For people with irregular or absent periods, the method suggests following the phases of the moon as a guide, starting with the follicular phase seeds on the new moon and switching to the luteal phase seeds on the full moon. While the lunar cycle is slightly longer than 28 days (per NASA, it is 29.5 days), it offers a simple framework to mimic a 28-day cycle.
How is it supposed to work?
Consuming certain seeds during the different menstrual phases is thought to provide nutrients that gently support hormone balance at the right times. Flaxseeds contain lignans, plant compounds that may help support healthy estrogen levels. They also offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Meanwhile, pumpkin seeds provide zinc, which supports ovulation and hormone production. During the luteal phase, sesame seeds contain lignans that may help clear excess estrogen, and sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, which has progesterone-like properties.
What does the science say?
While the nutrients in these seeds are well-studied, direct research specifically evaluating the effectiveness of seed cycling for hormone health support is limited. However, some data shows promise: One study found that seed cycling, alongside diet and exercise, slightly reduced luteinizing hormone (LH) levels in women with PCOS, though it didn’t significantly improve symptoms or cycle regularity. Another study of women with PCOS found that those who added seed cycling to a portion-controlled diet with Metformin, a medication commonly used to manage insulin resistance, showed greater improvements in weight, hormone levels, and overall health compared to those who didn’t practice seed cycling for 12 weeks.
Other studies have focused on the potential benefits from consuming individual seeds: One found that eating flaxseed powder was linked to better hormonal balance during the luteal phase, with a healthier ratio of progesterone to estrogen. It also showed a link between flax consumption and more regular ovulation. Another study found that consuming 15 grams of sesame seeds daily, starting two days before menstruation and continuing for three days after, was linked to reduced period pain.
That said, all of these studies come with similar limitations: They are based on small sample sizes and lack diversity in their participant groups, making it challenging to draw broad conclusions about the effectiveness of seed cycling as a whole. While they highlight potential benefits of eating specific seeds, they don’t directly evaluate the structured practice of seed cycling or its impact on hormonal health across different populations.
What to expect and when to see a doctor
If you decide to embark on a seed cycling journey, here are some things you can—and can’t—expect:
