S-Seed Cycling for PCOS: A Natural Hormone Balancer or Just another Wellness Fad ? #BlogchatterA2Z
Posted by
Dr. Preeti Chauhan
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Polycystic Ovarian Disease (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder affecting a significant number of women of reproductive age. Characterized by irregular periods, ovarian cysts, and elevated androgen levels, PCOS often disrupts the delicate balance of estrogen and progesterone in the body. In recent years, many women have turned to natural remedies to manage symptoms—and one such popular trend is seed cycling. But is this approach backed by science, or is it just another wellness fad? Let’s find out.
Seed cycling is a dietary approach that involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle to support hormonal balance. The idea is to align the nutrients in seeds with the hormonal fluctuations that occur naturally throughout the cycle.
During the follicular phase (Day 1 to 14 of the menstrual cycle), women are advised to consume one tablespoon each of flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds daily. These are thought to support healthy estrogen levels as the body prepares for ovulation.
In the luteal phase (Day 15 to 28), the intake shifts to sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, believed to boost progesterone and support the second half of the cycle.
This practice is rooted in nutritional research and tradition and has gained traction through social media and wellness platforms as a gentle, food-based hormone therapy.
Why Is Seed Cycling getting Popular in Women with PCOS?
PCOS often leads to irregular or absent ovulation, which can disturb the estrogen-progesterone balance. Seed cycling is said to offer a natural way to modulate these hormones. Though not a medical treatment, it is marketed as a supportive strategy to:
While the seeds used in seed cycling offer well-established health benefits, there is limited scientific research directly evaluating the practice of seed cycling as a structured approach. However, individual components have been studied:
A study found that flaxseeds consumption may help regulate ovulatory cycles and reduce certain estrogen metabolites associated with hormonal imbalances.
Another study corroborates that consuming set of seeds (flax, pumpkin, Sunflower, sesame) promotes normal hormonal levels of progesterone in females.
Zinc, which is abundant in pumpkin seeds, has been shown in studies (Role of Zinc in Female Reproduction) to support reproductive health and reduce oxidative stress in PCOS.
Sesame seeds have an anti-oxidant effect and reduce inflammation and help in regulating blood glucose levels, according to this study.
That said, there is no clinical trial specifically validating seed cycling as a therapy for PCOS, and most evidence is deducted from the nutritional profiles of the seeds themselves. More research is needed to confirm if combining these seeds in this particular pattern yields consistent hormonal benefits.
Is It Worth Trying for PCOS?
Seed cycling is generally considered safe and easy to try, especially when used as a complement to a nutrient-rich diet. It is not a replacement for medical treatment, but can be part of a holistic strategy involving lifestyle modifications, cycle tracking, and professional guidance.
Women with seed allergies or thyroid issues (particularly with sesame or flax) should consult their healthcare provider before starting. It’s also important to remember that hormonal imbalances in PCOS are complex, and one-size-fits-all approaches may not work for everyone.
Sowing the seeds for Hormonal Harmony
Seed cycling offers a gentle, food-based approach to support hormonal balance in women with PCOS. While scientific evidence specific to the method is limited, the nutritional value and a role in reproductive health is well-supported. For those looking for natural ways to complement their PCOS management, seed cycling may be worth exploring—with mindful expectations and guidance from a healthcare professional.
This is such a useful method for PCOS. I am going to share it with my daughter. She really needs something like Seed cycling along with her other regimen. I hope your blog reaches and helps many young women.
Thank you for this post Preeti. As someone dealing with endometriosis cyst-related pain, I’m always searching for gentle, supportive options that don’t add more stress to my body. It’s comforting to see food-based approaches like seed cycling being shared with honest expectations. Definitely something I’ll bring up with my doctor, every small step helps on tough days.
Such an informative and balanced take, Preeti! I’ve heard so much about seed cycling but was never sure if it was just hype. Loved how you broke down both the benefits and limitations. Appreciate you for writing on a topic that needs more discussion
That’s a very informative post, Preeti. How much times does this method need to show results? Am learning many good things from your write-ups. Please do share a post about good health post menopause.
