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ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025

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Seed Cycling and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): An

Integrative Nutrition Perspective

Sejal Shivale

Surya Mother and Child Care Superspeciality Hospital Pune, India

DOI: https://doi.org/10.51584/IJRIAS.2025.100900078

Received: 09 Oct 2025; Accepted: 17 Oct 2025; Published: 22 October 2025

ABSTRACT

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common endocrinopathies in women of reproductive

age, characterized by menstrual irregularities, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and metabolic

dysfunction. Despite pharmacological interventions being widely available, many women seek alternative or

complementary therapies to manage symptoms naturally. Seed cycling, an emerging dietary trend, involves

consuming specific seeds—flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower—during different phases of the menstrual

cycle to support hormonal balance. This review aims to explore the scientific rationale, bioactive composition,

physiological mechanisms, and clinical evidence of seed cycling in PCOS management. Emphasis is placed on

understanding how seed bioactives influence estrogen–progesterone balance, insulin sensitivity, oxidative

stress, and reproductive function. The review concludes that although individual seeds exhibit promising

biochemical and clinical benefits, evidence directly supporting the cyclical approach remains limited. More

randomized controlled trials are warranted to validate seed cycling as an evidence-based dietary intervention

for PCOS.

Keywords: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), seed cycling, flaxseed, pumpkin seed, sesame seed,

sunflower seed, phytoestrogens, hormonal balance, insulin resistance, reproductive health, functional foods,

anti-inflammatory diet, antioxidants, menstrual regulation, integrative nutrition.

INTRODUCTION

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) affects approximately 6–20% of women of reproductive age, making it a

significant public health concern (Lizneva et al., 2016). It manifests through clinical and biochemical

hyperandrogenism, chronic anovulation, and polycystic ovarian morphology. Beyond reproductive

dysfunction, PCOS is strongly associated with metabolic comorbidities, including obesity, insulin resistance,

dyslipidemia, and an increased risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (Teede et al., 2018).

Conventional management strategies for PCOS include pharmacological treatments such as oral

contraceptives, metformin, and anti-androgenic agents. However, these often target symptoms rather than the

underlying metabolic and hormonal imbalance, and may be associated with side effects or poor adherence

(Dumesic et al., 2015). Therefore, nutrition-based and lifestyle modifications have gained considerable

attention for long-term management.

Seed cycling has emerged as a holistic and food-based approach for hormonal balance. It involves consuming

flax and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase (Day 1–14) to support estrogen production, and sesame and

sunflower seeds during the luteal phase (Day 15–28) to enhance progesterone synthesis (Zafar, 2024). The

rationale behind this pattern lies in the phytoestrogenic and anti-inflammatory properties of the seeds, which

are rich in lignans, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals that may aid hormonal regulation (Nagarajan et

al., 2025).

While clinical evidence is still emerging, research on individual seeds supports their beneficial role in

improving insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, ovulation, and menstrual regularity (Haidari et al., 2020; Kavyani et

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND INNOVATION IN APPLIED SCIENCE (IJRIAS)

ISSN No. 2454-6194 | DOI: 10.51584/IJRIAS |Volume X Issue IX September 2025

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al., 2023). This review aims to critically evaluate the biochemical composition, mechanisms, and potential role

of seed cycling in PCOS management.

Pathophysiology of PCOS

PCOS is a multifactorial disorder with genetic, metabolic, and environmental determinants. Central to its

pathophysiology are hyperinsulinemia and hyperandrogenism. Elevated insulin levels enhance androgen

synthesis by ovarian theca cells and reduce sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), increasing free

testosterone levels (Goodarzi et al., 2011). Additionally, chronic low-grade inflammation and oxidative stress

exacerbate hormonal imbalance and follicular dysfunction.

Hormonal fluctuations during a normal menstrual cycle involve rising estrogen levels in the follicular phase

followed by a progesterone surge in the luteal phase. In PCOS, this cyclical balance is disrupted due to

anovulation or irregular ovulation (Teede et al., 2018). Nutritional interventions that can modulate estrogen

and progesterone synthesis, reduce oxidative stress, and improve insulin sensitivity may therefore offer

therapeutic value—forming the theoretical basis of seed cycling.

