Living with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can be exhausting. It’s a condition that comes with a constellation of symptoms that can touch many aspects of a woman’s health and life. Disruptions in hormones, insulin and androgen levels can lead to irregular menstrual cycles, acne, hair growth, weight gain, ovarian cysts and, for many women, challenges with fertility. Currently 4 different forms of PCOS have been described:
A: High androgens (meaning testosterone or male hormones), absent or irregular periods and ovarian cysts, often insulin resistance
B: High androgens and absent or irregular periods, normal ovaries
C: High androgens and ovarian cysts but normal cycles and
D: Irregular or absent periods and ovarian cysts (Clark et al., 2014), non androgenic
What's happening hormonally?
Irregular cycles and hormone fluctuations can feel frustrating and confusing. Let us break down what’s happening and how seed cycling can help restore function.
In a healthy menstrual cycle, your hormones follow a natural rhythm that guides your body through each phase. At the start, two hormones–follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) work together to trigger ovulation. FSH causes eggs in the ovaries to start to grow, and LH sets off the release of the most mature egg to the fallopian tube where it will await fertilization (Reed and Carr, 2018).
In PCOS, this is disrupted. LH levels are often unusually high, disrupting the hormonal balance and preventing eggs from maturing properly, meaning ovulation doesn’t occur. Instead of dissolving, some of the immature eggs stay in the ovary and form cysts. Excess LH and high insulin levels increase testosterone production, which further blocks ovulation and causes some physical symptoms such as excess hair growth (Siddiqui et al., 2022).
Here's where seed cycling comes in. Each seed provides unique compounds that may support hormone balance, help regulate LH levels, and encourage a more regular menstrual cycle.
Conventional treatments such as birth control or insulin, i.e. sensitizing medication (which makes the body more responsive to insulin so it can use it more efficiently), may be effective for managing certain symptoms and, for some women, may be the right choice. But PCOS is complex, with varied phenotypes, and medication alone doesn’t solve everything for all individuals. That’s why so many women want to do more to support their body’s natural rhythm. Our community members have found Two Moons seed cycling capsules as a great tool to support their health, holistically.
What is seed cycling?
Seed cycling is a natural approach to support hormonal balance by consuming different seeds during each phase of the menstrual cycle.
- Menstrual + follicular phase (days 1-14): Flax and pumpkin seeds are consumed to support healthy estrogen levels
- Ovulatory + luteal phase (days 15-28): Sesame and sunflower seeds are consumed to boost progesterone.
What if I don't get my period?
If your cycle is absent or irregular, you can use the moon as your guide. It has a powerful presence and has been well documented to influence the tides and even animal behavior (Zimecki, 2006).
Start flax and pumpkin seeds at the new moon (with ZEST for day 1 - 14) and switch to sesame and sunflower at the full moon (with ZEN for day 15 - 28). It’s a simple, nature-inspired way to stay on track. Once your period returns, you can realign the seed cycle to begin on day one of your bleed.
What does the research say?
PCOS is a very real and complex condition, and managing it is notoriously difficult. So, what does the research actually say about the new seed cycling trend?
While research is still emerging, recent case studies and trials are starting to paint a promising picture. One woman’s experience stood out: a 29 year old woman experiencing irregular periods, acne, hair thinning, weight gain and hormonal imbalances with her main concern being infertility.
She began seed cycling for six months, alongside maintaining a balanced diet and engaging in light physical activity. After six months, she reported more regular menstrual cycles, and with intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection, became pregnant. (Puja Dhamija et al., 2025).
Of course, one case study isn’t fully conclusive, but given that 70%-80% of women with anovulatory infertility have PCOS, stories like this, combined with growing research, are encouraging and important.
How seed cycling works in the body
The fundamental idea is that seed cycling supports the body in nudging key hormones and other systems back to balance. Research suggests it may help shift LH and FSH toward a healthier ratio, while also supporting improved insulin sensitivity and reduced inflammation (Rasheed et al., 2023). Each seed contributes differently, due to the unique nutrients and compounds it contains. Let’s take a closer look at each seed.
Flaxseed
Flaxseed is the star of the show here. It is one of the most studied seeds for PCOS and for good reason: Rich in essential fatty acids, phytoestrogenic lignans and fiber, flaxseed has earned its “superfood” status and has also been linked to supporting hormonal balance (Emamat et al., 2022).
Studies show that 30g of flaxseed a day for 12 weeks can improve weight, body measurements and metabolic health (Puja Dhamija et al., 2025, Haidari et al., 2020). Flaxseed has been shown to reduce insulin resistance, helping to lower blood sugar levels and potentially reducing the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. On top of that, it has been found to lower triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood linked to heart disease) and reduce inflammation, helping your heart and immune system.
When it comes to hormones, research suggests flaxseed may help restore balance. Studies show it can improve the LH/FSH ratio, mostly by reducing LH levels and, in some cases, increasing FSH (Zahra Najdgholami et al., 2025). This means fewer androgens (male hormones) that cause symptoms like acne and hirsutism (excess hair growth), while also supporting ovulation and fertility.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a nutrient powerhouse that may help regulate the menstrual cycle. They improve insulin sensitivity, cholesterol levels and have been suggested to reduce androgens. Some research also shows they have estrogen-like activity in women who have had their ovaries removed (Gossell-Williams et al., 2008).
Sesame seeds
Animal models of PCOS suggest that sesame seeds may support progesterone production. They are rich in lignans, plant compounds that can help keep estrogen levels balanced. In addition, sesame seeds contain magnesium, which has been linked to a reduction in mood-related PMS, and zinc, which is associated with improvements in overall PMS symptoms (Elshamy et al., 2023).
