Seed cycling has become a popular topic in women’s wellness, especially among people looking for natural ways to support hormone health, PCOS management, and fertility.

This concept is simple: using different seeds, such as flax, pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame, during the luteal and follicular phases of the cycle.

The scientific evidence for their proven results is still limited, but they are good sources of nutrients, such as omega-3s, fiber, zinc, selenium, and plant compounds that support overall well-being. Many women also pair seed cycling with premium-quality supplements like ACTIVIT, which provides essential daily nutrients to support overall wellness. 

But how do you actually use seed cycling? Let’s discuss in detail!

What is Seed Cycling?

Seed cycling is a natural approach in which you eat specific seeds during each phase of your menstrual cycle to support hormone balance.

  • Follicular Phase (Day 1–14): Flax seeds + Pumpkin seeds

This is the first phase of the cycle that continues from the first day of your period to the fourteenth day of your cycle. During this phase, the hormones follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and estrogen are released, initiating egg development. 

Thus, you take flax and pumpkin seeds for the first two weeks of your cycle as they regulate hormones that support ovulation.


  • Luteal Phase (15–28): Sunflower seeds + Sesame seeds

The second or luteal phase of your cycle starts around day 15 and lasts until your next period begins. Progesterone is the major hormone during this phase, which helps support implantation. Consuming sunflower and sesame seeds is thought to regulate progesterone production and manage excess estrogen levels.

Seed Cycling Chart for Fertility

Seed cycling chart involves taking seeds in the following manner:

Cycle Days Seeds Purpose
Day 1 – 14 Flax seeds and pumpkin seeds Supporting estrogen levels and ovulation
Day 15 – 28 Sesame seeds and sunflower seeds Supporting progesterone


If you have an irregular period, follow the moon cycle:

  • New moon – start taking flax and pumpkin seeds

  • Full moon – start taking sesame and sunflower seeds

Naturally, you may ask: How much to take daily? Just take one tablespoon of each of the two seeds for your current phase daily – not all four at the same time.

Does Seed Cycling Actually Work? 

Yes, here’s why. Though there is limited research evidence, many women notice improvements within a few cycles because these seeds support:

  • Hormone balance

  • Ovulation

  • Regular cycles

  • PMS reduction

  • Better fertility markers

  • Less bloating

Pumpkin Seeds Benefits

So, what is the name of pumpkin seeds in Urdu? Pumpkin seeds are also known as “Tukhme Kaddu” in Urdu.

Pumpkin Seeds Nutrition 

Pumpkin seeds are an important part of seed cycling as they are rich in protein, fiber, carbohydrates, and healthy fats. They also provide vitamins and minerals, such as:

Thus, pumpkin seeds' nutrition makes them a perfect everyday snack. They are very good for women with PCOS, irregular cycles, and low progesterone levels. Additionally, pumpkin seeds benefit your overall health by supporting ovarian function, irregular periods, and estrogen balance.

How to take pumpkin seeds? You can enjoy them raw, roasted, or mixed into salads and smoothies.

Flax Seeds Benefits for Females

What is the name of flax seeds in Urdu? Flax seeds are called “Tukhme Alsi” in Urdu. 

Rich in nutrients, flax seeds are a good snack during the follicular phase of your cycle. What do flax seeds do? They contain lignans, which help balance estrogen naturally. Thus, flax seeds are good for women struggling with low estrogen levels.

Flax Seeds Nutrition 

Flax seeds benefit women with their nutrients and support their overall wellness. For example, they contain:

  • Magnesium

  • Phosphorus

  • Potassium

  • Iron

  • Manganese

  • Folate

And others like fats, protein, and fiber.

The flax seeds benefit women by balancing estrogen levels, reducing cyst formation in PCOS, improving cervical mucus for fertility, and reducing bloating.

How to eat flax seeds? Consuming flax seeds is simple; you can add ground flax seeds to yogurt, roti dough, smoothies, warm milk, or sprinkle them on your breakfast.