Concept and Practice of Seed Cycling

Seed cycling involves consuming two types of seeds during each menstrual phase:

 Follicular phase (Day 1–14): 1 tablespoon each of ground flax and pumpkin seeds daily.

 Luteal phase (Day 15–28): 1 tablespoon each of ground sesame and sunflower seeds daily.

The practice is rooted in the idea that specific seed nutrients support hormone production appropriate to each

cycle phase. Flaxseed lignans may help maintain optimal estrogen metabolism during the follicular phase,

while zinc and magnesium in pumpkin seeds support follicle growth. During the luteal phase, vitamin E and

selenium in sunflower seeds and lignans in sesame seeds are believed to promote progesterone synthesis

(Nagarajan et al., 2025).

Though primarily used in integrative and functional nutrition, seed cycling has attracted increasing attention

from researchers for its biochemical plausibility.

Nutritional and Phytochemical Composition of Seeds

Flaxseed (Linum usitatissimum)

Flaxseed is rich in lignans, specifically secoisolariciresinol diglucoside (SDG), which is converted into

enterolactone and enterodiol—compounds with phytoestrogenic activity. It also contains alpha-linolenic acid

(ALA), dietary fiber, and minerals such as magnesium and manganese (Pan et al., 2007).

Lignans can modulate estrogen receptor activity and improve estrogen metabolism, potentially helping to

balance estrogen levels in PCOS (Haidari et al., 2020). Flaxseed also lowers serum cholesterol, triglycerides,

and inflammatory markers (Kavyani et al., 2023).

Clinical research indicates that flaxseed supplementation can improve fasting glucose, insulin sensitivity, and

lipid profile in women with PCOS (Haidari et al., 2020). Additionally, the fiber content aids satiety and weight

control, which are crucial in PCOS management.

Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita pepo)

Pumpkin seeds provide zinc, magnesium, iron, and omega-6 fatty acids. Zinc is essential for ovarian follicle

development, ovulation, and regulation of androgen metabolism (Sarma et al., 2022). Magnesium supports

glucose utilization and insulin action.

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Pumpkin seed oil exhibits anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, reducing oxidative stress and

improving lipid metabolism (Rasheed et al., 2023). Although direct studies on PCOS are scarce, pumpkin

seeds may enhance hormonal regulation indirectly by improving nutrient status and reducing oxidative stress.

Sesame Seed (Sesamum indicum)

Sesame seeds contain lignans (sesamin, sesamolin) and vitamin E, which possess potent antioxidant and

phytoestrogenic activity. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that sesame seed extracts can reduce

testosterone levels and improve ovarian morphology in PCOS-induced animal models (Khosrowpour et al.,

2024).

Sesamin influences hepatic lipid metabolism and estrogen receptor modulation, suggesting potential benefits

for PCOS-related dyslipidemia and hormonal imbalance (Nattagh-Eshtivani et al., 2025).

Sunflower Seed (Helianthus annuus)

Sunflower seeds are rich in vitamin E, selenium, and linoleic acid. Vitamin E supports luteal function and

progesterone secretion, while selenium acts as a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes that protect ovarian tissue

from oxidative damage (Gharani et al., 2023).

Consuming sunflower seeds during the luteal phase may enhance corpus luteum stability and progesterone

synthesis, thereby improving luteal insufficiency often seen in PCOS (Nagarajan et al., 2025).

Mechanisms of Action of Seed Cycling in PCOS

Hormonal Regulation

Flaxseed and sesame lignans are phytoestrogens that can either mimic or modulate endogenous estrogen

activity by binding to estrogen receptors. This helps maintain balanced estrogen levels during the follicular

phase and supports progesterone production during the luteal phase (Pan et al., 2007).

The zinc and magnesium in pumpkin and sesame seeds are co-factors for enzymes involved in steroid hormone

synthesis, influencing follicle development and ovulation (Sarma et al., 2022).

