Seed cycling to regulate your hormones

Seed cycling is a simple and effective way women can help regulate their hormones and reduce and even eliminate period symptoms. These period related symptoms typically show up in the 1-2 weeks prior to your period and can include:

• bloating
• breast tenderness
• headaches
• water retention
• cramping
• heavy flow
• mood swings

How do I use the seeds?

Start by using the seeds on day 1 of your cycle and follow this plan for a minimum of one month. If you’re starting the seeds in the middle of your cycle, then follow the “phase” section. I recommend to my patients to use this protocol for at least 3 months, but once you start to feel the benefits, you can go on a maintenance of one cycle every 2-3 months for maintenance.

Phase One: Follicular Phase (Day 1-14 in regularly cycling women)

During the Follicular Phase of the menstrual cycle, we provide the precursors for estrogen and helps balance your hormones.

Days 1 (First day of menses)-until Ovulation (or day 14 if you don’t know when you ovulate)

1 Tbsp ground flax seeds

1 Tbsp ground pumpkin seeds.

An alternative to the seeds is 1,500 mg fish oil (>1,000 mg EPA, >250 mg DHA. 

Phase Two: Luteal Phase (Day 15-28 in regularly cycling women)

During the Luteal Phase of the menstrual cycle, we provide the precursors for progesterone and helps balance and clear excess hormones.

Days 15 (or day after ovulation)-until your period starts (Day 28 in a typically cycling woman)

1 Tbsp ground sesame seeds (better to buy whole and then grind versus buying already ground seeds)

1 Tbsp ground sunflower seeds.

As an alternative to the seeds is 2,000 mg Evening Primrose Oil

• General rules for using seeds:
• Buy whole seeds and then grind them using a coffee or seed grinder to get them to a powder consistency
• Grind the seeds in 1-2 months worth at a time, just keep in the fridge or freezer once it’s ground.
• Add to your protein smoothies, on top of salads, on top of soups, mix with your coconut yogurt, etc.
• Avoid using the seeds in hot food as it will breakdown the healthy oils in the seeds.

I invite you to reach out to me if you have questions and feel free to book a 15 minute meet and greet appointment with me at pureBalance Wellness clinic. You can book online, call the clinic 905-891-3865 or email info@mypurebalance.ca

Yours in health,

Dr. Amy Tung, ND

Before beginning any supplement, it is always important to get professional guidance on which supplements and what dose might work best for you.

References:

https://www.thelancet.com/pdfs/journals/lanpsy/PIIS2215-0366(18)30087-7.pdf

http://www.psychiatrist.com/JCP/article/Pages/2016/v77n12/v77n1221.aspx

http://ndnr.com/mindbody/case-study-herbal-treatment-of-depression/

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0005791617300629#sec4