Seed Cycling for Menstrual Disorder

Overseen By Victoria LLerena, BS

Age: 18 - 65

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Loma Linda University

Must not be taking: Hormonal birth control

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Lactation, GI condition, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 7

Duration: 3 months

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial aims to determine if eating specific seeds can improve menstrual regularity, cramps, and premenstrual symptoms. Women experiencing irregular periods, cramps, or PMS might benefit from this approach. Participants will consume flax and pumpkin seeds during the first half of their cycle and sunflower and sesame seeds during the second half. Women with irregular menstrual cycles and symptoms like cramps or PMS, who have not recently used hormonal birth control and do not have seed allergies, might be eligible. While there is a small chance of mild stomach issues or no benefit, this approach could enhance menstrual health. As an unphased trial, the study offers a unique opportunity to explore natural dietary interventions for menstrual health.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. However, if you are using hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy, you cannot participate in the trial.

What prior data suggests that seed cycling is safe for menstrual health?

Previous studies have shown that seed cycling is generally safe and affordable. This practice involves consuming specific seeds at different times in the menstrual cycle. Research suggests it may alleviate symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome).

Most individuals tolerate seed cycling well, though some may experience mild stomach issues or allergic reactions. Serious side effects are rare. It is important to be aware of any allergies to seeds such as flax, pumpkin, sunflower, or sesame. Consulting a healthcare provider before starting is advisable if there are any concerns. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Seed cycling is unique because it uses a natural approach to address menstrual disorders through specific seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, flaxseed, and sesame. Unlike conventional treatments such as hormonal medications or birth control pills, seed cycling aims to balance hormones naturally by leveraging the nutrients and lignans in these seeds. Researchers are excited about this treatment because it offers a non-invasive option with potentially fewer side effects, and it taps into the body's natural processes to promote hormonal balance.

What evidence suggests that seed cycling might be an effective treatment for menstrual disorders?

Research has shown that seed cycling might help regulate menstrual cycles and reduce PMS symptoms. In one study, about 33% of participants who used flaxseed experienced more regular periods. Another study highlighted possible benefits, such as improved cycle regularity and fewer hormonal symptoms. Although scientific evidence remains limited, some early findings suggest positive results for women trying seed cycling. In this trial, participants will receive sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, and sesame seeds during the intervention. This method involves consuming specific seeds at different times in the menstrual cycle, which might help balance hormones naturally. ^{1 2 3 4 6}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for women experiencing irregular menstrual cycles or painful periods. Participants will try a natural method called seed cycling, which involves eating specific seeds at different phases of their cycle to potentially improve menstrual health.

Inclusion Criteria

Language: English

Access to an electronic device with a built-in health tracking app that can connect to the internet and is capable of reading QR codes

I am a woman aged 18-45 with irregular periods, cramps, or PMS.

Exclusion Criteria

Allergic to flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds

Currently pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy between now and December 2025

I have used hormonal birth control or hormone therapy in the last 3 months.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

Orientation and Baseline Assessment

Participants receive an overview of the study and complete the baseline Menstrual Health Symptom Questionnaire (MHSQ). They are instructed on using the health tracking app.

1 day

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants consume specific seeds daily according to the seed cycling schedule and track menstrual cycle and symptoms using a health tracking app.

3 months

3 visits (in-person) at Day 1, Day 28, and Day 56

Follow-up

Participants complete post-intervention Menstrual Health Symptom Questionnaires at monthly intervals to assess changes in symptoms and cycle regularity.

3 months

3 visits (virtual) at Day 28, Day 56, and Day 84

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Seed Cycling

Trial Overview The study tests if consuming flax and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase, and sunflower and sesame seeds during the luteal phase can make periods more regular, reduce cramps, and ease pre-menstrual symptoms over a 3-month period.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Seed Cycling single arm intervention Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

Subjects will receive sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, flaxseed and sesame seeds during the intervention

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Loma Linda University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

322

Recruited

267,000+

Citations

1. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12461132/

Efficacy of Seed Cycling as an Integrative Therapy ... After flaxseed therapy, 10 (33.3%) experienced a regular menstrual cycle, 5 (16.7%) noted an increase in frequency, 9 (30%) showed no change, ...

2. clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT07052500

Impact of Seed Cycling on Menstrual Regularity ... Possible benefits include the potential for improved menstrual cycle regularity, the potential for a reduction in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and the ...

3. news-medical.net news-medical.net/health/Is-Seed-Cycling-Legit-for-Hormone-Balance.aspx

Is Seed Cycling Legit for Hormone Balance? While preliminary studies highlight beneficial outcomes, such as improved menstrual regularity and reduced hormonal symptoms, robust clinical ...

4. journals.lww.com journals.lww.com/jpbs/fulltext/2025/05001/seed_cycling_and_hormonal_balance__a_case_study_of.306.aspx

Seed Cycling and Hormonal Balance: A Case Study of... After 6 months, the patient experienced notable improvements such as regular menstrual cycles, a reduction in body mass index ranges from 29 to 24 kg/m², ...

5. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2949824424000491

Seed cycling: Approach for polycystic ovarian syndrome There is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of seed cycling specifically for PCOS or hormonal imbalances.

6. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/fsn3.4692

Role of Seed Therapy on Estrous and Non‐Estrous Cycle ... Our study revealed the potential effects of seed cycling on reproductive profile, insulin, lipid, and liver enzymes in healthy rats.