Seed cycling protocol

Seed cycling is one of the few natural interventions with actual (if limited) trial data:

Follicular phase (days 1–14): Ground flaxseed + pumpkin seeds. A 1993 crossover trial showed 10g/day flax lengthened luteal phase by 1.2 days and raised the progesterone-to-estradiol ratio.

Luteal phase (days 15–28): Sunflower + sesame seeds. Rich in selenium, zinc, and vitamin E, which support progesterone production.

A 2023 RCT (n=90) found the full protocol reduced FSH, LH, TSH, and prolactin in PCOS over 90 days. A systematic review found improved menstrual regularity and PMS, though sample sizes remain small.

Evidence grade: promising but not yet definitive. Low risk, nutritionally beneficial regardless.