Seed Cycling

Seed cycling is a food-based practice that involves eating specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle to gently support hormonal balance: flax seeds and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase (days 1-14) for their phytoestrogens and zinc, and sunflower seeds and sesame seeds during the luteal phase (days 15-28) for their selenium and lignans that support progesterone production. While peer-reviewed clinical research specifically on seed cycling remains limited, the practice is rooted in the nutritional properties of the seeds themselves—each providing hormonal-supportive nutrients, healthy fats, and fiber that are individually well-studied for PCOS benefits. Many women with PCOS find seed cycling a gentle, low-risk, and enjoyable way to incorporate hormone-supporting nutrients into their daily routine.