About Seed Cycling
What Is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural, food-based practice that uses the nutritional power of four seeds — flaxseed, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower — to gently support your body's hormone balance throughout your menstrual cycle. By eating specific seeds during each phase of your cycle, you can help your body produce and metabolise oestrogen and progesterone more effectively.
It's a simple, nourishing ritual that works with your body's natural rhythms — not against them.
How Your Cycle Works: The Four Phases
Your menstrual cycle is divided into four phases, each governed by shifting hormone levels. Seed cycling aligns with these phases to provide the right nutritional support at the right time.
🌱 Phase 1 — Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)
This is the start of your cycle, when your period begins. Oestrogen and progesterone are at their lowest. Your body sheds the uterine lining, and you may feel more inward and restful. During this phase, gentle nourishment is key.
🌸 Phase 2 — Follicular Phase (Days 1–13)
Overlapping with menstruation, the follicular phase begins on Day 1 and runs until ovulation. Oestrogen begins to rise as your body prepares to release an egg. Energy and mood often lift during this phase.
Seeds for Phase 1 & 2 (Days 1–13): Flaxseed & Pumpkin Seeds
- Flaxseeds contain lignans, which help modulate oestrogen levels — supporting healthy oestrogen production without excess.
- Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports the production of progesterone ready for the second half of your cycle.
🌞 Phase 3 — Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–16)
Ovulation is the midpoint of your cycle. Oestrogen peaks and triggers the release of an egg. You may feel your most energetic and sociable during this short window.
🍂 Phase 4 — Luteal Phase (Days 17–28)
After ovulation, progesterone rises to prepare the uterine lining for a potential pregnancy. If pregnancy doesn't occur, both hormones drop and your period begins again. This is when PMS symptoms can appear if hormones are out of balance.
Seeds for Phase 3 & 4 (Days 14–28): Sesame & Sunflower Seeds
- Sesame seeds are rich in lignans and zinc, helping to support progesterone levels and block excess oestrogen in the second half of your cycle.
- Sunflower seeds are high in selenium and vitamin E, which support liver detoxification of hormones and healthy progesterone production.
The Benefits of Seed Cycling
When practised consistently, seed cycling may help to:
- Regulate irregular or missing periods
- Reduce PMS symptoms such as bloating, mood swings, and breast tenderness
- Support hormonal balance in PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome)
- Ease the transition through perimenopause and menopause
- Improve energy, mood, and skin throughout the month
- Support fertility by promoting regular ovulation
Seed cycling is not a quick fix — it works gradually and gently. Most people notice changes after 2–3 cycles of consistent use.
Who Can Benefit?
Seed cycling is suitable for anyone who menstruates, including those who:
- Experience irregular, painful, or heavy periods
- Have been diagnosed with PCOS or endometriosis
- Are navigating perimenopause or post-menopause
- Feel their hormones are "off" but haven't found answers
- Want a natural, food-first approach to hormone health
- Are coming off hormonal contraception and want to support their cycle returning
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a specific medical condition, please consult your healthcare provider before starting seed cycling.
How to Use Happy Hormones Seeds
We've made seed cycling as easy as possible. Our seeds are organic and freshly ground — ready to add to your daily routine without any prep.
- Days 1–13: Add 1–2 tablespoons of the Phase 1 blend (flaxseed & pumpkin) to your meals each day.
- Days 14–28: Switch to 1–2 tablespoons of the Phase 2 blend (sesame & sunflower) each day.
- Stir into smoothies, sprinkle over porridge, mix into yoghurt, or add to salads — whatever works for you.
- Repeat each month and give your body time to adjust. Consistency is key!
Not sure where your cycle is? Start with Phase 1 on the first day of your next period, or if your cycle is irregular or absent, simply start with Phase 1 today and switch to Phase 2 after 14 days.
Ready to Start?
Explore our Seed Cycling Full Kit — everything you need to begin your seed cycling journey, with organic, freshly ground seeds delivered to your door.
Want to know the story behind Happy Hormones Seeds? Read Naomi's story and discover why she created this product to help women just like you.
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is an all-natural technique for women to support their hormones and their natural rhythms.
The process involves consuming 4 different types of seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds at specific times of the month to support your body’s hormones to help you to feel great.
The concept behind seed cycling is that these four seeds carry important oils, vitamins and minerals to support the production and elimination of key female hormones: oestrogen and progesterone.
How it works
DAYS 1 - 14 of Your Cycle
Eat two tablespoons per day from Packet 1: Flaxseeds & Pumpkin seeds
- Both seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids which help healthy cells and fight inflammation
- Amazing benefits for healthy skin, hair and nails.
- Flax seeds are high in phytoestrogens that promote oestrogen production
- Contain lignans that help detoxify excess oestrogens and provide fibre to eliminate them.