Thank you Ambica for suggesting the topic for future post. As with any diet , it can take at least 5-6 months to show a change.I am noting down your suggestion for post Menopausal health care, will soon post it.
I can’t thank you enough for this in-depth informative blog. As someone dealing with PCOD I have been living a little chaotic life trying to find a solution for this and will definitely try this out especially for its simple and balanced supportive option.
I have heard about seed cycling but never understood if it really helped or just a new trend. Thank you for a detailed informative post on it. The benefits of the seeds are undeniable so these may surely help in balancing hormones by providing the right nutrients. Thank you once again for this informative post l.
Once upon a time I tried all these seeds and few gave good results and few failed. But One thing that I must agree is that these seeds makes your bowl system better and healthy… In short my Guts were strong when I tried these seeds if not for the intended reason.
Seed cycling for PCOS? Intriguing but don’t ditch your doctor just yet. I love that pumpkin, flax, sesame, and sunflower seeds bring fibre, healthy fats, zinc, and vitamin E to the table—it all makes nutritional sense. But tying them to specific cycle phases? That’s still anecdotal territory for most of us. As Dr Serrano from Vogue points out, seeds won’t fix everything. Hormone health is a full system play: sleep, stress, movement, and solid nutrition all matter.
Yes of course Meetal, PCOS is a complex disease with many other contributing components and seed cycling has a limited scope only in combination with other treatments.
Seeds are an integral part of our diet , so if you add them to your diet , there sure will be benefits.Just stay realistic that it is not a cure and you will be fine Sindhu.
Thank you for this post, Preeti. As someone managing PCOD, I’m constantly exploring supportive ways to work with my body rather than against it. The hormonal imbalances, bloating, and mood swings can feel overwhelming at times, so it’s really comforting to see food-based approaches like seed cycling being shared—especially with realistic expectations.
I’ve been reading up on it and I’m definitely going to bring it up in my daily life cycle. If something as simple as incorporating specific seeds into my diet can support my cycle naturally, it’s worth trying. With PCOD, even small, consistent steps make a big difference on the tough days. Grateful for information like this that feels empowering, not overwhelming. 💛
Your attitude is really positive Pamela and I appreciate how you are working with your body with realistic expectations while dealing with PCOS.All the best to you!
It is all written in the blog and I have also added a diagram foe easier understanding Shalini.During the follicular phase (Day 1 to 14 of the menstrual cycle), women are advised to consume one tablespoon each of flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds daily. These are thought to support healthy estrogen levels as the body prepares for ovulation.
In the luteal phase (Day 15 to 28), the intake shifts to sesame seeds and sunflower seeds, believed to boost progesterone and support the second half of the cycle.
A well-researched and balanced post! You’ve demystified seed cycling clearly, making it easier for women with PCOS to consider it as a supportive dietary step. Definitely worth sharing!
I always have had absolutely regular cycles, no cramps, et al touchwood. Recently Tvara Bloom reached out to me and sent me their seed cycling pack. I have started ever since. I want to see if I start feeling anything different.
Seed cycling, if medically proved, will be an amazing natural way to get rid of PCOS and related problems. Although it needs validation yet there’s no harm in trying it out since flax, sunflower and other seeds are known to have immense health benefits.
Great reminder that seed cycling shouldn’t replace medical treatment ; PCOS is complex, and as vogue and News‑Medical discuss, lifestyle factors like stress, sleep, and exercise often play a bigger role than TikTok trends .Loved your holistic approach!
Human body is very complicated! I feel I can never wrap my brains around its needs and demands on various stages. Sometimes, I feel, knowing all these things put a lot more pressure than eating our traditional home recipes without knowing all these scientific details.
No pressure Aditya, actually the more I read about latest research and advances the stronger my belief that our traditional meals were healthy.But as lifestyles have changed, so we need to make some changes to our diet to stay healthy and fit.Dal chawal will always win!
Very informative post! My sister is suffering from it. I just shared the link with her. It gives her a hard time but with good diet and physical fitness hope that comes to control.
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