Have you heard of seed cycling? Learn all about this delicious and easy way to bring your hormones back into balance naturally so that you can get relief from symptoms such as painful menses, bloat, acne, PMS and more
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling / seed rotation is an old naturopathic protocol that utilises nutrition, in this case seeds, to support the body’s production, detoxification, and metabolism of hormones in order to bring hormones back into balance naturally.
Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds are taken in the first half of the cycle and sunflower and sesame seeds are taken during the second half.
When Hippocrates (The Father of Medicine) said Let Food Be Thy Medicine this is what he meant.
How does seed cycling work?
The first half of the menstrual cycle is estrogen dominant. The combination of flax and pumpkin seeds taken in the first half of the cycle work to detox any excess estrogen whilst priming the body for adequate progesterone production in the second half of the cycle.
Symptoms of Estrogen Dominance
Excess estrogen can be associated with the following symptoms
- Breast tenderness
- Mood Swings
- Hair Loss
- Weight Gain especially around the waistline
- Fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Ovarian Cysts
- Water Retention
- PMS
- Hair Loss
The second half of the menstrual cycle is supposed to be progesterone dominant. The combination of sesame and sunflower seeds taken in the second half of the cycle work to promote progesterone production.
Symptoms of Low Progesterone
Low progesterone levels manifest in symptoms similar to estrogen dominance plus
- Short Cycles
- Menstrual Cramps
- Mid Cycle Spotting
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
How to do seed cycling
Menstrual Phase and Follicular Phase Seeds
On day 1 of your cycle up until ovulation (approx day 14) eat 1 tablespoon each of GROUND RAW flax and pumpkin seeds. So that’s 2 tablespoons daily. Add it to your quinoa porridge, smoothies, sprinkle it on your salad etc.
Ovulation Phase and Follicular Phase Seeds
From day 15 to 28/30 eat 1 tablespoon each of GROUND RAW sesame and sunflower seeds. So that’s 2 tablespoons daily. Add it to your smoothie bowl, sprinkle it on your coconut yogurt.
How each seed works to benefit your hormones
Let’s take a closer look at each of the seeds in the rotation and how they can benefit your body.
Flax seeds
Flax seeds are high in Omega 3 fatty acids and lignans, a phytoestrogen that stops your body from producing excess estrogen.
How it works : Once you have eaten flax seeds and it arrives in your gut, gut bacteria gets to work converting the lignans in flax to enterolactone and enterodiol. These go into your estrogen receptors and block them from creating excess estrogen.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are high in Omega 6 fatty acids and zinc which is crucial for reproduction and healthy immune function.
Sesame seeds
Sesame seeds are high in Omega 6 fatty acids and Vitamin E which is essential for fertility.
Sunflower seeds
Sunflower seeds are high in Omega 3 fatty acids and lignans which are anti estrogenic.
How it works : What makes sunflower seeds important for the second phase of the cycle and set them apart from flax seeds is that sunflower seeds aid in the bioavailability of the Vitamin E found in sesame seeds.
Seed Cycling FAQ
Who should do seed cycling
Women who experience any or all of the following
- Irregular periods
- Painful periods
- PMS (includes mood swings, bloat, headaches)
- Heavy flow
- Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and insomnia
- Symptoms of PCOS, Endometriosis and Fibroids
- Balancing hormones post pill
Who should NOT do seed cycling
- Women who are pregnant
When to start seed cycling / seed rotation
In order to do seed cycling you must track your cycle. Ideally you would begin on day one of your cycle, that is the first day of your period.
Further Reading : Natural Remedies for Menstrual Cramps, that work!
How do I do seed cycling if my menstrual cycle is irregular?
Seed cycling can be particularly effective at helping you to get your period back and regulating your cycle but first we must define irregular.
What is an irregular cycle
Your cycle is considered irregular if it CONSISTENTLY varies by more than 8 days from cycle to cycle. Anywhere from 24-35 days is considered a healthy cycle of which 28 days is simply an average.
Scenario A:
So let’s say your cycle length is usually 31 days but this month you had a death in the family which brought on sudden stress around the time of ovulation. You can expect that your cycle may be longer than usual if the stress delayed ovulation. This is NOT an irregular cycle.
