Below please find a collection of some promising studies and current thinking based on some science supporting the possible benefits of our product. This is intended to provide context for our claims and is not intended as a comprehensive explanation of relevant scientific studies or the possible benefits of our product.
Managing premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and hormonal imbalances can be challenging, but natural approaches like seed cycling and chasteberry supplementation offer promising benefits for women seeking alternative solutions.
Understanding the Menstrual Cycle: The menstrual cycle is divided into two main phases: the follicular phase and the luteal phase.
Follicular Phase: The follicular phase begins on the first day of menstruation and lasts until ovulation. During this phase, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulates the growth of follicles in the ovaries, preparing an egg for release.
Luteal Phase: The luteal phase begins after ovulation and lasts until the start of menstruation. During this phase, the corpus luteum produces progesterone, which prepares the uterine lining for possible implantation of a fertilized egg.
Seed Cycling involves consuming specific seeds during the follicular and luteal phases to promote hormone balance.
Follicular Phase Seeds: Flaxseeds Seeds are rich in lignans, which have phytoestrogenic properties that can support balanced estrogen levels during the follicular phase. They also contain a significant amount of magnesium, Vitamin B1 and omega-3 fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc, selenium, tryptophan, and can support the body to prepare for ovulation.
Luteal Phase Seeds: Sesame Seeds are rich in lignans and omega-3 fatty acids, which can support hormones during the luteal phase, and contain magnesium, zinc and Vitamin B1. Sunflower seeds are high in vitamin E, magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6 and contain omega-6 fatty acids which can help support relief from PMS symptoms like breast pain and mood swings.
Our customers may find some relief with the following symptoms:
Benefits of Seed Cycling for PMS Symptoms
Mood changes and PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a more severe form of PMS that affects a smaller percentage of women. Some research may suggest that approximately 3-8% of women of reproductive age meet the criteria for PMDD. PMDD symptoms are more severe than those of PMS and can include significant mood disturbances, such as severe depression, anxiety, irritability, and mood swings, which can significantly interfere with daily functioning. It's important to note that these estimates can vary depending on the population studied and the criteria used to diagnose PMS and PMDD. Additionally, many women may not seek medical help for their symptoms or may not be formally diagnosed, so the true prevalence of these conditions may be higher than reported. Nutrients in seeds have been suggested to have a positive impact on mood1-4.
Headache and Breast Pain: The phytoestrogens in flaxseeds are thought to help regulate estrogen levels, which may reduce the frequency and severity of headaches and breast pain5,6 associated with PMS. In addition, magnesium is known to reduce headaches and migraines, also associated with PMS7-9.
Insomnia: The magnesium10 in all seeds and tryptophan found in pumpkin seeds are known to promote relaxation and are believed to promote sleep quality, reducing insomnia symptoms.
Constipation and Bloating: The fiber content in flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds is thought to support regular bowel movements and reduce constipation and bloating.
Water Retention: The potassium and magnesium in sesame seeds and sunflower seeds are believed to regulate fluid balance in the body, reducing water retention.
Acne: The anti-inflammatory properties of omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds can help reduce acne flare-ups associated with hormonal imbalances.
The Benefits of Chasteberry for PMS Symptoms
Chasteberry, also known as Vitex agnus-castus, is a popular herbal remedy that has been traditionally used to help soothe symptoms of PMS. Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of chasteberry in managing PMS symptoms, and the results suggest that it may offer several benefits for women experiencing menstrual-related discomfort 11-15. Possible hormonal balancing can help regulate the menstrual cycle and occasionally alleviate symptoms such as breast tenderness, mood swings, irritability, and headaches commonly associated with PMS. Additionally, chasteberry has been found to have analgesic properties, which can help reduce pelvic discomfort, abdominal cramping, and other physical symptoms of PMS. Some studies also suggest that chasteberry occasionally may improve mood and reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Conclusion
Seed cycling and chasteberry supplementation may offer occasional relief from some symptoms of the menstrual cycle. By incorporating flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds into your diet during the appropriate phases of your menstrual cycle and adding chasteberry, certain individuals may find that use over extended periods of time may support hormone balance and may reduce symptoms of headache, breast pain, mood swings, PMDD, insomnia and constipation.
As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new dietary regimen or treatment plan to ensure its safety and efficacy for individual needs.
- Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes
- Effect of zinc sulfate supplementation on premenstrual syndrome and health-related quality of life: Clinical randomized controlled trial
- Effects of a Cereal Bar with a Combination of Phytoestrogens on the Climacteric Symptoms: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Trial
- Urinary phytoestrogens and depression in perimenopausal US women
- Effects of Vitex agnus and Flaxseed on cyclic mastalgia: A randomized controlled trial
- The comparison of the effect of flaxseed oil and vitamin E on mastalgia and nodularity of breast fibrocystic: a randomized double-blind clinical trial
- Premenstrual syndrome and migraine
- Pilot Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a Modified-Release Magnesium 250mg Tablet (Sincromag) for the Treatment of Premenstrual Symdrome
- Magnesium Prophylaxis of Menstrual Migraine: Effects on Intracellular Magnesium
- Association of magnesium intake with sleep duration and sleep quality: findings from the CARDIA study
- Use of Vitex agnus-castus in patients with menstrual cycle disorders: a single-center retrospective longitudinal cohort study
- Efficacy and Tolerability Evaluation of a Nutraceutical Composition Containing Vitex agnus-castus Extract (EVX40™), Pyridoxine, and Magnesium in Premenstrual Syndrome: A Real-World, Interventional, Comparative Study
- Vitex agnus-castus in premenstrual syndrome: A meta-analysis of double-blind randomised controlled trials
- Systematic Review of Premenstrual, Postmenstrual and Infertility Disorders of Vitex Agnus Castus
- Chasteberry
