Seed Cycling: Trendy Wellness Hack or Hormonal Hero?
Hey MOBsters,
Hope you’re doing ok, it’s Leah here, mobster, mum and founder of The House of HOrmones. As awlays please pop any questions you have in the comments box below, I am always here to help answer your wellbeing related questions and would love to know any topics you are particularly interested in.
This Week let’s talk seeds. Not the kind you frantically dig out of your toddler’s snack cup, but the ones Instagram wellness influencers are raving about for hormonal harmony. Yes, we are diving into seed cycling the wellness ritual that claims to balance hormones, boost fertility, and make PMS less of a horror show. But is it real science or just another crunchy granola trend dressed in flax?
As a psychologist and the CEO of The House of Hormones, I spend a lot of time thinking (and talking) about how women can take charge of their hormonal health without needing a PhD in endocrinology. So let us unpack the seed cycling hype, myth versus maybe.
What Is Seed Cycling?
Seed cycling involves eating specific seeds during different phases of your menstrual cycle to support oestrogen and progesterone levels. It usually goes like this:
Follicular phase (Day 1 to 14): 1 tablespoon of flax seeds and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds daily
Luteal phase (Day 15 to 28): 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds daily
The idea is that these seeds contain lignans, omega 3s, zinc, selenium, and vitamin E, all nutrients believed to support hormone production and detoxification. The goal is to give your body natural nudges, rather than forceful interventions, to bring hormones like oestrogen and progesterone back into balance.
But... Does It Actually Work?
Here is where it gets interesting. There is no robust clinical study that proves seed cycling as a regimen will regulate hormones. But and it is a meaningful “but” each seed in this routine does have science backed benefits.
Flax seeds contain phytoestrogens that may help modulate oestrogen levels.
Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which supports healthy ovulation.
Sesame and sunflower seeds provide vitamin E and selenium, which support progesterone production and liver detox pathways, key for metabolising hormones.
In short, the nutrients check out, even if the cycling method lacks hard data. Think of it like meal prepping for your hormones, logical, gentle, and based on real food.
If you are juggling a business, family, school runs, and that occasional “Did I brush my teeth today” brain fog, your hormones are likely feeling the squeeze. Seed cycling will not replace medication or fix underlying conditions like PCOS or thyroid dysfunction, but it is a low cost, low risk strategy to support your system naturally.
It can be a gateway ritual, a small daily habit that helps you reconnect with your cycle, your energy levels, and your moods. Even if the hormonal impact is subtle, the mindfulness and nutritional boost are worthwhile.
Seed cycling is not magic, but it is a functional, food first approach to tuning into your cycle. If nothing else, you are getting a solid dose of fibre, healthy fats, and micronutrients. That is a win in my MOB book.
So sprinkle those seeds on your smoothie, stir them into your porridge, or just knock them back like the wellness boss you are. Your hormones might just say thank you quietly and without a meltdown this month.
To your power and progesterone,
Leah & The House of Hormones
What is Mums Who Build (The MOB)?
Created by two mums – Georgie Harris and Rebecca Coxshall, Mums Who Build is a supportive online and in person community dedicated to helping mums grow their businesses and careers, build financial confidence, and achieve financial security.
We understand the unique challenges mums face — like balancing family and career or returning to work after a break — and we’re here to provide opportunities, practical advice, connection, and encouragement.
Our new MOB+ membership takes this support to the next level — offering a vibrant space to join the conversation, connect with like-minded mums, and work together to build lasting financial confidence. All for the price of a flat whte.
Join us and be part of a community that’s here to help you succeed in Business, careers, life and motherhood.
want to meet other mums in London?
COme and meet us irl at our weekly East London, Big MOB MUm Meet-up - London’s ultimate Free and Weekly hangout for mums and babies.
Katie O’Malley, the Digital Director of Elle UK leads our weekly wellbeing talks and workshops. Check-out the eventbrite page to find out what’s going on each week.
Located at the end of the Victoria Line and with Parking available!
Activities for mum and Babies?
20% off dance
we have partnered with MoB Member Fiona, Founder of WEE Movers who hosts her fun and energetic baby and pre-school dance classes right next to the weekly meet-up. MOB members can enjoy 20% off these Friday classes - sign in to find out more. Please note that this class needs to be booked separately to the Meet-up Eventbrite.
50% off soft play
The first 20 mums to arrive at the meet-up also receive 50% off the same-day crate soft play session - located right by the meetup.
more discounts, freebies and fun for mums available each week.
Co-Working for mums building businesses?
We’ve got you! The Meet-up location is a brilliant space for mums to come and co-work together. We have created a dedicated area where you can bring your laptops down and get building in the company of like-minded, inspiring female founders.
We will also be hosting regular skills-workshops for mob members at the meet-up, designed to help you on your business building journey - keep an eye out on Instagram and Eventbrite for updates.
