Seed Cycling for PCOS (100% Natural)

Looking for one of the best and most natural treatments for PCOS? In this post, we will introduce the amazing benefits of seed cycling and how you can use and benefit from seed cycling for PCOS.

What is PCOS

Poly Cystic Ovarian Syndrom (PCOS) is a condition in women that affects the way ovaries function. There are three main characteristics of PCOS:

1. High level of androgen (male hormone) which results in excessive growth in facial and body hair 
2. Irregular periods or no menstruation means ovaries do not release eggs regularly affecting the ovulation and basically, you don’t have a cycle
3. Polycystic or enlarged ovaries that are fluid-filled and surround the egg. In PCOS, there are no actual cysts

PCOS is usually diagnosed if there is no menstruation or you can get an ultrasound to verify it.

Symptoms of PCOS

These symptoms start to appear in the early 20s or late teenage years. These include:

• excess facial and body hair 
• deep voice
• weight gain and belly fat
• hair loss
• oily skin and acne on the face and back
• difficulty getting pregnant

What causes PCOS

The real cause of PCOS is unknown however one can get PCOS if it runs in your family. Also one of the associated causes of PCOS is insulin resistance. It is a hormone in our body that controls sugar levels. If your body is resistant to insulin then the body will generate excessive insulin resulting in increased production of hormones like testosterone. Obesity also contributes to insulin resistance. Your aim should be to control insulin resistance and balance hormones such as androgen.

What is Seed Cycling

Seed cycling is a growing trend in women of all ages to balance hormones, improve fertility and ease symptoms of PCOS, fibroids, menopause and endometriosis. Seed cycling involves eating different edible seeds in your menstrual cycle. These seeds include flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds. The normal menstrual cycle consists of the following phases:

• The Menses phase lasts from Day 1 to 5.
• The follicular phase: this phase lasts from Day 6 to 14
• The ovulation phase: this lasts for a couple of days starting on day 14
• The luteal phase lasts from Day 15 to 28.

Seed cycling is divided into two phases Day 1 to 14 and Day 15 to 28 where you take different seeds.

Seed Cycling for PCOS

Seeds can be consumed in slightly warm water or added to yoghurt, porridge, smoothies, and salads.

Period Day1-14:  Use Pumpkin seeds and Flax seeds 1 tablespoon each preferably in the morning with breakfast.

Day15-28: Use Sesame and Sunflower seeds 1 tablespoon each with breakfast

Repeat the cycle. Don’t try to align with periods. Once you start seed cycling, continue the two-week cycle irrespective of period dates.

Is Seed Cycling good for PCOS?

Seed cycling is a naturopathic remedy that is claimed to balance hormones by regulating the hormone estrogen in the first half of your menstrual cycle and the hormone progesterone in the second half. It helps neutralize hormones in the body and hence ease symptoms of PCOS.

Pros of Seed Cycling for PCOS

All four seeds (flax, pumpkin, sunflower and sesame) are full of vitamins and minerals such as fibre, magnesium, zinc, copper and vitamin E which are good for general and reproductive health. These seeds are good for health in general and should be included in everyday diet.

Cons of Seed Cycling for PCOS

There are rare cons of seed cycling as they are natural products however it is advised to consume them in prescribed quantities as an excessive amount of consumption could cause constipation and bloating

How to Manage PCOS

PCOS can be managed by controlling insulin resistance in your body. This can be achieved by following a healthy diet that includes seed cycling, regular exercise and intermittent fasting. In order to manage PCOS, you need to change your lifestyle and reduce weight if overweight. 

How to Prevent PCOS

Avoid taking excess dairy products such as milk and cream. Start eating green vegetables and cut down on red meat. Avoid sugary products such as chocolate bars and ice cream. Exercise or walk for 30 minutes on daily bases. Stay away from junk, fried and oily food.

PCOS with Regular Periods

Start seed cycling by consuming 1 tablespoon each of pumpkin and flax seeds on Day 1 of your period and continue till Day 14. Start sesame and sunflower from Day 15 to 28 and repeat the cycle even if the period dates don’t match with the seed cycling dates

PCOS with Irregular Periods

If your periods are irregular or you haven’t had periods for a few months, you can start seed cycling by estimating the date of the first day of your last period (flax, pumpkin) and continue the cycle of Day 1 to 14 and Day 15 to 28. 

Seed Cycling PCOS Success Stories

There have been many stories of women who have benefited from seed cycling and it helped them cure PCOS-related problems. You can search on youtube or Instagram such Merium Pervaiz – a social media influencer who has posted online how seed cycling helped her cure PCOS. 

Most asked questions about Seed Cycling for PCOS

PCOS Diet Plan PDF

Conclusion

Seed cycling involves eating flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds at different times of your menstrual cycle. The practice is claimed to balance certain hormones, boost fertility, and ease symptoms of menopause, among other benefits. It also helps boost feminineness (niswani husn).

Seed cycling health benefits include helping regulate periods, reducing acne, treating polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and infertility, and easing symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, and mood swings.

Apart from the benefits above, eating seeds is still a great way to improve the quality of your diet and overall health.