Scenario B:
If however one month your cycle is 40 days then the next 49 then 27 etc etc you can consider that this IS an irregular cycle.
Why is my cycle irregular?
There are so many reasons why your cycle can be irregular and without knowing your FULL health history it’s impossible for me to determine but irregular cycles can be due to:
- elevated stress levels from a sub-optimal diet and other negative stress triggers
- over exercise and under eating
- PCOS
- if you’re just coming off hormonal birth control
- peri- menopause
- thyroid irregularities
Also if you’re a teen who has just started her menstrual cycle it’s pretty common to have irregular cycles as your body gets into the rhythm of things.
Ok, so now onto how to de seed cycling if your cycle truly is irregular
If your menstrual cycle is truly irregular meaning as described above it does not fall into the cycle length of 24-35 days AND varies by more than 8 days from cycle to cycle then you would generally ‘disregard’ your own cycle length and follow the moon cycle of 28 days in hopes of coaxing your own cycle to fall into place. Check a moon calendar and start seed cycling with either the full or new moon whichever is closest.
- Phase 1 seeds – New Moon
- Phase 2 seeds – Full Moon
If your cycle started off as irregular and has since ‘normalised’ as you progress with the protocol you can choose to stop using the moon calendar and follow your own cycle. The choice is yours!
I have given you all the information I know on seed cycling now the decision is yours to make. You know what’s best for your body.
Can I eat other nuts and seeds while seed cycling?
You may eat other nuts and seeds but if you are to truly see the benefits it’s best not to eat the seeds from one phase in another. So you could eat say chia seeds throughout your cycle but you wouldn’t want to eat flax seeds during the second half of your cycle for example.
Does seed cycling work?
I have personally seen the benefits so I can confidently say that yes it does work!
Most women in my practice have seen massive improvement in their symptoms when following the protocol for at least 3 cycles. That said seed cycling is not a magic bullet. A healthy diet and lifestyle is needed if you are to see an improvement in your symptoms. Don’t go sprinkling these seeds on your Mcdonald’s and expect it to work 😉
Can I do seed cycling if I am estrogen dominant?
If you are estrogen dominant that does not mean that you need to completely eliminate plant based oestrogen’s such as flax. The issue with estrogen dominance is not that you have too much estrogen but that there is an inability to effectively break down and excrete oestrogen. Women need estrogen for healthy menses, breasts, skin and hair. Flaxseeds are pretty remarkable in that they can increase estrogen or block estrogen depending on the needs of your body. That said there are women who don’t do well on flaxseeds. My advice would be to give seed cycling a try and keep a journal of your symptoms. That’s the only way to know if its for you or not.
Seed cycling with the moon when your period is MIA or irregular
My seed cycling story : I began seed cycling whilst in the postpartum phase. I was breastfeeding my daughter on demand and did not have a period for 2 years. A couple months before I decided to wean her off (on her 2nd birthday) I started seed cycling.
Since I did not have a period I took the first day of the new moon as Day 1 of my cycle. I am happy to report that my period returned one moth after my daughter was fully weaned. Not only that but my period was perfectly aligned to the moon and 100% symptom free!
Are there any side effects to seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a gentle an non invasive food as medicine therapy. The only potential side effect is that whole seeds can cause digestive discomfort for some. (This is why we grind the seeds) By consuming the seeds ground you will GREATLY minimise any chances of digestive upset, which is really nothing compared to the long term risk factors involved in taking the pill or other artificial hormonal therapies. If you decide to give it a try make sure you keep track of your symptoms in a journal so you can exactly determine if seed cycling works for your body.
Do I HAVE to grind my seeds for seed cycling ?
Flax seeds and sesame seeds MUST be ground as they are just too tiny to be broken down completely by your teeth. You can get away with not grinding pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds if you’re really good at chewing but if you’re going to be grinding the other two seeds anyways you might as well. Of course if you’re adding your seeds to a smoothie then the blender will break them down and you don’t need to grind them before hand.
