Seed Cycle : The Natural Way to Improve Your Fertility

Hormonal imbalance and infertility !

Two words that haunt a lot of women. We might often ignore it, but hormonal imbalance, if not taken care of can become a cause of infertility. If you’ve been facing a delay in conception, one of the causes can be your hormones. Seed cycle is a naturopathic remedy, which can prove to be a blessing in disguise if you’re trying to conceive. ‘Hormones’ effect our brain, digestion, skin, and whatnot. An improved balance between our hormones can help with everything, whether it’s premenstrual syndrome, PCOS, irregular cycles, or endometriosis.

Dr. Preeti's Webinar: A webinar to learn recipes for the seed cycle followed by a Q and A. Scroll down to know more.

 

Seed cycle is one of the easiest ways to improve our hormonal balance and chances at conceiving. It is widely believed that the seed cycle process has drawn inspiration from ancient Chinese medicines.

 

However simple this practice may appear, practicing it correctly can enhance fertility, relieve PMS, ease the pain from different conditions, regulate menstrual cycles, and help in amenorrhea. The seed cycle not only helps support you through hormonal imbalances but can also be beneficial for those who have an existing healthy cycle.

 

What causes hormonal imbalances?

 

Does Hormonal Imbalance Affect Fertility?

 

By nature, women produce sufficient hormones to run and maintain a natural cycle but due to certain health conditions, there may arise some hormonal imbalances. Underlying issues such as hypothyroidism and PCOS can lead to serious hormonal conditions. Factors such as whether a person is over or underweight may also be an influencing factor in hormonal balance. These hormonal imbalances can make it difficult to conceive and sometimes even deter a healthy pregnancy. Hormonal imbalances not only make conception difficult can also increase the risk of several serious health conditions. The condition may also worsen during menopause due to decreased levels of estrogen and progesterone leading to higher risks of heart diseases, osteoporosis and the common symptoms may include irregular weight can and bloating, hot flashes, and so on. 

 

Seed cycle and the 2 main hormones

The seed cycle focuses on improving the balance between two main hormones: Estrogen and Progesterone. In any regular menstrual cycle, the estrogen levels are high during the first half of the cycle, also known as the Follicular phase. Progesterone levels are on a rise during the second half of the Luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. An imbalance between these two hormones can result in multiple problems like menstrual irregularities, painful periods, acne, and PCOD.

 

The seed cycle is the rotational consumption of certain seeds during our menstrual cycle. And a potent example of the power of our food choices

 

It helps in creating a balance between these two hormones while being completely natural. Seed cycling can be practiced at any age and phase. It is helpful at all points, be it post-menopause, post-birth control, or while trying to conceive.

 

How will the seed cycle help with fertility and conception?

Seed cycling balances the two main hormones affecting pregnancy (Progesterone and Estrogen) and as a result, the chances of conceiving naturally are increased gradually. Even if you’re opting for assisted reproductive technology, the seed cycle increases your chances of getting positive results. 

 

• Production of a healthy egg: Proteins, fibers, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids present in flax and pumpkin seeds improve the quality of the egg, and also help in the growth of follicles during the first phase of our menstrual cycle.
   
• Implantation of the embryo: Iron, zinc, the vitamin E, and omega-6 present in sesame and sunflower seeds help in the release of the egg which usually takes place between day 14 and day 18 of our menstrual cycle. Whether we’re trying to conceive naturally or using methods like IVF, and IUI a strong endometrial lining is necessary to hold a healthy embryo. Following the seed cycle properly during the second phase of the menstrual cycle adds to the health and strength of the endometrial lining. 
   
• Controlling the levels of progesterone: If the levels of progesterone, the male hormone, are high in a female body it can become a cause of which can become a cause of failed conception. The seed cycle helps in controlling the progesterone levels effectively and maintaining a balance between estrogen and progesterone.
   
• Decreases insulin resistance: Insulin resistance in our body leads to high blood sugar levels, which can lead to conditions like Oligomenorrhea, and Secondary amenorrhea. These conditions often become a cause of infertility amongst women. Seed cycling is an effective way of naturally decreasing insulin resistance.

  

Gut Health and Fertility

 

How does the seed cycle work?
 

Follicular phase: Day 1 to Day 14

The first 14 days of our menstrual cycle constitute the Follicular phase. Day 1 being the first day of your period. Estrogen levels first rise during this period which leads to an increase in the levels of luteinizing hormone. The decrease in estrogen then stimulates the production of follicle-stimulating hormone.

 

“During the Follicular phase, if seeds containing phytoestrogens are consumed, they help in regulating our estrogen levels. So, we eat 1-2 spoons of flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds in the Follicular phase.”

 

These seeds contain lignans and zinc which help with estrogen production. Not only do they support the production but also help if there is a situation of estrogen dominance. A condition where the level of progesterone in the body is outweighed by estrogen. However, we can not simply include these seeds in our daily diets, some food items may have to be removed too, as we may be allergic to certain combinations. It should be noted that consulting a nutritionist is mandatory before beginning the process of the seed cycle.

 

Luteal phase: Day 15 till the next cycle

The second phase or the Luteal phase begins from the 15th day or after ovulation. A sudden decrease in the estrogen levels prompts the beginning of this phase leading to the rise of progesterone levels and the formation of the uterine lining.

 

“During the Luteal phase, progesterone is secreted in higher amounts. Seeds containing zinc and vitamin E help our body in regulating the levels of progesterone during this phase. So, we eat 1-2 spoons of sesame and sunflower seeds during the Luteal phase.”

 

High levels of estrogen can lead to severe PMS symptoms and painful periods. And increased levels of progesterone can become a cause of infertility. It is very important to maintain a healthy balance between both these hormones. So, it is necessary for us to follow the seed cycle properly during both phases of the menstrual cycle. 

 

But I have questions that need to be answered first.

We know that a lot of questions might be clouding up in your head. What if I have an irregular cycle? What is the right age to begin with the seed cycle? What are the different recipes I can use to follow this? That’s why, Fertility Dost brings you an exclusive webinar to answer all your questions.

This 29th of August, connect with Dr. Preeti Choudhary and find answers to all your questions, as she tells us about different recipes to optimize the seed cycle. In addition to this, she’ll also talk about recipes that help in boosting male fertility.

Register here.

To know more : Whastapp us on +91 9971327422

Caution: Do not start your seed cycle without consulting a nutritionist.