Sunflower Seeds Benefits

Sunflower seeds are also known as “Tukhme Sooraj Mukhi” in Urdu. These seeds are perfect for the luteal phase when your body needs extra support to increase progesterone levels.

Sunflower Seeds Nutrition

Sunflower seeds benefit women during the luteal phase as they are rich in nutrients, such as:

  • Vitamin E

  • B vitamins (B1, B2, B3, and B6)

  • Folate (B9)

  • Magnesium

  • Selenium

  • Copper

  • Phosphorus

  • Potassium

Sunflower seeds benefit women by supporting progesterone production, reducing PMS mood swings, and promoting healthy periods.

Sesame Seeds Benefits

What are sesame seeds? These are tiny and oil-rich seeds grown on the “Sesamum indicum” plant. These are a rich source of healthy fats, protein, fiber, minerals, antioxidants, and other plant compounds.  

Sesame Seeds Nutrition

Sesame seeds are rich in vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients, like:

  • Fiber

  • Iron

  • Potassium

  • Magnesium

  • Calcium

  • Zinc

With these nutrients, sesame seeds benefit women’s overall health in the following ways. 

Sesame Seeds Benefits 

Sesame seeds' benefits for women include: 

Seed Cycling for PCOS

Women with PCOS often experience irregular periods, high androgens, insulin resistance, and estrogen-progesterone imbalance.

Whereas, seed cycling may promote healthy ovulation, regular cycles, estrogen, and progesterone levels.

However, seed cycling is not a magic; it’s just a natural support that works beautifully alongside a healthy lifestyle.  

Seed Cycling for Fertility

Seed cycling may enhance fertility by supporting healthy ovulation, period regularity, hormone balance, egg development, and luteal phase strength.

How ACTIVIT Complements Seed Cycling?

While seed cycling supports hormonal balance through food, the best multivitamin, like ACTIVIT, provides essential nutrients such as zinc, magnesium, iron, B vitamins, and antioxidants — all important for women with PCOS, PMS, or fertility goals. 

 

Final Thoughts

Yes—seed cycling is a simple, natural, and low-cost way to support hormone balance. Many women see improvements in PCOS symptoms, PMS, and cycle regularity, and even fertility. While scientific research on seed cycling itself is limited, the nutrients in these seeds are well-known for supporting hormonal and reproductive health. And the best part? These seeds are already found in most Pakistani kitchens.  

Frequently Asked Questions About Seed Cycling

  1. What are the 4 seeds in seed cycling?

The four seeds that you used during your cycle are:

  • Flax seeds

  • Sunflower seeds

  • Pumpkin seeds

  • Sesame seeds

  1. How should I start seed cycling?

Take 1 tablespoon of each of the seeds daily, according to your cycle phases:

  • Consume 1 tablespoon of each flax and pumpkin seeds from day 1 to 14

  • Eat 1 tablespoon of each sunflower and sesame seeds from day 15 to 20

You can add them to your smoothies, porridge, milk, yogurt, parathas, or salads.

  1. When is the best time to eat seed cycling?

There is no time restriction; you can take them at any time of the day, morning, or evening. 

  1. Are there any side effects of seed cycling?

Seed cycling is generally very safe. Most people don’t experience any side effects, but some may notice mild bloating, gas, or digestive discomfort in the beginning. Eating seeds ground, staying hydrated, or soaking them in yogurt, milk, or water can help prevent these reactions. 

  1. Will seed cycling help you get pregnant? 

Seed cycling is not a magic, but it may support fertility by helping regulate periods, balance estrogen and progesterone, and support ovulation—all important for conceiving. That’s why many women use it along with a healthy lifestyle to improve their chances of getting pregnant naturally.



References:

  1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/11-benefits-of-pumpkin-seeds#antioxidants 

  2. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/263405#nutrition 

  3. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sunflower-seeds

  4. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/sesame-seeds

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