Seed Cycling for Pre Menopause Symptoms

Perimenopause, also referred to as pre menopause, is a time when estrogen levels fluctuate. It’s no secret that the changes all women experience in perimenopause not only impact your body, but also how you feel about  yourself and your relationships with those around you. Some women prefer non-hormonal treatments for their menopausal symptoms. Seed cycling, a natural way to  balance your hormones, is a good non-hormonal treatment option.

What’s Happening In Your Body As You Enter Menopause

As you enter menopause (perimenopause), your estrogen levels fluctuate, and become unpredictable. They eventually fall to a low level causing a multitude of symptoms. As progesterone fluctuates during perimenopause, periods become heavier and irregular. Progesterone production also stops when the menstrual cycle ends. During menopause estrogen and progesterone levels decrease which increases risk of heart disease and osteoporosis and causes hot flashes and stubborn weight gain.

Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause 

Not sure if you're experiencing perimenopause? This is a list of common symptoms that you may be experiencing: 

• Hot Flashes

• Breast tenderness

• Fatigue

• Irregular Periods

• Urinary incontinence

• Trouble sleeping

• Emotional changes (irritability, mood swings, mild depression)

• Dry skin, dry eyes or dry mouth

• Vaginal dryness and discomfort during sex

• Changes in libido (sex drive)

• Headache

• Joint and muscle aches and pains

• Difficulty concentrating, memory lapses

• Weight gain

• Hair loss or thinning

Okay, so now you’re certain that you’re in this phase of life. Now what?

What Is Seed Cycling and How Can It Help You?

Did you know that many of the symptoms listed are due to avoidable but common mineral deficiencies? As zinc and magnesium levels are depleted in your body, they need to be replaced. Good news! Although the depletion of these minerals is due to hormonal changes, lifestyle changes, including diet can make a big difference. 

Here’s where seed cycling can help. Pumpkin, flax, sesame and sunflower seeds are rich in magnesium and zinc. Adding them to your diet on a DAILY basis can make a huge difference in how you feel and can alleviate many perimenopause symptoms.

Here is how seed cycling works:

Phase 1, Follicular Phase

• Flax Seeds

• Lignans are phytoestrogens that can either mimic or hinder the actions of estrogen depending on the need.

• High omega 3’s reduce inflammation, and support healthy cell membranes. They also help stabilize blood sugar, brain function, and appetite control… all important for maintaining a balanced mood and potential to make better food choices.

• Flax also contains alpha-lipoic acid which supports thyroid function.

• Pumpkin Seeds

• High in zinc which helps production of progesterone in preparation of the second phase of the cycle, and specifically helps with replenishing zinc lost in sweat with hot flashes. 

Phase 2, Luteal Phase

• Sesame Seeds

• Shown to increase sex hormone levels in postmenopausal women (but not necessarily estrogen).

• Improved levels of antioxidants and improved blood lipid levels 

• Sunflower Seeds

• High in vitamin E which may help alleviate hot flashes.

• Also rich in zinc, magnesium, potassium, and iron.

Seed Cycling, Diet and Exercise

Diet and lifestyle can make a huge impact on your health during this major change in your life. It is also important to consume dark leafy greens, broccoli, fatty fish for other common mineral deficiencies such as Calcium, Vitamin D, and B Vitamins. You may want to speak with your doctor to see if supplementation is appropriate for you. 

In addition to seed cycling you can also enhance your wellbeing by: 

• Eating the rainbow. Colorful veggies, and smaller portions of fruits are a great way to go!

• Getting enough calcium in your diet. Oranges, Almonds, and Broccoli are some plant based options.

• Exercising at least 30 minutes a day to reduce risk of heart disease.

• Strength Training from a specialized professional in bone health 2-4x/week.

• Get more sleep and try staying on a consistent sleep wake routine.

So Now What?

Start your seed cycling journey now to ease perimenopausal and post-menopausal symptoms! Women experiencing a loss of their period can begin the rotation of seeds at any time. It is particularly helpful to use the phases of the moon to stay on a 28-day seed rotation. So, the new moon to full moon consume your Moon Cycle Phase 1 pumpkin and flax blend. Full moon to new moon consume your Phase 2 sesame and sunflower blend. Add 2 TBSP daily to oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt and enjoy the benefits of hormone balance and support. Easy as that! 

SOURCES

https://www.menopause.org/for-women/sexual-health-menopause-online/changes-at-midlife/changes-in-hormone-levels

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/seed-cycling#effects-on-menopause-symptoms

https://www.webmd.com/menopause/guide/guide-perimenopause 

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15224-menopause-perimenopause-and-postmenopause