How do I eat seed cycling seeds
I understand that remembering to eat your daily dose of seeds might be challenging at first so here are some ideas to get you started.
Sprinkle seed cycling seeds on
Blend seed cycling seeds into
Swirl seed cycling seeds into
What’s important to remember is that in order to see the real benefits your seeds should be taken RAW and GROUND. So any seed cycling recipe where the seeds are cooked, baked etc isn’t truly seed cycling.
Seed Cycling Recipes
RAW Seed Cycling Fudgy Almond Butter Fat Bombs (gluten free, paleo, vegan)
These fudgy seed cycling fat bombs are a true delight. The most delicious way to get your seeds in. Switch up the seeds for each phase.
No Bake Sandwich Cookies for Seed Cycling (gluten free, vegan)
Raw cookies are simply a treat. Switch up the seeds for each phase.
Seed cycling is an all natural and easy way to balance hormones by incorporating different seeds into different phases of your menstrual cycle. Will you give it a try?
If after reading this blog post and watching that video above you’re still not convinced about Seed Cycling I encourage you to listen to this podcast on the subject.
Seed Cycling
Ingredients
For the first half of the menstrual cycle : Menstrual and Follicular Phases
- 7 tablespoons raw organic flax seeds
- 7 tablespoons raw organic pumpkin seeds
Makes 1 week supply
For the second half of the menstrual cycle : Ovulatory and Luteal Phases
- 7 tablespoons raw organic sunflower seeds
- 7 tablespoons raw organic sesame seeds
Makes 1 week supply
Instructions
- Add seeds to a glass jar and grind one tablespoon of each daily using a mortar and pestle OR
- Add one weeks supply of seeds to a coffee grinder or small food processor and grind seeds until fine. Store ground seeds in a glass jar in the fridge to help prevent the oils from going rancid.
what about if I have Autoimmune progesterone dermatitis, would you recommend still trying the seed cycling?
Hi, unless you’re allergic to seeds I would recommend trying seed cycling. Do you normally eat seeds? Seed cycling is just a matter of being strategic about which seeds you eat when. It really can’t hurt. Let me know how it goes for you 🙂
Sounds great. I’m in menopause, so will align with the moon cycle. Do I start day day one on a new or full moon? You’re instructions say new moon, but when you were breast feeding you started day 1 on the full moon? Thanks!
Hi Catherine, start day one with the new moon. That’s a typo on my part.
Thanks for the great info! I was wondering; do the seeds have to be ground? Or can I eat them whole?
Hi Amy! Ground is best for digestion and assimilation of the nutrients.
Hi krystal,
Great blog, just want to know if i should take the seeds together in the morning or take the pumpkin in the moring and the flax night time?
Hi Lee, you take the Seed Cycling seeds together at the same time. In the morning or night as you wish but together 🙂
Great article! I have PCOS with low estrogen. im interested in trying seed cycling, but am concerned about lowering my estrogen further, especially as we are trying to conceive. any insights?
Hi Liz, happy to hear you found the Seed Cycling information helpful.I can’t say with certainty if it will or will not work for you as each woman is individual. Seed cycling is definitely worth a shot in almost every case as it is such a gentle and natural therapy. As I advised in the post make sure you keep a journal to see how it’s affecting your body. In your case you may want to have your hormone levels tested after say a 3 month period to know for sure. Good luck!
Great post!
I have started seed cycling last month. I have veen having ‘spotting followed by a 2 week period’ for last couple of months. So planning on fixing this pattern. This month period started 2 days back with similar spotting but it stopped after 1st day i.e. period did not start.
Anything to do with seeds? Flaxseeds could be the cause? Please help!
Shilpa
Hi Shilpa, I am going to assume that you’ve already seeked medical attention to rule out conditions such as PCOS, Endo, Fibroids etc What I can say is that you should give seed cycling at least 3 full cycles. Keep a journal during that time to record any symptoms etc If after the 3 months you’re not happy with the results you can try to omit the flax seeds from the first phase as some women don’t do well with flax.
Great to listen about seed cycling.
I haven’t had my period for 4 months. I want to start seed cycling. I have a doubt that ,as you said I will start seed cycling on full moon day then I should use flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds upto the next full moon?? And luetal phase seeds for next 14 days??. So total it’s process of 42 days cycle for me bcoz of irregularity in periods??
Please tell me detail view of it
Why didn’t you have a period for 4 months? Do you have PCOS? Have you been to see a Dr because this isn’t normal. With regards to the seed cycling. Since you do not have a ‘regular’ cycle you will cycle with the moon. That means you take the first day of the NEW MOON as Day 1 of your cycle. You consume flax and pumpkin for 14 days then you switch to sesame and sunflower for the next 14 days.You follow a 28 day cycle not 42.
Hello, this is wonderful info. I was recently diagnosed with 3 fibroids the size of golf balls. And estrogen dominate. I’m concerned about flax seeds because I get mixed info regarding them. Some say it produces way to much estrogen and others say it doesn’t. Sigh 😔
Hi Marcie sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Your concern on flaxseeds is a very valid one. Let me explain a bit. If you are estrogen dominant that does not mean that you need to completely eliminate plant based oestrogen’s such as flax. The issue with estrogen dominance is not that you have too much estrogen but that there is an inability to effectively break down and excrete oestrogen. Women need estrogen for healthy menses, breasts, skin and hair. Flaxseeds are pretty remarkable in that they can increase estrogen or block estrogen depending on the needs of your body. That said there are women who don’t do well on flaxseeds. My advice would be to give seed cycling a try and keep a journal of your symptoms. That’s the only way to know if its for you or not. Hope this helps clear up some of the confusion 🙂
Hi Krystal, I hope you are doing well. I am 35 years old and I have already started hormone replacement (femoston). I am trying to get pregnant, but my FSH level is very hight. Do you recommend seed cycling in this case? many thanks
Hi Raquel I honestly don’t know. Perhaps you can consult with a naturopath on this.
My hormones are out of whack and I don’t have my period at all. Coming off the jab. I want to start however the next new moon isn’t until January 17 which is two months or so away and I don’t want want to wait. The new moon was 7th November would I just count xx days in and start on the cycle of what that would be?
Yes that’s exactly what you would do. Good luck getting your period back.You could also try Yoni Steaming.
Hey Samii,
i hope you are going well with seed cycling. How did you started finally? Did you observ anything?
I also started at end of november, sycing it to the menstrual cycle.
But I don’t really understand your question. I think you misschecked something, because NEW moon days are every 28 days.
So, after Nov. 7, 2018, next new moons were on Dec. 7, 2018 and Jan 6, 2019 (yesterday). I suppose you checked the date of 17th January from 2018 calendar, but be careful, the lunar month is shorter then the calendaristic month, so the actual date in the month comes earlier in time, that is why every year the new moon dates are different.
This calendar will show you the exact dates based on your local time: https://www.calendar-12.com/moon_phases/2019
Hi Krystal!
Thank you so much for your info and all your kind replies to comments. I am 46 and have started to have irregular cycles due to entering pre-menopause. I have done 3 cycles of seed cycling but continue to start my period cycles on or very near to the full moon. Would you recommend I just stop where I am i the seed cycle and start day one of the flax/pumpkin seed mix when I start day one of my period cycle? and hopefully over the next continuing months I will re-regulate? does that make sense?
Thanks, Nicole
Hi Nicole,there is nothing wrong with starting your period on the full moon. This aligns you to a Red Moon cycle.
Hi Krystal, thanks for the seed cycling info to balance ones hormones. I’m 42 and have multiple fibroids for last couple of years and 3 of them of approx 4cm each. My periods are very regular but due to Estrogen dominance I’m scared if any of the seeds would create havoc. Im very keen to go natural way to balance hormones rather than any invasive or oral allopathy treatment.
Hi,this is a valid concern. I’ve added further advice on this subject into the post under the heading – Can I do seed cycling if I am estrogen dominant?- I hope you find it helpful. You could also try a Yoni Steam, have you seen that post? Here is the link – https://dishingupbalance.com/yoni-steam/
Thanks a lot Krystal. I’ll definitely give seed cycling and yoni steam a try. Just in terms of beginning with the seed cycling, its been 6 days since my periods. Can I start it now or wait for the next cycle next month?
You’re welcome! There’s no need to wait. Better sooner than later 🙂
hi krystal,
i have irregular periods due to imbalance hormones.i never know my date of periods.can i use this seed cycling from tomorrow or wait for new moon?
You can start with Seed Cycling with Phase 2 seeds on the next full moon.
thank you so much Krystal.actually right now i have periods from three weeks.and tomorrow it will be full moon.can i start 2nd phase of seed cycling.
Yes go for it!
Two questions. I am post menopausal and started seed cycling three days ago, but it was not a new moon. Is this okay? Also, I am three years into post menopause and still waking up with hot flashes throughout the night. I wake up three to four times a night and haven’t had a full night of sleep for 12 years. Should seed cycling help me?
Cynthia there is only one way to find out if seed cycling works for you, and that’s to try it 🙂 If you no longer get a period it is best to cycle with the moon.
Hello, thank you for your great information. This sound interesting because I want to find natural way balance the hormones.
I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was 17 years old, now I am 23. I’ve never had regular period, it keeps pausing, bleeding over months. I also struggle with serve acne, recently I’ve experienced nodule acne which is very uncomfortable.
I’ve started seed cycling for more than 2 weeks, it’s been very ok with flax seed and pumpkin seed for the 1st round. However, when I switched to sesame and sunflower seeds I see a little breakout, and my skin seems to turn inflamed (red). I used to have sunflower seeds before and didnt see this problem. So i guess that this may be due to the sesame seeds. Do you have any information on this?
If I have to give up sesame seed, what could i substitute for this. Thank you!
Hello Hien! You can try seed cycling without the sesame seeds if you really feel that you may not be right for you. There is no substitute.
Hi,
Can you clarify, is it 1 tablespoon once grounded or 1 tablespoon whole seeds?
Thanks so much
Ashley
Hi Ashley! It’s one tablespoon of ground seeds.
Is there a substitute you recommend for sesame seeds? Also if you haven’t got your period yet (I’m a month off birth control) can I start with the new moon tomorrow and do the luteal phase seeds? Thank you so much!
Hi, there isn’t a sub for the sesame seeds so you can double up on the sunflower seeds. And yes starting seed cycling with the full or new moon is best of you don’t have a cycle yet.
How long I’ve to follow seed cycling?after getting first period?
There is no need to stop seed cycling if it’s working for you.
Hi Krystal:
I started my seed cycling on the 1st day of my period. I used to have 30 days period so I taked flax and pumpkin seeds by 15 days and started taking sunflower and sesame seeds at the day 16th. At that same day I got spotting by 3 days (I never have had that before) and now I am on the 10th since I started the 2nd phase and today I bleed again. Could that due to the seeds? I have fibs and adenomyosis. What do you recommend. Should I stop to try seed cycling? Thanks.
Hi Kelly, it may or it may not. The spotting could be due to ovulation which occurred at that time. The decision to continue with seed cycling is entirely yours. Without a consultation with you and knowing your FULL history I cannot advise.
Halo there. I am on day 15 of my period I have been having a 40 day cycle.Just been told avout seed cycling.Is it oj to start with Sesame and sunflower seeds right away considering that I am already padt my 1st part of the cycle?
Hi Chifundo, you can certainly start with Phase two seeds. There is no need to wait to begin seed cycling on day 1.
I am 45 and my periods are typically 28 days apart. However, I started on day 24 this time. Do I keep eating the sesame/sunflower mix or start over? Please help! 🙂 Thank you!
Hi Meredith! If you are on day 1 you start with Phase 1 seeds of seed cycling.
Thanks Krystal for this informative post. I am new to seed cycling. I have irregular periods and cant tell exactly when my period will come. It usually comes after 36-46 days. I started phase 1 of seed cycling – ground flax and pumpkin seeds on the first day of my period last month. Since my period does not come every 28 days, when do i switch to phase 2 – i.e. sunflower seeds and sesame seeds?
Hi Valerie, in principle you would disregard your current ‘irregular’ cycle and switch seeds after 14 days.
