Almost all women at some point in their lives have experienced what it feels like to have their hormones go out of balance. I certainly have had ongoing issues with hormones. I was diagnosed 8 years ago with PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). And let me tell you it took a great deal of time to find out what really was the issue, so much so that I had a partial hysterectomy. For the first few years, after my diagnosis, I did nothing to change my situation after going through a surgery with no relief I wasn't excited to jump back in. I wish I had not made that decision! Things only got worse and my life got even more difficult. My stress, anxiety, and my overall ability to deal with life was getting harder and harder. I had no sex drive, was tired all the time, ovarian cysts every few months that were so painful. It was at this point I decided enough is enough I could no longer live like this! So I began my journey to figure out how or what could I do to feel better. It has been a very long journey, one that even took me back to school. I am so grateful that I made that decision and that now I am able to share what I have learned with other women. I still struggle but I am at least heading in the right direction.
Nutrition is super important when it comes to women and hormones, we make our hormones from fat. So eating a diet of healthy fats is super important. One simple way you can begin to balance your hormones with good fats is to do seed cycling. This is a great trick for all women including those that don't have any hormone issues now. Down the road, it could protect you from having issues. It's super easy and doesn't require a lot of time.
The theory is that you cycle seeds with your menstrual cycle beginning either on the first day of your period or for those who don't have a period on the new moon, it really is up to you.
There are natural phytochemicals in the seeds that support the hormones and nourish your body at the appropriate phase of your cycle at the appropriate time.
From the new moon, or first-day fo your cycle, you will add 1 tsp to 1 tbsp ground flax(buy whole flax seeds and grind daily it the best)chia, and pumpkin seeds to your daily diet. You may also choose to add Evening primrose oil during this phase.
From the full moon, or on the 14th day of your cycle you will switch your seeds to 1 tsp to 1 tbsp of ground sesame and sunflower seeds. At this point, you may choose to switch from using Evening primrose oil to an algae oil ( I prefer Nordic naturals Algae Omega). I choose algae oil because I hate burping up fish oil and nowadays it is getting harder and harder to find fish that is not full of mercy or microplastics making good quality fish oils more expensive.
The awesome thing about doing Seed Cycling is your using food as medicine, and it is unlikely to cause you harm.
A quick tip is to add your seeds to a smoothie, salad, or pasta dish.
You will want to give at least three months for optimum results. So be sure to give it three months before giving up.
If you are experiencing severe symptoms, please see your doctor or qualified practitioner.