Cyclical Living: Seed Cycling For Hormone Balancing

Balanced and optimal reproductive hormones are both a reflection of our overall well being, as well as essential to support optimal wellness. What we are referring to here specifically is estrogen, progesterone and to a lesser extent testosterone. A simple and somewhat surprisingly effective protocol that can really help to support balanced hormones and cyclical health is Seed Cycling. Seed cycling is a natural, safe and relatively simple way to balance hormones, addressing menstrual cycle irregularities and fertility. It involves ingesting different seeds during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. The various benefits of the seeds address all the systems related to balanced and healthy reproductive hormone production. This is useful both for bleeding and post-menopausal women. This therapy is also very helpful when taking or coming off of hormonal birth control. One of the reasons that I so love this therapy, is that it directly connects us to our cyclical nature, it requires us to be present with and aware of where we are at within our cycles and to learn about the differences, body, mind, heart and spirit between the different phases of our cycle.

So to start, what are the ways that hormone imbalances show up:

• PMS Symptoms: Pain, Bloating, Migraines, Breast Tenderness
  • Often related to estrogen dominance
• Cyclical Mood Swings: Reproductive Hormones have direct effects on Neurotransmitters.
  • Estrogen is a Serotonin Agonist, meaning it increases production and receptor sensitivity of Serotonin. Too high of estrogen can lead to increases in Serotonin which can exacerbate anxiety.
  • Progesterone is a GABA agonist, meaning it increases production and receptor sensitivity of GABA.
• Cyclical Acne: Some women will notice increased breakouts at different phases in their cycle, most commonly around ovulation (Day 13-14) and in the premenstrual period (Day 25+). Related to detoxification issues/estrogen dominance and/or high androgens (Testosterone).
• Heavy Bleeding, Breakthrough Bleeding: Often related to estrogen dominance and progesterone deficiency.
• Irregular Periods (Short or Long Cycles): Short cycles are most often related to low progesterone and/or thyroid disorders, whereas long cycles are common with PCOS.
• Sleep Disturbances: Common with low progesterone (and low GABA) in the latter part of the luteal phase.
• Fertility Challenges

How to Seed Cycle

What You Need:

• Organic Raw Whole Brown or Golden Flax Seeds
• Organic Raw Pumpkin Seeds
• Organic Raw Sesame Seeds
• Organic Raw Sunflower Seeds
• Optional Add on:
  • High Quality EPA/DHA Fish Oil
  • High Quality Evening Primrose Oil

What are some of the Benefits:

• Flaxseeds and Sesame Seeds are rich in Lignans, which are phytoestrogenic. Lignans help to balance estrogen, meaning if estrogen is high they are anti-estrogenic, if estrogen is low they help support estrogenic effects in the body. Often there is an excess of estrogen and estrogenic stimulation in the body, with a relative deficiency in Progesterone, so this helps to balance the Progesterone: Estrogen Ratio.
• All of these seeds are high in Linolenic and Linoleic Acids, which help production of anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic prostaglandins reducing menstrual cramping and abnormal menstrual bleeding.
• All of the seeds are high in Fiber, which assists in proper elimination of waste from the digestive tract. This is important in hormone balance as dietary fiber reduces the reabsorption of estrogens in the colon.
• Sunflower seeds are high in Selenium, a trace mineral essential for liver detoxification and thyroid function. Sunflower seeds are also high in Vitamin E and folate which are important for overall health which directly supports a healthy menstrual cycle and particularly healthy maturation of the egg.
• All of these seeds are high in Magnesium which is important for overall health, reduces cramping, alleviates depression and supports many biochemical reactions in the cells required for hormone production and balance.
• Sesame, Pumpkin seeds and Sunflower Seeds are all high in Zinc. Zinc is often deficient and essential for immune function, healthy skin, healthy egg development, and the production of sex hormones and thyroid hormones.

Instructions:

Day 1-14 (Day 1 Bleeding through Ovulation)

• 1 tablespoon each Organic Raw Flax Seeds & Organic Raw Pumpkins Seeds
  • Grind fresh every day either in a coffee grinder or high power blender. You can pre grind 3 days worth and keep in the fridge to make it a bit easier.
• Optional Add On: Fish Oils (EPA/DHA) 1-3 grams EPA
  • EPA/DHA supports hormone production, egg quality/maturation and also mitigates inflammation.

Day 14-28 (Ovulation through Bleeding)

• 1 tablespoon each Organic Raw Sesame Seeds & Organic Raw Sunflower Seeds
  • Grind fresh every day either in a coffee grinder or high power blender. You can pre grind 3 days worth and keep in the fridge to make it a bit easier.
• Optional Add On: Evening Primrose Oil (GLA) 1-2 capsules/day
  • EPO is shown to support progesterone production, as well as being anti-inflammatory.

Useful Tips:

1. If your cycle is highly irregular or if you are no longer bleeding, you can use the moon cycle to decide when to take what seeds. New Moon is when most women begin bleeding, so consider New Moon Day 1 and Full Moon Day 14.
2. Keep all the seeds in the fridge or in a cool cellar. This is especially for the flax seeds to ensure freshness and avoid rancidity.
3. Always buy whole seeds, never pre-ground.
4. Can use a coffee/spice grinder or high powered blender to freshly grind.
5. Soaking Seeds overnight helps to reduce phytic acid, which can prevent nutrient absorption. Soak in water on the counter overnight in a glass container, drain the water and rinse in the morning then store a few days worth in the fridge.
6. Can add whole soaked seeds straight into a smoothie, in a high powered blender, making sure that they are fully ground. This is a really easy way to get them in every day. You can also add to porridge, yogurt, on top of salads, there are many ways to easily incorporate them into your daily meals!
7. Make sure you are also getting really high quality EPA/DHA and EPO, make sure it is tested for contaminants, and is not rancid as well, as this works against your health. I also like to keep my EFAs in the fridge to ensure freshness.
8. Keeping a Calendar In the Kitchen Can be helpful for remembering what to take everyday and also remembering when to switch.
9. Generally with any hormone modulating treatments, you want to be consistent for 2-3 months to see the full effects!

Happy Healing!