Impact of Seed Cycling on Menstrual Regularity, Dysmenorrhea, and Premenstrual Symptoms

Launched by LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY · Jun 26, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether a natural approach called seed cycling can help women who have irregular periods, painful menstrual cramps, or uncomfortable premenstrual symptoms (like mood changes or bloating). Seed cycling involves eating specific types of seeds at different times during your menstrual cycle. For the first half of your cycle, you would eat flax and pumpkin seeds daily, and for the second half, sunflower and sesame seeds. The goal is to see if this routine can help make periods more regular and reduce symptoms.

Women between 18 and 45 years old who have irregular menstrual cycles (meaning their periods come sooner or later than the usual 21 to 35 days) or experience cramps or premenstrual symptoms may be able to join. Participants should not be using hormonal birth control or hormone therapy, not pregnant or planning pregnancy soon, and should not have allergies to the seeds used. If you join, you’ll follow the seed eating plan for 3 months and regularly complete simple online questionnaires about your menstrual health. You’ll also track your cycle using a phone or tablet app. While some people might experience minor stomach discomfort or allergic reactions, others could see improvements in their menstrual regularity and symptoms. This study aims to provide helpful information about seed cycling as a natural way to support women’s reproductive health.

Gender

FEMALE

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Women ages 18-45 with an irregular menstrual cycle and/or menstrual cramps, and/or pre-menstrual symptoms "Irregular": a cycle that deviates from the typical pattern of 21 to 35 days between periods Access to an electronic device with a built-in health tracking app that can connect to the internet and is capable of reading QR codes Language: English
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Current or recent use (within the last 3 months) of hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy Currently pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy between now and December 2025 Active gastrointestinal (GI) condition Currently consuming seed oil supplements Allergic to flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds Cannot chew or swallow flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds Daily, regular consumption of flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds