How Seed Cycling Can Help Alleviate Menopause Symptoms | Does It Help Balance Hormones?

In recent years, there has been a growing trend of people incorporating seeds into their diet to enhance the nutritional quality of their meals.

However, what many people may not know is that seeds can also have a profound effect on hormones. This effect is significant for women going through menopause, as their hormone levels can fluctuate dramatically during this period.

Learn everything you should know about seed cycling for menopause before you incorporate this regimen into your daily routine.

Seed Cycling for Menopause: Promote the Healthy Balance of Your Hormones

What Is Seed Cycling for Menopause?

Seed cycling involves consuming specific seeds during specific menstrual cycle phases to regulate hormones. The idea behind seed cycling is that certain seeds contain nutrients that can help support the body’s natural hormone production.

For example, flaxseeds are high in lignans, which can help balance estrogen levels, while sesame seeds contain high levels of zinc, which is essential for progesterone production.

By incorporating seeds into diets, women can effectively support their bodies’ hormone production, leading to various benefits, including reduced symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopause, improved fertility, and a more balanced mood.

Nutrition Facts of Seeds

In every 1 oz. (28 grams) of these commonly used seeds, there are:

These nutrients can affect hormones in various ways:

Flax seeds are high in lignans, which can help balance estrogen levels in the body.
Pumpkin seeds contain high zinc levels, vital for progesterone production and estrogen levels regulation.
Sunflower seeds are abundant in vitamin E, which improves progesterone levels.
Sesame seeds contain high levels of lignans and phytoestrogens, which can help balance estrogen levels.

Does Seed Cycling for Menopause Work?

While there has not been much research on seed cycling for menopause and hormone balance, the benefits of specific seeds for these conditions have been well-studied.

Flax seeds, for example, have been shown to positively affect menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats, possibly due to their high lignan content.

According to a systematic review published in the Avicenna Journal of Phytomedicine (AJP), women consumed at least 25 grams of flaxseed daily (46 mg lignans) for 12 weeks. As a result, they experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of hot flashes by 29% – 41% compared to those who did not consume flaxseed.

Pumpkin seeds are another subject studied for their benefits for menopause and hormone balance. In a study published in the International Menopause Society (IMS), postmenopausal women consumed 2 grams of pumpkin seed oil daily for 12 weeks.

After the study, they experienced a significant increase in HDL (“good”) cholesterol concentrations (1.07 mmol/l) and a significant decrease in diastolic blood pressure (75.67 mmHg) compared to those who did not consume pumpkin seed oil.

The study also found a significant improvement in menopausal symptoms, including decreased hot flash severity and decreased headache and joint pain frequency.

Seed Cycling for Menopause Benefits

Of course, seed cycling isn’t a cure-all for menopausal symptoms. Still, incorporating different types of seeds into your diet for long enough may result in significant benefits.

This method gives you peace of mind knowing menopause won’t get in the way of your menopausal life. So what are the full benefits of seed cycling for menopause?

Balance estrogen levels
Boost progesterone levels
Reduce hot flashes and night sweats
Reduce mood swings
Regulate menstrual cycles
Improve fertility
Improve good cholesterol levels
Reduce blood pressure

If you’re considering seed cycling to alleviate menopausal symptoms or balance your hormones, remember that any nutritional modification may take time to see its full benefits. Therefore, you may have to wait at least 3 months before expecting any changes.

It sounds like a long time to stick to a schedule only for the seeds. But don’t be discouraged! Commitment always results in achievement.

Incorporating a variety of nutrient-dense seeds into your balanced diet can have numerous other health benefits beyond just menopause and hormonal balance, and it’s a safe and natural way to support your overall health.

Seed Cycling for Menopause Chart

Flaxseeds can support estrogen levels during the follicular phase, while pumpkin seeds can help boost progesterone levels. During the luteal phase, sesame seeds can help balance estrogen levels, and sunflower seeds can help support progesterone levels.

To incorporate these seeds into your diet, sprinkle them on your breakfast, add them to your salad, blend them into your smoothies, or even snack on them throughout the day. There are also many recipes available online that use these seeds as ingredients.

Committing to seed cycling for at least 3 months is vital to see the potential benefits. Also, consult a healthcare professional before changing your diet or lifestyle.

Before You Start Seed Cycling for Menopause

Remember these things to ensure you reap the most benefits from seed cycling.

First and foremost, consume ground seeds rather than whole seeds, as it allows for better digestion and nutrient absorption. Also, raw and organic are always better than roasted or salted seeds, which may lose some beneficial nutrients during processing.

The next thing to remember is to store your seeds properly in the fridge or freezer to prevent nutrient loss from exposure to sunlight or warmer temperatures. Finally, seed cycling is most effective when incorporated at the right time. Therefore, track your unique cycle and consume the appropriate seeds during each menstrual phase.

Remember that seed cycling should only be considered a natural nutrient supplementation method, not a replacement for medical treatment for menopause or hormone balance.

By keeping these considerations in mind and taking a holistic approach to menopause management, seed cycling can effectively support hormonal balance and your overall health during this transitional phase of life.

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