Sunflower seeds
Rich in fiber, folate and iron, sunflower seeds are a healthy addition to the diet. However, there’s limited research on their direct effects in PCOS.
Chasteberry
The ZEN capsule by Two Moons Health also contains chasteberry, an herb traditionally used for reproductive health.
Some research suggests that chasteberry may help manage certain symptoms of PCOS. In women with reproductive endocrine disorders such as PCOS, chasteberry may lower prolactin levels, which can help restore a healthier balance between LH and progesterone. This in turn may support menstrual regularity, luteal phase sufficiency, and more consistent ovulation (Arentz et al., 2014).
Chasteberry has been studied in the context of PCOS, but the overall evidence remains limited. It seems most relevant for women with irregular or absent periods, while its benefits are less clear when symptoms are mainly driven by high androgen levels. Because PCOS varies widely, it’s always best to consult a healthcare professional before starting chasteberry.
For women navigating PCOS, seed cycling offers a simple, natural way to support your body. Early research, along with feedback from our Two Moons community, points to improvements in hormonal acne, cycle regularity, and fertility, all of which are pain points commonly associated with PCOS.
If you're interested, explore our Seed Cycling How-to Guide and Instagram account to learn more.
Three small changes you can make in your everyday life to support PCOS alongside seed cycling
If you have PCOS, I'm sure you've heard this many times before, but the first-line management of PCOS remains lifestyle modification. A balanced diet that’s low in sugar and processed foods, combined with regular movement, can help support hormone regulation and overall wellbeing.
- Add low-intensity workouts to your week. Gentle forms of exercise such as yoga and Pilates are great additions (see this Two Moons article about yoga for hormonal balance)
- Support from extra nutrients (hello, seeds!). Also, some women with PCOS experience heavy bleeding, so adding iron rich foods such as spinach, kale and broccoli can help combat fatigue and increase your energy levels.
- Limit caffeine consumption. High caffeine intake has been linked to changes in estrogen levels. Being mindful with caffeine may aid in keeping hormone levels balanced. Swapping in matcha or herbal teas can offer a gentler lift.
While this blog discusses health topics, it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider regarding any question you might have regarding your health.
About the Author
Mina Allen-Singh is a current intern at Two Moons and a neuroscience graduate from the University of Sussex. She plans to pursue postgraduate study to deepen her expertise and build a career in healthcare focused on helping others. Passionate about women’s health and holistic approaches through her own experience with endometriosis, she is committed to advancing awareness and advocacy in this area. Outside of work, you can find her in the sea, on the tennis court, or travelling to new places.
References:
Clark, N.M., Podolski, A.J., Brooks, E.D., Chizen, D.R., Pierson, R.A., Lehotay, D.C. and Lujan, M.E. (2014). Prevalence of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Phenotypes Using Updated Criteria for Polycystic Ovarian Morphology. Reproductive Sciences, 21(8), pp.1034–1043. Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1177/1933719114522525
Amini, L., Najmeh Tehranian, Mansoureh Movahedin, Tehrani, F.R. and Saeedeh Ziaee (2015). Antioxidants and management of polycystic ovary syndrome in Iran: A systematic review of clinical trials. Iranian Journal of Reproductive Medicine, [online] 13(1), p.1. Available at: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4306978/
Reed, B.G. and Carr, B.R. (2018). The Normal Menstrual Cycle and the Control of Ovulation. [online] Nih.gov. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10815-022-02625-7
Siddiqui, S., Mateen, S., Ahmad, R. and Moin, S. (2022). A brief insight into the etiology, genetics, and immunology of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics, 39(11). Available at: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10815-022-02625-7
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Rasheed, N., Ahmed, A., Nosheen, F., Imran, A., Islam, F., Noreen, R., Chauhan, A., Shah, M.A. and Amer Ali, Y. (2023). Effectiveness of combined seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame, flaxseed): As adjacent therapy to treat polycystic ovary syndrome in females. Food Science & Nutrition, 11(6). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37324929/
Emamat, H., Najafpour Boushehri, S., Eslami, M.A., Saneei Totmaj, A. and Ghalandari, H. (2022). The effects of flaxseed or its oil supplementations on polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review of clinical trials. Phytotherapy Research, 37(3), pp.1082–1091. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36433633/
Puja Dhamija, More, A., Choudhary, N., Tejaswini Wadhe, Juhi Barai and Shah, D. (2025). Seed Cycling and Hormonal Balance: A Case Study of Successful Fertility Intervention in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Journal of Pharmacy And Bioallied Sciences. [online] Available at: https://doi.org/10.4103/jpbs.jpbs_164_25
Haidari, F., Banaei-Jahromi, N., Zakerkish, M. and Ahmadi, K. (2020). The effects of flaxseed supplementation on metabolic status in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a randomized open-labeled controlled clinical trial. Nutrition Journal, 19(1). Available at: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-020-0524-5
Zahra Najdgholami, Fatemeh Maleki Sedgi, Ghalishourani, S.S., Marzieh Feyzpour and Mehran Rahimlou (2025). Flaxseed intervention and reproductive endocrine profiles in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: an open-labeled randomized controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in Endocrinology, 16. Available at: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2025.1531762/full
Gossell-Williams, M., Lyttle, K., Clarke, T., Gardner, M. and Simon, O. (2008). Supplementation with pumpkin seed oil improves plasma lipid profile and cardiovascular outcomes of female non-ovariectomized and ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats. Phytotherapy Research, 22(7), pp.873–877. Available at: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.2381
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