Balance Your Hormones Naturally: The Power of Seed Cycling
- Diane Edmonds
- Apr 1
- 3 min read
Hormone balance is something I talk about daily in clinic, and one of the biggest misconceptions I see is this:
Many women believe that symptoms like PMS, poor sleep, anxiety, heavy periods or low energy are just part of being a woman, something to tolerate rather than address.
They’re not.
At any stage of life, whether you’re cycling regularly, in perimenopause, or post-menopause - symptoms are often a sign that the body is out of balance and needs support.
Understanding Hormone Balance
Hormones are not static. They are designed to fluctuate in a very specific rhythm, particularly during the menstrual cycle.
Oestrogen rises in the first half of the cycle, supporting energy, mood and growth of the uterine lining. Progesterone rises after ovulation, bringing a sense of calm, supporting sleep, and stabilising that lining.
When this rhythm is disrupted, symptoms begin to appear.
In perimenopause, this becomes even more relevant. Progesterone often declines first, while oestrogen can fluctuate, sometimes high, sometimes low - creating a picture of imbalance rather than simple deficiency.
After menopause, hormone levels shift further, but they don’t disappear entirely. The body continues to produce hormones via the adrenal glands and peripheral tissues, meaning support is still important for overall health and wellbeing.
Common Signs of Hormonal Imbalance
Some of the most common patterns of imbalanced hormones we see include:
Higher oestrogen (or relative oestrogen dominance):
Heavy or painful periods
Breast tenderness
Bloating
Irritability or mood swings
Weight gain (particularly around hips and thighs)
Lower progesterone:
Anxiety
Poor sleep
PMS
Shortened cycles or spotting
Stress also plays a significant role in hormone imbalances. When the body is under chronic stress, it prioritises cortisol production, often at the expense of progesterone a concept sometimes referred to as “progesterone steal”.
This is why a whole-body approach is essential when supporting hormones.
Where Seed Cycling Comes In
Seed cycling is one of the simplest and most accessible ways to support hormone balance through nutrition.
It involves consuming specific seeds during different phases of the menstrual cycle to provide key nutrients that support the body’s natural hormonal rhythm.
Rather than forcing change, seed cycling works by giving the body the building blocks it needs to regulate itself more effectively.
How Seed Cycling Supports Hormones
Seeds are rich in nutrients that play a direct role in hormone health:
Lignans support oestrogen balance and metabolism
Zinc supports ovulation and progesterone production
Fibre supports the removal of excess hormones via the gut
Healthy fats provide essential building blocks for hormone production
This also links closely to gut health. The gut microbiome plays a key role in how oestrogen is processed and eliminated, and increasing fibre intake through seeds can support this pathway.
The Benefits of Seed Cycling
When used consistently, seed cycling may support:
Reduced PMS symptoms
Improved mood stability
Better sleep
More regular cycles
Reduced bloating and breast tenderness
Support through perimenopause, particularly with fluctuating hormones
It is not a quick fix, but rather a gentle, supportive approach that works best over time and alongside other foundational lifestyle factors.
How to Start Seed Cycling
The process is simple:
Days 1–14 (first half of cycle):
1–2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds
1–2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
Days 15–28 (second half of cycle):
1–2 tablespoons sesame seeds
1–2 tablespoons sunflower seeds
Try to grind seeds fresh daily or grind a few days worth and store in a glass container in the fridge. This helps to preserve the beneficial oils. Seeds can be added to smoothies, yoghurt, oats or salads, soups or made into salad dressings.
For women without a regular cycle or who are post-menopausal, seed cycling can be aligned with the lunar cycle or a simple 28-day rhythm.
A Final Thought
Supporting hormones doesn’t need to be complicated.
Small, consistent changes — such as incorporating seed cycling — can have a meaningful impact on how you feel day to day.
However, if symptoms are persistent or more complex, a personalised approach is often needed. Functional testing and individualised support can help identify the root causes of imbalance and guide a more targeted plan.
If you need additional support, we offer 1-2-1 consultations at our Women's Health Clinic and a selection of Hormone testing packages if you want to take a deeper dive into your hormones.
Every woman deserves a symptom-free life.
Best of luck and warm wishes,
Diane & The Functional You Team
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