Food as Medicine for Menopause: The Practice of Seed Cycling for Hormonal Balance

In today’s world, menopause is often portrayed as a struggle — marked by hot flushes, weight gain and unpredictable mood swings. This narrative can create fear and dread about what is, in reality, a natural and powerful transition. But what if we reframed menopause? What if, instead of seeing it as an ending, we recognised it as a new beginning — of wisdom, strength, and self-discovery?

Menopause: A Celebrated Rite of Passage

Throughout history, menopause has been recognised as a sacred life transition — a second puberty that marks a shift into a new and powerful phase. In many cultures, menopausal women embody the archetype of the wise elder, revered for their knowledge, leadership and insight.

Far from being seen as a decline, menopause has traditionally been a time when women step into their fullest potential, free from societal pressures and expectations. This phase invites us to reclaim our energy, prioritise self-care and nurture our bodies in a way that supports this new chapter.

Harnessing the Power of Seed Cycling for Menopause & Perimenopause

One of the most effective ways women can balance their hormones naturally during perimenopause and menopause is through seed cycling. This simple, food-based practice supports the body’s natural rhythms by providing essential nutrients for hormone production and detoxification.

How to Seed Cycle for Menopause & Perimenopause

Even though menstrual cycles become irregular or stop altogether during menopause, women can still align their nutrition with the body's natural rhythms — following the moon cycle as a guide.

Phase 1: New Moon to Full Moon (Days 1-14)

Eat: 1 tablespoon each of ground, certified organic flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds

  • Flaxseeds provide phytoestrogens to support estrogen balance

  • Pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc, which helps with progesterone production and overall hormone support

Phase 2: Full Moon to New Moon (Days 15-28)

Eat: 1 tablespoon each of ground, certified organic sesame seeds and sunflower seeds

  • Sesame seeds contain lignans that help with progesterone balance and liver detoxification

  • Sunflower seeds provide vitamin E, which supports adrenal health and reduces inflammation

By cycling these seeds, we can gently support hormonal fluctuations, ease symptoms like mood swings and fatigue and enhance overall well-being.

Food as Medicine: Nourishing Yourself in Menopause

Beyond seed cycling, the way we nourish ourselves during menopause can make a profound difference in how we experience this transition. Here are key nutrients that support hormonal balance, brain health and overall vitality:

·       Healthy Fats – avocados, olive oil, and walnuts for hormone production and brain support

·       Magnesium – leafy greens, dark chocolate, and almonds for relaxation and sleep

·       Fiber – flaxseeds, vegetables, and legumes to support gut health and estrogen detoxification

·        Vitamin B6 – chickpeas, bananas, and salmon for mood balance and progesterone support

·       Phytoestrogens – flaxseeds, lentils, and organic soy to naturally support estrogen levels

Experts Who Recommend Seed Cycling

Many functional medicine and hormone health experts recognise the power of seed cycling for supporting women’s health at all life stages:

·       Alisa Vitti – Founder of the Cycle Syncing Method, advocates seed cycling for hormone balance

·       Dr. Jolene Brighton – Naturopathic doctor specialising in hormone health, supports food-based approaches like seed cycling

·       Dr. Mindy Pelz – Expert in fasting and women’s health, recommends seed cycling alongside fasting for optimal hormone function

·       Lara Briden – Period and menopause expert, highlights natural methods like seed cycling for easing the transition

Reframing Menopause: A Call to Celebration

Rather than viewing menopause as a loss, I invite you to see it as an opportunity — a time to step into your wisdom, confidence, and full expression of self. This transition is not something to be feared, but rather, a rite of passage — a time to reflect, realign, and embrace the power of this phase. Let’s reclaim the narrative around menopause, moving away from stigma and into celebration. By nourishing our bodies, aligning with natural rhythms, and embracing food as medicine, we can step into this stage with strength, resilience, and vitality.

Are you ready to embrace this transition with empowerment and ease? Start with seed cycling, and let your body show you the power of natural healing.

About Melissa Kovacevic – Founder The Seed Cycle, Australia’s First Seed Cycling Solution

Melissa Kovacevic is an advocate for women’s health, combining functional nutrition and EFT to help women naturally restore vitality. Her holistic approach merges modern science with traditional wisdom, empowering women to achieve balance and resilience.

Passionate about community and connection, Melissa creates accessible resources to support women’s wellness. As a best-selling author of Seeds of Sisterhood, she shares insights that inspire women to make empowered health choices.

The Seed Cycle Story

When I first discovered seed cycling, I was working with clients in my wellness clinic as a Functional Nutrition and Emotional Freedom Techniques EFT practitioner. Many of the women I supported were struggling with hormonal imbalances—irregular cycles, acne, mood swings, weight gain, and fertility challenges. They were looking for a natural approach, something that would support their bodies rather than suppress symptoms with synthetic hormones like the Pill.

As I dived into research, I came across seed cycling—an ancient yet powerful practice that works with the body’s natural rhythms to support hormone balance. I started creating custom seed cycling blends for my clients, making it easy for them to incorporate this practice into their daily routines. The results were incredible. Women who had spent years trying to regulate their cycles suddenly found relief. One client, who had been struggling to conceive for over a year, became pregnant within weeks. Others saw their skin clear up, their energy return, and their PMS and menopause symptoms ease.

The only challenge? Sticking to it. Between busy schedules and daily demands, many of my clients found it hard to keep up with their seed cycling routine. They would forget to buy the seeds, run out, or struggle to prepare them properly. That’s when I had my lightbulb moment—what if I could make seed cycling effortless?

That’s how The Seed Cycle was born—Australia’s first dedicated seed cycling solution. I wanted to remove the barriers, providing women with high-quality, perfectly portioned organic seed blends delivered straight to their door. No guesswork, no hassle—just a simple, nourishing way to support hormone balance naturally. Today, The Seed Cycle has helped thousands of women take control of their health, and I couldn’t be prouder to be part of this movement.

Written by
Melissa Kovacevic
from The Seed Cycle

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Menopause: Navigating Symptoms with Natural Strategies