Hi Krystal- your input would be appreciated. I am 45 and started seed cycling on the first day of my period. Two weeks later and I am starting my period again. My last period was lighter than normal. Do I continue with pumpkin and flax seeds for another 14 days or continue with the sesame and sunflower seed? I usually have a consistent 26-30 day cycle. I will consult my naturopath and doctor if this continues. Thank you!
Hi Marie, I really cannot say without knowing your full health history. Best to consult with a naturopath if you’re able to.
Thank you for your amazing work!
I have a cuestión. Women who are taking the pill can do the cicle seeds?
Hi, you can of course do seed cycling if you’re taking hormonal contraception but while you will still reap the nutritional benefits of the seeds you will not enjoy the effects hormonally. That’s because on hormonal contraception you essentially do not produce your own hormones anymore.The pill shuts down this process and replaces your own hormones with synthetic versions.
So grateful for such useful, clear material! Thank you for your work!!
Thank you for your kind comment Dee!
My periods have been very irregular over the past year, and I’ve been seed cycling for 2.5 months. I just got my first period in over 3 months (yay!). Since I hadn’t had a period in a long time, I was using the moon for my cycling – it’s not a new moon right now, but it is Day 1 of my period.
So do I keep taking the sesame and sunflower seeds until the new moon and continue to follow the moon cycles, or do I switch to flax and pumpkin now, and cycle with my own cycle?
Hi Caroline since this is your very first period in a while you can take phase one seeds from the first day of your bleed until day 14 then switch to phase 2 OR you can choose to continue seed cycling with the moon until your period seems to be regular.The choice is yours.
I have a similar question.
I’ve been off OCPs for 6 months.
I’ve been seed cycling for 4 months based on the moon cycles -as I didnt have a cycle after coming off the pill.
My cycle started the last 2 months while taking pumpkin and flax seeds. (30 day cycle)
I assume this is considered a ‘red moon cycle’.
How do I know when to switch so that my seed cycling aligns with my period rather than the moon? Do I start on sesame and sunflower again with the full moon, or do I keep with the pumpkin and flax because I just started my period?
We are trying to get pregnant, so I want to get the most benefit from seed cycling.
Thanks,
Brittany
Hi Brittany, If your cycle started off as irregular and since seed cycling has ‘normalised’ you can choose to stop using the moon calendar and follow your own cycle. The choice is yours!
Is it ok to eat hemp seeds at any time of the cycle or should those be restricted to one phase?
Hi Rachel, yes you may consume hemp seeds as you wish freely.
What incredibly useful information! Thanks so much for sharing.
I was diagnosed with PCOS in 2008 and have had irregular periods at best and nothing for months and years at worst.
I’m serving abroad and have received my Amazon shipment of Pumpkin and sunflower seeds (I had flaxseed and sesame already). Today is April 9th and my period just ended last Friday (April 5th). Can I START with phase 2? Or should I wait and start phase 2 at the full moon (April 19th)? Or further still, wait until May 4th for the New Moon?
Thanks again for this priceless info.
Hi Dee,if your cycle is highly irregular and long as in let’s say 40 days long then you may choose to seed cycle with the moon. OR you can take phase one seeds from the first day of your bleed until day 14 then switch to phase 2. The choice is yours.
I’ve been off the pill for 6 months now and want to help my hormones out. At first my cycle was longer, but last month it was only a 20 day cycle. I want to seed cycle to help balance things out. Should I start on the first day of my period and switch seeds after day 14 or start and switch out with the moon? Does this matter?
Hi Andrea, you can follow the moon calendar until your cycle has ‘normalised’meaning it falls within the 24-35 days or you can choose to follow your own cycle.The choice is yours!
is seed cycle good to follow is you are planning for child? and when to stop once you get positive pregnancy test ?
If I take a progesterone pill at night will sees cycling help? Or do I stop taking the pill? I read somewhere if I take hormones it stops the natural hormone from happening
I don’t tolerate pumpkin seeds. Do you have any ideas for a substitution?
Hi Amanda, as far as seed cycling goes there is no substitute, you would leave them out.
