This article contains additional reporting by Jennifer Chesak.
Seed cycling for hormones has popped up as a new way for those assigned female at birth to maintain balance. Find out if the practice lives up to the hype.
Your hormones are greatly influenced by your diet, sleep patterns, stress levels, physical environment, and movement routines. When these factors are less than optimal, they can challenge your body’s natural biology, throwing your hormones out of whack.
Hormonal imbalance is the root of many health issues, such as irregular periods, acne, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), low libido, thyroid disorders, and fatigue.
Here’s what the science says about seed cycling for hormonal balance and other health benefits.
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a protocol that involves rotating certain types of seeds throughout your menstrual cycle. Proponents claim this practice can help regulate menstrual cycles, reduce PMS symptoms, boost fertility, ease menopausal symptoms, and support hormonal balance.
When hormones are balanced, estrogen levels rise during the first half of the menstrual cycle, whereas progesterone levels rise during the second half. When not in this natural rhythm, an imbalance between estrogen and progesterone can occur, which can contribute to menstrual irregularities.