- Pumpkin seeds are high in Zinc which increases the production of Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) which in turn causes ovulation and leads to the production of progesterone.
DAYS 15 - 28 of Your Cycle
Eat two tablespoons per day from Packet 2: Sunflower Seeds and Sesame Seeds
- Both seeds are high in omega-6 fatty acids, which help reduce PMS and decreases inflammation
- Sesame seeds are high in lignans, which help to modulate and harmonise oestrogen levels.
- Rich in magnesium and calcium and improve PMS cramps and provide an immunity boost.
- Sunflower seeds are rich in selenium, which is essential for liver function, to ensure proper detoxification and elimination of excess hormones
What seeds do you use?
-
Flaxseeds
These are a high quality plant protein. They are loaded with nutrients and may improve cholesterol and lower blood pressure.
-
Pumpkin Seeds
These are very high in magnesium, high in fibre and high in anti-oxidants. Eating only a small amount of them can provide you with a substantial quantity of healthy fats, iron and zinc.
-
Sunflower Seeds
These are a nutritious source of plant protein, can support healthy bones and reduce inflammation. They are a good source of healthy fats, Vitamin E, Zinc and Iron.
-
Sesame Seeds
These are a nutritious source of plant protein. They can support healthy bones, reduce inflammation and help to reduct blood pressure.
How to use seed cycling in your day-to-day life
Try adding your seeds to porridge, chia puddings, energy balls, soups, salads, baked goods, yogurts, smoothies, stir fries.
Seed cycling can support hormone balance which can soothe the symptoms of pms and peri menopause such as fatigue, insomnia, skin breakouts.
Happy Hormones Seeds are all:
Organic
Raw
Freshly ground
Ground seeds are more easily absorbed by the body.
Please keep your seeds in the fridge
Have more questions?
Please read through the FAQ's below to learn more about seed cycling and how it can support you. We truly believe Seed Cycling can be hugely supportive and transformational, and have so many positive effects on your health.
If you have any further questions before ordering, please get in touch via the link below.
Seed Cycling FAQs
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a simple and natural way to get nutrients into the body which supports women’s changing hormones. The routine uses four seeds:
1. Pumpkin
2. Flax
3. Sunflower
4. Sesame.
The two blends help whichever phase of the menstrual cycle they are used in, first two weeks or last two weeks. (We count the first day of a period as DAY 1) The seeds in this combination provide the body with the essential nutrients needed to support oestrogen and progesterone levels.
How does seed cycling help?
Seed cycling is used to ease symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances such as acne, PMS, PMDD, PCOS, heavy or irregular periods, perimenopause & post menopause.
Who can seed cycle?
Women of any age from puberty to post menopause can use the seed cycling method.
If you are pregnant you do not need to seed cycle but you can come back to seed cycling to help you get back on track once you’ve had your baby.
What should I expect in my Happy Hormones Seeds delivery?
You will receive two packages in your delivery. One has the seeds you need for the first two weeks of your cycle and the second is for the last two weeks of your cycle. The packs are labelled Phase 1 & Phase 2.
Where should I keep my seeds when I get them?
Store sealed in the fridge to keep the seeds fresh. You can leave them in their packets or store in glass jars.
How long before I see the benefits?
Seed cycling takes time to work with your body. It can take at least three months of daily use to start noticing the benefits. Keeping a journal to track your symptoms throughout the month can help you identify the shifts happening over the months.
I don’t have a period, can I still seed cycle?
If you do not have a period you can use the cycles of the moon to help you know when to start taking your seeds.
Start taking your seeds on the first day of the new moon. Switch to Phase 2 on the full moon. Following the phases of the moon can help keep you on track with a 28-day cycle.
I’m in perimenopause, how will seed cycling help me?
Since levels of oestrogen and progesterone naturally decline during perimenopause, seed cycling can provide extra support to alleviate symptoms associated with lower hormone levels.
How long will it take for the seeds to arrive?
I send the seeds out first class post so they will arrive one or two days after you order.
What if my cycle isn’t 28 days?
Always start Phase 1 on Day 1, and Phase 2 Day 15. After you finish Phase 2, restart Phase 1. You’re encouraging your body to follow a 28-day rhythm for your cycle.
Can I still use seed cycling if I’m on birth control?
Yes absolutely! Happy Hormones Seeds will support you whilst you are using contraception.
Hey! I'm Naomi.
I am a yoga teacher and mum to three teenagers, we live in Edinburgh in Scotland. I love the sea - in all weathers, the natural ways to health and happiness, reading books and early nights. I started Happy Hormones Seeds as a way to simplify seed cycling and to share the method as it has helped me so much in my own health and wellbeing.
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