New Research Update: The Evolving Science Behind Seed Cycling
As the demand for natural and nutrition-based solutions to hormonal imbalances grows, seed cycling continues to show exciting promise especially in the management of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
This article summarises the latest research from 2024, including two newly published studies exploring seed cycling’s impact on hormone regulation, menstrual regularity, and PCOS symptom management. These findings build on earlier promising data, including the widely referenced 2023 PCOS study, and highlight seed cycling as a powerful, low-intervention strategy for supporting women’s hormone health.
At The Seed Cycle, we work with over 150 healthcare practitioners and regularly conduct in-house case studies to further understand and validate this approach. If you’d like access to these practitioner insights or case study data, feel free to reach out to us at hello@theseedcycle.com.au.
What is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling is a simple, natural method used to support hormone balance in women. It involves eating four types of seeds, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seedsat specific times during your menstrual cycle or in sync with the lunar cycle if your period is irregular or absent.
Rooted in traditional practices and supported by modern nutrition science, seed cycling has been used to help manage symptoms like PMS, hormonal acne, irregular periods, PCOS, and even menopause. It's increasingly recommended by naturopaths, nutritionists, and acupuncturists as a gentle, food-based approach to hormone health.
New Research in Seed Cycling for PCOS
Emerging studies continue to support the therapeutic potential of seed cycling, especially for women diagnosed with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Study 1: Current Evidence to Support Seed Cycling for PCOS
Ajith, K & Meera, M. (March 2024) conducted a three-month open-label study involving 30 women aged 18-31 years, all diagnosed with PCOS using the Rotterdam Criteria. Participants consumed 10 grams of flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds daily, divided into four doses. Tests conducted included menstrual history, body weight and BMI, blood sugar, and hirsutism scoring.
While preliminary and not peer-reviewed, the study demonstrated improvements in menstrual regularity and hormonal balance, supporting the potential of seed-based nutritional therapies to reduce ovarian dysfunction in PCOS Ajith & Meera, 2024.
Study 2: Large-Scale Randomised Study on Seed Cycling and Hormonal Marker
A 2024 study with 290 women aged 21-40 diagnosed with PCOS (Rotterdam Criteria) compared a control group (Metformin 500mg/day + portion-controlled diet) with an intervention group (seed cycling + portion-controlled diet). Significant changes in the seed cycling group included:
FSH: Decreased by 41.61% (p < 0.05)
LH: Decreased by 35.87% (p < 0.05)
Prolactin: Decreased by 13.37%
Testosterone: Decreased by 3.42%
These results suggest that seed cycling may offer significant improvements in hormone regulation, particularly in comparison to Metformin therapy alone 2024 PCOS RCT Study.
The Scientific Validation of Seed Cycling
Conclusion
Seed cycling continues to gain momentum as a promising, food-based approach for supporting hormone balance and managing conditions like PCOS. The latest research adds to the growing evidence behind this practice and shows encouraging results for hormone regulation and menstrual health.
At The Seed Cycle, we are passionate about sharing the science behind seed cycling and breaking it down in a way that’s easy to understand and apply. We know that research in women’s health often lags behind, so we’re committed to not only highlighting clinical studies but also sharing real-life stories and case studies from our community. Because to truly understand what works, we believe both evidence and lived experience matter.
We didn’t invent seed cycling, but our mission is to make it simple, accessible, and effective for everyone. On our website and social platforms, you’ll find practical resources, educational content, and insights from practitioners we work with. Plus, our certified organic seed cycling blends take the guesswork out of getting started.
Whether you're new to seed cycling or looking to deepen your practice, we’re here to support your hormone health journey every step of the way.
Ajith, K & Meera, M. (2024). Current Evidence to Support Seed Cycling Effect of Seed Cycling on Polysystic Ovary Syndrome.
PCOS RCT Study (2024). Seed cycling vs. Metformin in PCOS Management: A Randomised Controlled Trial.
PCOS 2023 Study: https://www.pakistanbmj.com/journal/index.php/pbmj/article/view/100/179
Dr Brighten, J. (2019). Beyond the Pill. https://drbrighten.com/product/beyond-the-pill/
Flaxseed & Ovulation Study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8077314/
Phytoestrogens in Seed Cycling: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7468694/
Additional articles and reviews as cited throughout the article.
If you come across a study we haven’t included, we’d love to hear from you. Please email it to hello@theseedcycle.com.au.