By Mel Kovacevic, founder of The Seed Cycle
Did you know our hormone levels change on a daily basis?
Our hormones are complicated yet very delicate. The ebb and flow depend on many factors such as our internal and external environments.
Sex hormone levels fluctuate naturally with our menstrual cycle and during major life events such as pregnancy and menopause, we experience significant hormonal shifts.
How do I know if my hormones are out of balance?
PMS
PMS symptoms such as cramping, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, cravings and digestive distress can wreak havoc on your confidence and leave you feeling like a shell of yourself.
The existing solutions aren’t much better, with health-savvy women hesitant to put their health and fertility at risk with the Pill. You may have been told that PMS symptoms are “normal”, but these are actually a sign that there may be an imbalance.
Acne and Monthly Breakouts
It may have started as monthly breakouts before or during your period and now has turned into acne that just does not seem to go away. This may be due to excess androgens such as testosterone (which is found in both males and females) and the hormones regulating sebum production in your skin.
Excessive levels of these androgens can trigger a process of higher sebum production which can lead to clogged pores and breakouts. High androgen levels are also often seen in women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome).
Heavy or Irregular Periods
Up to one quarter of women experience irregular periods. Most women’s menstrual cycles last between 21 and 35 days.
An imbalance of estrogen & progesterone can lead to excessive thickening of the endometrium (uterus lining), which in turn leads to heavy, and sometimes a very painful, menstrual flow.
Amenorrhea is a medical term that refers to an absence of period for at least 3 months (not while pregnant) and Dysmenorrhea, which is known as the pain and cramping during periods.
Prolonged menstrual bleeding usually involves bleeding which lasts 8 days or longer. It is important to discuss with your primary health care practitioner if you believe a hormonal imbalance is affecting your menstrual cycle.
Poor sleep
Your sleep-wake cycle is regulated by two key hormones – cortisol and melatonin.
If you are having trouble sleeping or if your sleep quality is poor, hormone balance may be a factor. Cortisol, also known as our stress hormone, peaks in the morning to help get you up & moving and should then decline throughout the day.
Whilst Melatonin should be high at night to help us fall asleep (and more importantly, stay asleep throughout the night).
High cortisol and low melatonin levels at night can lead to sleep problems. Another contributor to poor sleep can be progesterone as it is released by the ovaries to help us sleep, so low levels of progesterone can make it difficult for us to fall and stay asleep.
It may all sound very confusing & complicated, but it doesn’t have to be!
It is important for you to talk to your primary health care practitioner if you do believe an imbalance in hormones in contributing to your signs and symptoms.
Seed Cycling for Hormone Balance
The good news is, there is a natural method in helping you restore hormone balance and start thriving in your life again. We’ve experienced and seen firsthand the positive impacts seed cycling has had on our clients & the amazing results they have had!
Understanding the positive impact of balanced hormone levels
When progesterone and estrogen are in balance, a number of benefits can be seen in the body.
One of the most significant benefits of having balanced levels of progesterone and estrogen is that it can help to regulate the menstrual cycle and improve fertility.
Progesterone plays a key role in preparing the uterus for pregnancy, while estrogen plays a key role in stimulating ovulation. When these hormones are in balance, it can increase the chances of conception and a healthy pregnancy.
Balanced levels of progesterone and estrogen can also help to reduce the severity of symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and menopause, such as mood swings, irritability, and depression. They can also reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as breast cancer.
Additionally, balanced levels of progesterone and estrogen can improve bone health, by preventing bone loss and reduce the risk of osteoporosis. They also play a role in maintaining cardiovascular health, by reducing inflammation and cholesterol levels.
Progesterone and estrogen also affect the metabolism, so a balance of both can help to regulate weight, also can help to improve the skin and hair appearance.
How to practice Seed Cycling
To practice seed cycling, you start by consuming one tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and one tablespoon of pumpkin seeds daily during the follicular phase. Then, during the luteal phase, switch to one tablespoon of ground sunflower seeds and one tablespoon of sesame seeds daily. You can consume the seeds by adding them to smoothies, porridge, salads or as a seasoning. Download Heidi’s free guide below to get started!
When practicing seed cycling, it’s strongly recommended to use certified organic seeds to ensure that you are consuming seeds that are free from harmful chemicals, pesticides, and other contaminants.
It is also important to consume ground seeds as opposed to whole seeds for several reasons.
First, consuming ground seeds makes it easier for the body to absorb the nutrients contained in the seeds. Whole seeds have a hard outer shell that can be difficult for the body to break down, which can limit the amount of nutrients that are absorbed. Ground seeds, on the other hand, have a larger surface area, making it easier for the body to access the nutrients contained within them.
Second, ground seeds are often easier to digest than whole seeds, which can be beneficial for people with gastrointestinal issues.
The menstrual cycle is a complex process that occurs in the female body, controlled by the interplay of hormones. By understanding the different phases of the menstrual cycle, women can gain a better understanding of their bodies and make informed decisions about their health and wellness. Cycle syncing method and seed cycling can help women optimise their overall wellness, fertility and physical health.
It’s important to note that every woman is different and what works for one woman may not work for another, a healthcare professional should always be consulted if you have any concerns or issues with your menstrual cycle.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only and is not meant to substitute professional dietary advice or treatment.
If you have or suspect you may have allergies or medical issues which may be affected by certain foods, or if after taking any of our products you start experiencing any side effects, you should promptly contact your healthcare provider.
Any statements regarding dietary supplements are to be used at your discretion and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.