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

Completed · Not applicable

Conditions studied: Menstruation Disorders, Menstrual Cramps, Menstruation

In brief

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of seed cycling on menstrual regularity, cramps, and pre-menstrual symptoms in women with an irregular menstrual cycle and/or dysmenorrhea. The research seeks to provide evidence-based insights into the potential benefits of seed cycling as a holistic approach to women's reproductive health. It is expected that your participation will last 3 months. Procedures and Activities. You will be provided with and asked to consume specific seeds daily. The seeds are to be consumed as follows: follicular phase (the period from the first day of menstruation (day 1) to ovulation (day 14) in a typical 28-day cycle): 1 tablespoon flax seeds and 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, and luteal phase (the period between ovulation and the start of the next period; typically days 15-28): 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Before the intervention and once monthly for a total of 3 cycles, you will be asked to complete an online menstrual health symptom questionnaire (MHSQ) and keep track of your menstrual cycle days on the built-in health tracking app on your electronic device. Risks. Some of the foreseeable risks or discomforts of your participation include the potential for mild gastrointestinal side effects, the potential for allergic reactions, and the possibility of no significant benefit. Benefits. Possible benefits include the potential for improved menstrual cycle regularity, the potential for a reduction in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and the potential for nutritional benefits. Societal benefits include additional knowledge on seed cycling to help manage menstrual regularity and PMS symptoms.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07052500

Run by

Loma Linda University

People needed

20

Starts

2025-11-04

Expected to finish

2026-05-07

Last updated by the study team

2026-06-23

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 45. Sex: female. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Women ages 18-45 with an irregular menstrual cycle and/or menstrual cramps, and/or pre-menstrual symptoms. "Irregular"is defined as 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
• Speak and understandEnglish

You may not qualify if…

• 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
• Unable to 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

Where it is running

• School of Allied Health Professions — Loma Linda, California, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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