To best understand how seed cycling works, let’s first explore hormones, our menstrual cycle and why hormones go out of balance.
Hormones are our body’s chemical messengers. They affect many different processes including growth, development, metabolism, mood and reproduction. In particular, female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone have a major influence on woman’s health. These are the two key players that help regulate the menstrual cycle.
During the first half of the cycle (days 1-14, first day being the day you start your period), which is called the follicular phase. During this time, estrogen levels rise, and prepare to grow, thicken and mature the lining of the uterus and help mature the egg prior to ovulation.
The second half of the cycle is the luteal phase (days 15-28). This is where progesterone levels start to rise. Progesterone is our natural ‘relax hormone’ and works in the second half of the menstrual cycle to thicken and maintain the endometrial lining and help fertilise egg implants in the wall of the uterus.
If pregnancy doesn’t take place, progesterone levels begin to fall which brings on your period.
Why do hormones go out of balance?
Women’s hormones are complicated and very delicate. Did you know our hormone levels change on a daily basis? 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.
It is hard to ignore that stress is a major contributor to our hormones going out of balance. When we are under pressure, cortisol (which is our stress hormone) can go into overdrive, triggering that fight or flight response.
We have over one hundred hormones within our body working in conjunction with each other, which means the delicate balance can be easily disrupted. If we are not making optimal amounts it can contribute to a range of challenging symptoms in the lead up and/or during menstruation. This can lead to both emotional and physical PMS symptoms.
Progesterone in particular helps to counterbalance estrogen, so when we have poor progesterone production this can tip the delicate balance of our sex hormones.
The Seed Cycle has active components to assist in supporting the production and elimination of key hormones during both the follicular and luteal phases.
How do I know if my hormones are out of balance?
We believe every woman deserves to feel their best, every day of the month.
Here are some common signs and symptoms which you will experience if your hormones are out of balance, plus a few which may surprise you!
PMS
PMS symptoms such as pain, bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness, cravings and digestive distress can wreak havoc on your confidence and leave you feeling like a shell of yourself. Unfortunately, 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 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 oestrogen & progesterone can lead to excessive thickening of the endometrium (uterus lining), which in turn leads to heavy, and sometimes 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 doctor if you believe a hormonal imbalance is affecting your menstrual cycle.
Poor sleep
Did you know our sleep-wake cycle is regulated by key hormones cortisol and melatonin? If you can’t sleep or your sleep quality is poor, hormone balance may be a factor. Cortisol, also known as our stress hormone peaks in the morning to get you out of bed and moving and then should decline throughout the day. Melatonin should be high at night to help us fall asleep (and 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 one compound released by the ovaries to help us sleep. Low levels of progesterone can make it difficult for us to fall and stay asleep.
Other signs and symptoms that your hormones may be out of balance include:
- Migraines (especially before your period)
- Persistent weight gain
- Low libido
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Fertility problems
- Excessive sweating
- Trouble concentrating
- Digestive issues (constipation, diarrhoea, bloating, cramping, pain)
- Hot flushes associated with menopause
For more on this, check out our blog post by Naturopath Catherine on '6 things that can mess with your cycle.'
It is important for you to see your doctor if you believe an imbalance in hormones in contributing to your signs and symptoms.
So how does seed cycling work to balance hormones?
The good news is, there is a natural method to help 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. Now, we want to help more women discover the benefits of this revolutionary technique with our subscription service.
New to seed cycling? Seed cycling works by using a technique that has been used for generations!
Seed cycling harnesses the power of four natural seeds (flaxseeds, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds).
By adding The Seed Cycle into your daily routine during specific times in your cycle, you can encourage your body to either promote estrogen detoxification (during Phase 1) or increase progesterone production (during Phase 2). Cool right?!
Learn more about the nutrients in seed cycling seeds and their benefits here.