Insulin Sensitivity

PCOS is characterized by impaired insulin signaling, which increases androgen production. The ALA and

fiber in flaxseed improve insulin sensitivity and reduce hyperinsulinemia (Haidari et al., 2020). Improved

glycemic control indirectly normalizes menstrual cycles and reduces androgen excess.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects

Seeds are rich in antioxidants such as vitamin E, selenium, and polyphenols, which help reduce oxidative

stress—a known contributor to PCOS-related ovarian dysfunction (Khosrowpour et al., 2024). Antioxidant

defense also improves mitochondrial health and steroidogenesis within ovarian cells.

Lipid Metabolism

Regular seed intake positively influences lipid profiles. Flaxseed supplementation lowers LDL and total

cholesterol while increasing HDL levels (Kavyani et al., 2023). Such changes reduce cardiovascular risk

associated with PCOS.

Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Emerging research highlights the gut–ovary axis in PCOS. Flaxseed lignans and fibers enhance beneficial gut

bacteria that influence estrogen metabolism and systemic inflammation (Zafar, 2024). Thus, seed cycling may

indirectly support hormonal regulation through gut microbiota modulation.

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Clinical Evidence

Although specific studies on seed cycling are scarce, several trials on individual seeds have reported beneficial

effects:

 Haidari et al. (2020) demonstrated that flaxseed supplementation (30 g/day for 12 weeks) significantly

improved fasting glucose, lipid profile, and insulin sensitivity in women with PCOS.

 Kavyani et al. (2023) confirmed through a meta-analysis that flaxseed positively affects glycemic and

lipid parameters.

 Khosrowpour et al. (2024) found that sesame seed extract reduced serum testosterone and improved

ovarian morphology in PCOS rat models.

 Rasheed et al. (2023) observed that a combined seed protocol improved ovulation frequency and

menstrual regularity.

 Nagarajan et al. (2025) reviewed 10 studies and concluded that while seeds individually support

reproductive health, direct evidence for the cyclical method remains anecdotal.

Limitations and Future Perspectives

Despite the promising biochemical basis, current evidence for seed cycling in PCOS is limited by several

factors:

 Lack of standardized dosage and duration of seed use.

 Small sample sizes and short study durations.

 Absence of placebo-controlled clinical trials specifically on the rotation protocol.

 Potential confounders such as concurrent lifestyle interventions.

Future research should focus on randomized controlled trials evaluating seed cycling’s effects on ovulation

rate, hormone levels (LH/FSH ratio, progesterone, testosterone), insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), and oxidative

stress markers (Nattagh-Eshtivani et al., 2025). Multi-omics studies could also explore how seed bioactives

interact with the gut microbiota and gene expression involved in steroidogenesis.

PRACTICAL DIETARY RECOMMENDATIONS

For clinical and practical application, seed cycling can be introduced as part of a balanced diet emphasizing

whole, minimally processed foods. Suggested guidelines include:

 Follicular Phase (Day 1–14): 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 1 tablespoon ground pumpkin seed

daily.

 Luteal Phase (Day 15–28): 1 tablespoon ground sesame seed + 1 tablespoon ground sunflower seed

daily.

Seeds should be freshly ground for better nutrient bioavailability and can be added to smoothies, oatmeal, or

salads.

Cautions include avoiding excessive intake in individuals with thyroid disorders (due to lignan-goitrogen

interactions) or nut/seed allergies (Gharani et al., 2023). Seed cycling should be used as an adjunct to medical

and lifestyle management, not as a replacement for pharmacological therapy.

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(Gharani et al., 2023).

CONCLUSION

Seed cycling offers a novel, food-based approach for managing hormonal and metabolic dysfunctions in

PCOS. The nutrients in flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds collectively contribute to estrogen–

progesterone balance, improved insulin sensitivity, and reduced oxidative stress.

However, while the individual effects of these seeds are scientifically supported, the phase-specific rotation

principlelacks direct empirical validation. Thus, seed cycling should be viewed as a complementary strategy

integrated into a broader lifestyle plan emphasizing balanced nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

Further well-designed randomized controlled trials are essential to establish standardized protocols and

confirm the clinical effectiveness of seed cycling in PCOS.

REFERENCES

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3. Goodarzi, M. O., Dumesic, D. A., Chazenbalk, G., & Azziz, R. (2011). Polycystic ovary syndrome:

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