What is seed cycling?

Seed Cycling is when you take one tablespoon of flax seeds and one tablespoon of pumpkin seeds a day in your follicular stage of your cycle, followed by one tablespoon of sunflower seeds and one tablespoon of sesame seeds in the luteal stage. The idea is that our hormones fluctuate throughout our cycle, and different seeds provide nutrients to support each phase.

When is my follicular phase?

The follicular phase starts on the first day of your period and lasts up to ovulation.

When is my luteal phase?

The luteal phase starts after ovulation and continues up to the day before your next period.

How do I start seed cycling?

Take one tablespoon each of pumpkin and flax seeds daily for 14 days from the first day of your period. Then switch to one tablespoon each of sunflower and sesame seeds daily until your next period starts.

I don’t have a period right now, what should I do?

You can begin seed cycling using the moon cycle: start the follicular mix on the new moon and switch to the luteal mix on the full moon.

I got my period mid-seed cycling — do I start again?

Many people start back at day one with pumpkin and flax seeds if their period comes early. Listen to your body, as research is limited in this area.

Can I start seed cycling at any point in my cycle?

Yes, you can start at any point. If you know your current cycle phase, begin there. Otherwise, some start with the next moon cycle or period.

Should I eat the seeds whole or ground?

Crushed or ground seeds are ideal — especially flax and sesame — for better absorption. If grinding at home, store them in the fridge and grind in small batches.

How does seed cycling help with period cramps and other symptoms?

While seed cycling isn’t well studied, many women report relief from cramps and hormone-related symptoms. Seeds are rich in nutrients that support hormone balance.

What if I have a long cycle?

You can still switch seed phases after 14 days or when you ovulate, whichever is better for your body. OV is working on flexible kits for different cycles.

What if I have a short cycle?

If your cycle is shorter than 28 days, switch to the luteal mix after 14 days or whenever you ovulate, depending on what feels best for your body.

Can I take more than one tablespoon per day?

Generally, 1–2 tablespoons is safe. These are natural foods, but balance and hydration are key. If you want a personalised plan, consult a nutritionist.

What if I miss a day or take less than a tablespoon?

That’s okay! Consistency helps, but missing a day won’t ruin progress. Just continue when you can and notice what difference it makes.

Why is the starter kit for 3 months?

The HPO axis (brain-hormone connection) can take a few cycles to rebalance. Many see benefits after the first month, but bigger improvements by month three.

Will seed cycling help with mood swings?

Many women report improved mood and fewer mood swings while seed cycling. While evidence is anecdotal, the vitamins in seeds may contribute to this benefit.

Helping you start Seed Cycling today

Our customers have reduced cramps, mood swings, and more with OV’s Seed Cycling Kits

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Our Customers Are Experiencing Real Results

Laura finds seed cycling with OV easy to incorporate into her diet by adding them to her breakfast

Laura experienced pains before and during her period but they reduced dramatically with seed cycling

This image is a review of OV Seed cycling starter kits. Helen noticed her mood swings be half of what they were and now feels less emotional coming up to her period

This image is a review of OV Seed cycling starter kits.. Anna noticed her period cramps almost go after trying seed cycling

Lorna noticed her moods were not half as bad after trying seed cycling

This image is a review of OV Seed cycling starter kits. Inaas noticed some positive changes in her body almost instantly after trying OV.

Martina noticed her cramps reduce after trying seed cycling for 3 months with OV

This image is a review of OV Seed cycling starter kits. Kimberley found the customer service to be great throughout trying Seed Cycling with OV

This image is a review of OV Seed cycling starter kits. Phoebe wanted to take control of her natural cycle after coming off the pill

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What’s the science?

There may not be enough science on women’s health problems, but there is supporting evidence that the high nutritional value of seeds can help to balance our hormones.

Here are some of the reason’s why:

Flax seeds. Omega 3 - Enhances the regularity of your menstrual cycle, giving you more control back Lignans - Regulate oestrogen levels, promoting balance essential for a healthy cycle

Sesame seeds - Omega 3 - Support progesterone secretion, crucial for the luteal phase Lignans - Help block excess oestrogen for a harmonious cycle Vitamin E - Known to improve PMS like breast tenderness, mood swings and bloating

Pumpkin seeds - Zinc - Known to promote progesterone production which we see a rise of in our luteal phase, helping maintain hormonal stability Phytoestrogens - Can help to alleviate hot flashes and night sweats

Vitamin E - Known to improve PMS symptoms giving you a more enjoyable cycle Selenium - Supports oestrogen detoxification in the liver which helps bind excess oestrogen, facilitating optimal hormone balance

Find more studies here —>

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Welcome to our mission

The founder of OV sitting outdoors at an ornate metal table with two Seed Cycling Starter Kit bags labeled 'Follicular Phase' and 'Luteal Phase,' a cup of coffee, and a plate of baked goods on the table. There are trees and a fence in the background.

Claire Hopper

Founder, OV Cycle

OV was founded by Claire Hopper who suffered with cramps, breast pain, mood swings, skin breakouts, and irregular periods.

She went looking for answers and came across the concept of seed cycling.

After three months she saw incredible effects. PMS was down, follicular phase was even more fun, skin was looking fabulous and consistently so, and breast pain gone….gone!

After wanting to find out more she looked into the research. There was more than expected about the nutritional benefits seeds can have on our menstrual cycle. So it became her mission to share this along with empowering women to learn the powers of the menstrual cycle.

OV is on a mission to see what other natural ways we can have a better cycle. As we learn more we want to share it with you and see where we can take this!

Claire is occasionally invited as a guest speaker for educating others on the power of menstrual cycle knowledge at home, and in the workplace.

Speaking Engagements