical Self Care postings. Radical Self Care is designed to support the body in creating the internal rhythms that lead to health.
Sometimes, more comprehensive support is needed. If you think you have a hormone imbalance, schedule an appointment with me, Dr. Ervin. Let’s figure this out.
References:
Cutler WB. Lunar and menstrual phase locking. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1980;137(7):834‐839. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(80)90895-9. 312 women watched for a season- only 68 had a cycle length similar to the moon. But, the majority of participants ovulated in the dark phase of the moon.
Dergaa I, Fessi MS, Chaabane M, Souissi N, Hammouda O. The effects of lunar cycle on the diurnal variations of short-term maximal performance, mood state, and perceived exertion. Chronobiol Int. 2019;36(9):1249‐1257. doi:10.1080/07420528.2019.1637346
Friedmann E. Menstrual and lunar cycles. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 1981;140(3):350. doi:10.1016/0002-9378(81)90294-5. Almost 2/3 of the subjects started their October cycle in the light 1/2 of the lunar cycle, significantly more than would be expected by random distribution. The author concludes that there is a lunar influence on ovulation.
Gannon L. Menopausal symptoms as consequences of dysrhythmia. J Behav Med. 1993;16(4):387‐402. doi:10.1007/BF00844779
Gunn, D.L., Jenkin, P.M. and Gunn, A.L. (1937), Menstrual Periodicity; Statistical Observations on a Large Sample of Normal Cases. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 44: 839-879. doi:10.1111/j.1471-0528.1937.tb14705.x A study of menstrual periodicity involving 10,416 women found that menstruation occurred at all times of the month, regardless of the lunar cycle, and concluded that there is “no justification for associating the date of menstruation or its rhythm with lunar phenomena”
Ilias I, Spanoudi F, Koukkou E, Adamopoulos DA, Nikopoulou SC. Do lunar phases influence menstruation? A year-long retrospective study. Endocr Regul. 2013;47(3):121‐122. doi:10.4149/endo_2013_03_121 A year of watching
Law SP. The regulation of menstrual cycle and its relationship to the moon. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand. 1986;65(1):45‐48. doi:10.3109/00016348609158228. 826 women, a significant portion tended to menstruate during the new moon. “The lunar-menses-regulatory therapy in treatment of Nephropenic secondary amenorrhea revealed 4 clinical cure, 5 marked effect, 8 menogogue and 3 ineffect out of 20 cases.”
Tan DA, Haththotuwa R, Fraser IS. Cultural aspects and mythologies surrounding menstruation and abnormal uterine bleeding. Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2017;40:121‐133. doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2016.09.015
Zimecki M. The lunar cycle: effects on human and animal behavior and physiology. Postepy Hig Med Dosw (Online). 2006;60:1‐7.