Navigating Perimenopause Naturally: How Seed Cycling Can Help

Navigating Perimenopause Naturally: How Seed Cycling Can Help

Perimenopause, the transition period leading up to menopause, can bring a rollercoaster of hormonal changes and a variety of symptoms. Dr. Jolene Brighten NMD, FABNE, a leading hormone expert, highlights a natural approach to ease this transition: seed cycling.

"Seed Cycling is a powerful tool that I teach to many of my patients to gently and effectively balance their hormones, especially during perimenopause," says Dr. Brighten.

Understanding Perimenopause

Perimenopause is the time when your body begins its natural transition to menopause, marking the end of your reproductive years. It can start several years before menopause, even in your 40s. During this time, your ovaries gradually produce less estrogen and progesterone, the key hormones regulating your menstrual cycle. Unlike menopause, which is defined as 12 consecutive months without a period, perimenopause is characterised by fluctuating hormone levels, leading to irregular cycles and a range of symptoms.

The Role of Hormones in Perimenopause

  • Estrogen and progesterone: These hormones are the main players in your menstrual cycle. As their levels become erratic during perimenopause, you might experience changes in your periods (heavier, lighter, more frequent, or less frequent).
  • Other hormones: Testosterone levels also decline, contributing to symptoms like decreased libido and fatigue.

Perimenopause Symptoms: What to Expect

The hormonal shifts of perimenopause can trigger a wide range of symptoms, which vary greatly in intensity and duration from woman to woman. Common symptoms include:

  • Irregular periods
  • Hot flashes
  • Night sweats
  • Mood swings and irritability
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Decreased libido
  • Weight gain
  • Brain fog and difficulty concentrating

The Her4 App offers one of the most extensive symptom solution searches. Find your symptoms and discover natural solutions immediately and reliably. 

Seed Cycling: A Natural Approach to Hormone Balance

Seed cycling is an ancient practice that uses the power of specific seeds to support hormonal balance. It involves consuming different seeds during the two main phases of your menstrual cycle (or a simulated cycle if you no longer have periods).

How Seed Cycling Works:

Seed cycling harnesses the unique properties of different seeds to gently influence hormone levels:

  • Follicular Phase (Day 1-14): If you are still menstruating, this phase begins on the first day of your period. If you are no longer menstruating, you can start this phase on any day.

    • Seeds: Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds
    • Benefits: Flaxseeds contain lignans that can help modulate estrogen levels. Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports progesterone production.

  • Luteal Phase (Day 15-28): If you are still menstruating, this phase begins after ovulation or after you finish the first 14-day cycle. If you are no longer menstruating, start this phase after completing the first 14-day cycle.

    • Seeds: Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds
    • Benefits: Sesame seeds also contain lignans to help balance estrogen. Sunflower seeds are a good source of selenium, which supports liver function and hormone detoxification.

The Science Behind the Seeds

  • Lignans: Found in flaxseeds and sesame seeds, these plant compounds can help balance estrogen levels by binding to estrogen receptors.
  • Zinc: Abundant in pumpkin seeds, zinc is essential for progesterone production.
  • Selenium: Sunflower seeds provide selenium, an antioxidant that aids in the liver's detoxification of hormones and helps reduce inflammation, which can impact hormonal balance.

Why Ground Seeds?

Grinding seeds before consumption is crucial for optimal digestion and nutrient absorption. Our bodies struggle to break down the tough outer shells of whole seeds, making it harder to access their beneficial compounds.

HER4 Seed Cycling Kits: A Convenient Solution

Image: Her4 Founder, Katherine Maree Pace, formulated a premium seed blend to regain her period after 15 years on the Mirena IUD and chronic endometriosis. Today, she enjoys a beautiful, regular, and pain-free period. She created these products to help other women

For a hassle-free way to incorporate seed cycling into your perimenopause journey, consider HER4 Seed Cycling Kits. These kits offer:

  • Convenience: Pre-portioned monthly bags that fit seamlessly into your daily routine.
  • Quality: 100% organic, finely ground seeds for maximum absorption.
  • Extra Boost: The kits include organic black sesame seeds, which are more nutrient-dense than white sesame seeds.

Why Choose Organic Seeds?

Organic seeds offer several advantages:

  • Reduced exposure to pesticides and herbicides
  • Potentially higher nutrient content
  • Support for sustainable farming practices

HER4 sources its organic seeds from around the world, ensuring the highest quality.

Special Offer:

We support your wellness journey! Use code PERIMENOPAUSE at checkout for 10% off your first HER4 seed cycling order.

SHOP HER4 Seed Cycling Kit Here

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Back to blog