So glad I found your site!!! Thanks for sharing.
I had to have a hysterectomy (still have my ovaries) 4 years ago because of numerous and massive fibroids along with almost non-stop hemorrhage-like menses. Needless to say, my hormones were/are whack!
That being said, I lack any obvious indication of my natural cycle. I track my moods and food craving, which tend to hit “around” mid-month. With my history, however, I am inclined to think these are a self-fulfilling excuse 😉.
Any advice for starting into seed cycling?
Hi, thank you for sharing your journey with us. My advice for starting seed cycling is simply to start 🙂 Unless you are allergic to any of the seeds there is no reason to not give it a go. You’ll only know if it works for you from trying it. Good luck and keep us posted!
I’m 45 and I suspect nearing menopause. I had recently been having periods alternating between 20 days and 40 days cycles. I started the phase 1 seed cycling on day 1 of my period (which I got after 40 days). however, now when I am on 2nd phase of seed cycling and on day 18, I get my period again.
should I continue with sesame seed & sunflower seed? or do I switch back to flaxseed and pumpkin seed now that I am again on day 1 of my period even though I was not able to complete the phase 2 of seed cycling as my period happened just on day 18.
At 45 you are in peri menopause and changes in your cycle are to be expected. How you proceed with seed cycling will have to be your call. Without having a consultation without you it is impossible for me to give this type of advice.
Hi Krystal. Great information! Will taking fish oil daily affect the seed cycling process? Should I just stick to the seeds?
Hi Lisa, it may or it may not. There’s only one way to know how it affects your body for sure and that’s to try 🙂
I am 46, and I started the seeds 3 cycles ago. They are not irregular, actually they come on the spot, following an app that I have on my phone. 3 days long, sometimes 4. I have anxiety-depression type PMS, and I wanted to see if that changes. I have had a couple of small uterine fibroids, for several years now, my MD said they are of no concern.
Last period was 3 days, as usual, then it stopped, but it came back 5th day, for another day or two.
The present period (still on), the same, 3 days, thought i was done, it started again full force two days later. I still have at, after 3 days. I don’t know what is going on, and why. I have had an ultra sound last month, and all is good, there some small cysts/fibroids, but they have been there for a while, and nothing changed. They only change was the seed cycling.If it is not physiological, it must be hormonal.. Would this be related to the cause?
Hi Stephanie, without having a consultation and understanding your full medical history I cannot advise you well but at 46 you are in peri menopause. Changes in your cycle are to be expected. It is also possible that what you think is a period could be spotting. Again I am just making an educated guess here nut hope this helps.
That would depend on your goals, how irregular your period is etc. I have given all the general information that I can in the article so that you can make the choices which are right for your body. I am unable to give personalised advised without a consultation.
This is great information. I’m peri-menopause with shorting period cycles and starting to skip and miss cycles. I did my first month of seeds but then missed a period. I began the next cycle at 28 days and then started spotting during the second week so I kept thinking my period was coming so I continued the phase 1 seeds for 19 days (restart), then I switched to phase 2 seeds and three days later, got my period. At this point, should I go back to phase 1 seeds since my period started? Thanks for clarification.
Hi Ciara, I’m afraid I cannot give such customised advice without having a consult with you.
Hi Krystal, thank you so much for the valuable information! I would like to ask a question. Will sunflower seed oil (refined or non-refined) affect this whole thing if consumed during the flax-pumpkin phase?
Hi Olga, I really cannot say if it would.
How can I stop seeds cycling safely ? My hormones before were good and stabile but, after the seeds cycle my sweet cravings increased and my body shape changed . I guess i didn’t get the benefits of the seeds cycle because my period was stabile .
This is very interesting to hear Sarah. And i would be very curious to know what other factors were changed / implemented at the time of beginning seed cycling and for how long you were seed cycling. However, if you find that seed cycling isn’t working out for you then just stop eating the seeds.
Hi! I have some seeds out of a whole pumpkin and wondered if I can just ground them up and eat them or do I need to soak them first? Do you know? Thanks!
Your choice but grinding them without soaking should be fine 🙂