Nowadays it's so common to "fix" our bodies with a magic pill. But are we really solving the problem from the root? In most cases, we are NOT. It's (alternative option: easier to pretend everything is normal and go on with our lives). Just the easiest way to manage things and pretend everything is back to normal.
A lot of girls are suffering from irregular and painful periods, including members of my family, friends and colleagues. It is rare to find a girl who is not on the pill or using any other birth control method to control their hormones and their period. This is not normal. I used to be the girl who had regular periods, until my eating disorder disrupted my body in order to survive with the poor amount of nutrients I was giving it.
My experience probably won't be the same for you, but I've got some useful information that might help you, since we as females live in a stressful environment that makes us prone to deal with unbalanced hormones.
I also have to mention that I struggled with acne while I was trying to get my period back. For me, this was a clear sign that the cause of my acne was hormonal. I started doing some deep research on hormones, periods, the pill, and finally decided to get with a professional aka, a doctor to manage my hormones and acne. Unfortunately they didn't offer the approach I was looking for, instead they only wanted me to take the pill.
My solution was so easy: SEED CYCLING. Have you heard about it before? I'm seriously amazed with the results, but of course I also had to manage other personal deficiencies such as iron, B complex vitamins, and zinc.
Seed cycling consists on rotating 4 different types of seeds during your cycle: flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds. These four seeds are divided into two groups: the follicular phase (Day 1 to day 14 and begins with your menstruation) and the luteal phase (from day 15, after your ovulation)
Follicular Phase
- Flaxseeds contain lignans that do an amazing job at preventing an excessive secretion of estrogens.
- Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, whichhelps prepare your body for the next phase, and aid in the secretion of progesterone.
Luteal Phase
- Sesame seeds, just like flaxseeds, contain lignans that help regulate the amount of estrogen and progesterone during this phase.
- Sunflower seeds help the liver get rid of the excess hormones due to their selenium content.
Notice that the follicular phase is high in omega-3, so consuming fish oil during this phase will boost the hormonal-balancing effects! And for luteal phase we've got omega-6 rich seeds.
Will seed cycling work for you? YES! I've seen a lot of people using it to treat their PMS symptoms, increase their fertility, get of the pill, and for me... recover my period after four years! And the best part is that it's so easy to follow! I have to mention that you'll have to look for specific deficiencies such as iron, zinc, floats and vitamin B12. Also make sure you are not over-stressing, since our bodies were made to survive and cortisol can disrupt normal body functions in order to “protect us”.
Worried about your workout? It will depend on how much rest and hours of sleep you'll be giving your body, also make sure you are eating enough! I do crossfit 5 days a week and pilates 1 day, that makes 6 days active and I still got my period. If you like to workout, I don't see a reason to stop. Just make sure to REST and EAT ENOUGH!
How did you start? I started on a full moon. I don't know that much about moon phases, but the moon has a similar period. Talking about the days and duration, not the blood and hormones (lol). So I started with the seeds from the follicular phase (flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds) from day 1 to day 14... two weeks! And for the next phase (sesame and sunflower seeds) from day 15 to day 28... again, two weeks!
How much do I have to consume? And how? EASY! I use one tablespoon of each. RAW! because roasting them can alter some of the nutrients and we want all the goods! You can do butters too: sunflower butter, tahini, etc. also, try not to bake with them!
How long did I have to do it before seeing some results? I think this part varies from woman to woman, however you will start seeing results at the three-month mark. For me it was four months. So be patient and don't give up, your female power is worth it and you deserve to have regular and painless periods! As a disclaimer, I have to mention that there are special conditions that need other treatments besides seed cycling. Make sure to consult your doctor or nutritionist before doing any diet changes. Remember to be safe and listen to your body.
I hope you find this information helpful, it was a life changer for me! Don't hesitate to send me an email with your testimony!