Why syncing your Hormone Supplements with your Cycle makes Sense.
Navigating hormone imbalance or perimenopause and the range of symptoms they cause can be challenging. However, one natural strategy to cope with hormone imbalance is Seed Cycling. This involves including specific seeds in your diet during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle (follicular and luteal) to help promote the healthy balance of estrogen and progesterone levels. This method not only gives you the multiple nutritional benefits of seeds but also aligns them with the body's own hormonal rhythms, optimising their effectiveness.
Hormone Help is a dietary supplement based on the principles of Seed Cycling. The plant based capsules come in 2 separate containers, the first for the estrogen based Follicular Phase and the second for the progesterone based Luteal Phase.
Synchronising dietary supplements with your menstrual cycle is a proactive and strategic approach to managing hormone imbalance and perimenopause symptoms. Here’s why syncing your seed cycle supplements with your menstrual cycle is a smart idea.
Understanding your Hormones.
Our bodies and our hormones are complex systems, and sometimes things can get a bit out of sync. But because hormones play a crucial role in how our whole body functions, influencing everything from mood to energy levels and even skin health, when they are out of balance it can affect every organ and system in our body.
Irregular periods, acne or skin blemishes, unexplained weight gain or loss, anxiety and depression, fatigue, sleeping difficulties, lack of interest in sex - these are all common symptoms of hormone imbalance and yet very often women look for help for a symptom of hormone imbalance rather than getting to the actual root of the problem and solving their hormone issues. Of course you can take the contraceptive pill to help clear your skin, or go on a diet to loose weight but wouldn’t it be better to solve the problem rather than just one of the symptoms?
So, what exactly is hormone imbalance? It's when there's an irregularity in the production, function, or signalling of hormones in the body. Hormonal imbalances occur when there is too much or too little of a hormone in the blood. In women, this can manifest in various ways, leading to symptoms that range from bothersome to downright challenging. Hormones help regulate a range of bodily functions including metabolism (hence the weight gain or loss), reproductive cycles and sexual function (hence the irregular periods and loss of libido), blood sugar, growth, mood and stress levels and much more.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle
The menstrual cycle is a roughly 28-day process divided into two main phases: the follicular phase (days 1-14) and the luteal phase (days 15-28). Each phase is characterised by different hormonal activities. During the follicular phase, estrogen levels rise, preparing the body for ovulation. This hormone is crucial for bone health, cardiovascular function, and overall mood. After ovulation, in the luteal phase, progesterone levels increase, preparing the uterus for a potential pregnancy and influencing mood and sleep patterns. Imbalances in these hormones can lead to symptoms like mood swings, fatigue, hot flashes, and irregular periods, especially during perimenopause.
It makes sense to support estrogen for the first half of your cycle, and progesterone for the second half.
The Concept of Seed Cycling
Seed cycling is a natural approach that involves eating specific seeds during each phase of your menstrual cycle to support hormone balance. The practice uses the nutritional properties of flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds to promote estrogen and progesterone balance.
How Seed Cycling Works
Follicular Phase (Days 1-14):
Seeds to Eat: Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.
Benefits: Flaxseeds are rich in lignans, which can help balance estrogen levels. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, which supports progesterone production in the later phase.
Luteal Phase (Days 15-28):
Seeds to Eat: Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds.
Benefits: Sesame seeds contain lignans and essential fatty acids that help regulate estrogen and progesterone. Sunflower seeds are high in selenium and vitamin E, supporting hormone production and detoxification.
Benefits of Synchronising Supplements with Your Cycle
It just makes Sense: Because a woman’s cycle is so clearly divided into two different phases controlled by 2 different hormones, it makes sense that each phase needs different support.
Natural Hormone Support: By consuming specific seeds during the appropriate phases, you provide your body with targeted nutrients that can help balance hormone levels naturally. This can be particularly beneficial during perimenopause, a time when hormone fluctuations are more pronounced.
Symptom Management: Synchronising seed intake with your cycle can help manage symptoms effectively. For example, the anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseeds can reduce PMS symptoms, while the magnesium in pumpkin seeds can alleviate cramps and fatigue.
Syncing dietary supplements with your menstrual cycle is a proactive and natural way to manage hormone balance and the symptoms of hormone imbalance and perimenopause. By harnessing the power of seeds and aligning their intake with your body’s hormonal rhythms, you can enhance their effectiveness and support overall well-being. This method not only promotes a balanced hormonal cycle but also empowers you to take control of your health naturally. Give seed cycling a try and experience the benefits of this holistic approach to good hormone health.
Sources:
https://www.morelandobgyn.com/blog/womens-hormones-the-main-culprits-for-changes-in-your-health#:~:text=Of course, female sex hormones,, weight, mood and more.
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321486#:~:text=Hormonal imbalances occur when there,produce in the endocrine system.
https://nourishedbynutrition.com/seed-cycling-for-hormone-balance/
This blog is intended for informational purposes only, it is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or advice. If you are concerned that the symptoms you are experiencing are severe please consult your doctor. Common symptoms of peri/menopause and hormone imbalance such as heart palpitations, anxiety, muscular-skeletal pain etc should be taken seriously and medical issues ruled out before looking for natural hormonal balance solutions.
