Can Seed Cycling Help PCOS (PMOS) and Irregular Periods?

Health, Hormone, Nutrition, Oestrogen, Perimenopause/Menopause, Thyroid

Missing or irregular periods can be frustrating and can disrupt your daily life. Whether you’re concerned about an unexpected beach day or dealing with inconsistent spotting, it can be a major source of stress. In fact, studies show that around 14% of women experience irregular or absent periods (known as amenorrhea) during their reproductive years. (1,2)

Why Is Your Period Irregular?

The short answer is: hormones. Hormonal imbalances can stem from a variety of causes. For some, the thyroid – the body’s hormone regulator – may not be functioning properly, leading to disruptions in the menstrual cycle.

Another potential cause is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), a common condition that causes irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excess hair growth.(3) Or, it might be linked to lifestyle factors such as high stress levels or excessive exercise routines.(4) (For more information on PCOS see the blog on the 4 types of PCOS)

The good news? There are steps you can take to help bring your cycle back into balance. Prioritising nutrient-rich foods, getting sufficient sleep, and reducing stress are all crucial factors. But have you ever heard of seed cycling?

What Is Seed Cycling?

Seed cycling is a simple, natural way to help balance hormones and regulate your menstrual cycle as part of a comprehensive healthy eating protocol. It involves incorporating specific seeds into your diet during different phases of your cycle. By doing this, you can help support your body’s natural hormonal rhythms, promoting a regular cycle or encouraging menstruation if it’s absent.

PCOS and Seed Cycling

You may have seen the news: PCOS has officially been renamed PMOS (polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome), a change that better reflects what this condition actually is: a complex hormonal and metabolic disorder, not simply a problem with ovarian cysts. You’ll still see it referred to as PCOS throughout this blog while the new name becomes established.

A study by Kazemi et al. (2021) explored the effects of seed cycling combined with a portion-controlled diet on women with PCOS. The research involved 90 women aged 15 to 40, divided into three groups: a control group, a group receiving metformin and a portion-controlled diet, and a group receiving seed cycling along with a portion-controlled diet. Over a 90-day period, the group practicing seed cycling experienced significant improvements, including:

• Reduction in Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Levels: LH levels decreased by approximately 1.5%–2%.

• Decrease in Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) Levels: FSH levels reduced by 1.2%–2.5%.

• Weight Loss: Participants showed a notable decrease in body weight.

• Reduction in Ovarian Cysts: Ultrasound evaluations indicated a decrease in the number of ovarian cysts.

The study concluded that seed cycling effectively improved hormonal disturbances in women with PCOS, promoting a healthier life.

While these findings are promising, it’s important to note that research on seed cycling is still in its early stages. Some health professionals express skepticism due to the limited scientific evidence supporting the practice. However, given that the seeds involved are nutritious and generally safe for consumption, incorporating them into one’s diet may offer health benefits.

In summary, preliminary research suggests that seed cycling may help manage PCOS symptoms by balancing hormone levels and reducing ovarian cysts.

Here’s how seed cycling works:

Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Ovulation): Consume pumpkin and flax seeds. These seeds are rich in nutrients like magnesium and zinc, which support oestrogen balance during the first half of your cycle.
Luteal Phase (Ovulation to Day 28): Switch to sesame and sunflower seeds. These seeds help boost progesterone, supporting hormone levels in the second half of your cycle.

Making Seed Cycling Simple

The best way to get the most out of seed cycling is to use freshly ground seeds. You can add them to smoothies, yogurt, or even eat them on their own. While grinding seeds every week might seem like a hassle, you can find pre-blended seed cycling mixes that make the process easy and convenient.

How to Start Seed Cycling if Your Period is Absent

If you’re not currently getting your period, you can begin seed cycling by following the lunar cycle. Start with the follicular phase blend (pumpkin/flax seeds) on Day 1 of the new moon. On Day 15, switch to the luteal phase blend (sunflower/sesame seeds), finishing on Day 28. Over time, seed cycling can help synchronise your hormones and support a regular cycle.

Why Use the New Moon?

Both the lunar cycle and a healthy menstrual cycle typically last 28-30 days. Historically, women’s ovulation may have synced with the full moon, giving them more light during their fertile phase. (5) Some studies have found that women’s periods were often linked to the new moon, and there may even be a connection between fertility and lunar phases.(6)

While newer research is mixed on the relationship between the moon and menstrual cycles, some believe that artificial light may have interfered with this natural link. (7) Since seed cycling is about restoring your body’s natural rhythm, following the lunar phases can be a helpful guide.

Conclusion

While seed cycling is just one tool to help regulate your period, it can be highly effective when combined with other healthy lifestyle practices. Reducing stress through meditation, consuming a nutrient-dense diet, and getting quality sleep are all ways to support hormonal balance.

We always recommend my Magnesium Complex to clients with PCOS in clinic because it combines three forms of magnesium for better absorption, with zinc for hormone support, taurine for nervous system calm and glutamine for gut health.

Every woman’s body is different, and the key is understanding what your hormones specifically need. Take the free Metabolic Type Quiz to discover which of the 7 metabolic types you are, and what your hormones and metabolism really need to feel balanced, energised and in control.

Take the Quiz

Also to learn more about balancing your hormones and managing symptoms of hormonal imbalance, check out my book, Eat Right, Balance Hormones for more expert advice and practical tips.