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Tag: menopause symptoms

  • Seed Cycling for Hormone Health: A Natural Approach to Balance

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    In today’s fast-paced world, hormonal imbalances have become increasingly common among individuals of all ages. Factors such as stress, diet, environmental toxins, and lifestyle choices can disrupt our delicate hormonal equilibrium, leading to a host of health issues. Fortunately, there’s a natural and holistic approach to address these concerns – seed cycling. This ancient practice has gained popularity in recent years as a means to balance hormones and promote overall well-being. In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of seed cycling, its potential benefits for hormone health, and how to incorporate it into your daily routine.

    Understanding Hormonal Imbalances

    Before we delve into seed cycling, let’s first understand what hormonal imbalances are and why they matter. Hormones are chemical messengers in the body that regulate various physiological processes, including growth, metabolism, mood, and reproductive functions. When these hormones fall out of balance, it can lead to a wide range of symptoms, such as irregular menstrual cycles, mood swings, fatigue, weight gain, and more.

    Hormonal imbalances can be caused by a multitude of factors, including:

    1. Stress
    2. Poor diet and nutrition
    3. Environmental toxins
    4. Lack of exercise
    5. Sleep disturbances
    6. Chronic illnesses

    While conventional medicine often relies on medications to treat hormonal imbalances, many individuals are turning to natural remedies like seed cycling to address these issues at their root cause.

    Seed Cycling Explained

    Seed cycling is a holistic approach to balancing hormones by incorporating specific seeds into your daily diet at different phases of your menstrual cycle. This practice is grounded in the belief that certain seeds can help regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, the two primary female sex hormones. By consuming these seeds in a systematic manner, it is thought that you can harmonize hormonal fluctuations and alleviate associated symptoms.

    The two phases of seed cycling are as follows:

    1. Follicular Phase (Days 1-14): During the first half of your menstrual cycle, the focus is on flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds. These seeds are believed to support estrogen metabolism and promote its production.
    2. Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): In the second half of your cycle, the emphasis shifts to sesame seeds and sunflower seeds. These seeds are thought to encourage progesterone production and its balance with estrogen.

    The Benefits of Seed Cycling

    While scientific research on seed cycling is limited, anecdotal evidence suggests that many individuals have experienced positive results. Some potential benefits of seed cycling for hormone health include:

    1. Regulated menstrual cycles: Seed cycling may help regulate irregular periods and reduce symptoms like heavy bleeding and painful cramps.
    2. Improved mood: Balancing hormones can have a positive impact on mood, reducing symptoms of irritability and mood swings.
    3. Enhanced fertility: By promoting regular ovulation and hormonal balance, seed cycling may increase fertility in some individuals.
    4. Hormone-related symptom relief: Seed cycling may help alleviate symptoms of PMS (premenstrual syndrome) and menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and breast tenderness.
    5. Better skin health: Hormonal imbalances can contribute to skin issues like acne. Balancing hormones through seed cycling may help improve skin health.
    6. Increased energy: Hormone balance can lead to increased energy levels and reduced fatigue.

    How to Incorporate Seed Cycling into Your Routine

    Incorporating seed cycling into your daily routine is simple and can be done in various ways:

    1. Purchase high-quality seeds: Ensure you’re using fresh, organic seeds for the best results.
    2. Measure your portions: Consume one to two tablespoons of each type of seed daily, depending on your preference.
    3. Blend seeds into smoothies: You can easily add your chosen seeds to your daily smoothie for a convenient and delicious option.
    4. Sprinkle seeds on salads or yogurt: Seeds can be sprinkled on top of salads, yogurt, or oatmeal for added texture and flavor.
    5. Make seed butter: Blend your seeds into a paste to create seed butter, which can be spread on toast or used as a dip.

    One of my fave ways to get more seeds is to make overnight protein oatmeal. I make two batches at once. Here is the recipe:

    Overnight Oats with Protein and Seeds – Makes Two Bowls

    Ingredients:

    • Protein Shake of Choice, halved (I use vanilla flavored)
    • 1/2 Cup Oats for each
    • 1 teaspoon of zero sugar cheesecake pudding mix for each
    • Seeds of choice for each

    Use two small bowls and use divide the protein shake between them. Stir in the rest of the ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to eat.

    Seed cycling is a natural and holistic approach to hormone health that offers potential benefits for individuals seeking to balance their hormones and alleviate associated symptoms. While scientific research on this practice is limited, many have reported positive results. If you’re experiencing hormonal imbalances or related symptoms, seed cycling may be worth considering as a complementary approach to your overall wellness routine.

    Remember that hormone health is influenced by various factors, including diet, stress management, exercise, and sleep. Seed cycling can be a valuable addition to your holistic approach to well-being, but it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized guidance and support.

    By incorporating seed cycling into your daily routine and paying attention to your body’s signals, you can take proactive steps toward achieving hormone balance and better overall health.

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    Tiffany

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  • Menopause Treatment Options: Your Questions Answered

    Menopause Treatment Options: Your Questions Answered

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    By Juliana M. Kling, MD, MPH as told to Alexandra Benisek 




    In the WebMD webinar 

    “Moving Beyond Hot Flashes: Treatment Options for Symptoms of Perimenopause and Menopause,”

    Juliana M. Kling, MD, MPH, answered viewer questions about hormone therapy, menopause symptoms, sex during menopause, and more. 


    Will menopause symptoms like hot flashes return when my hormone therapy ends?


    It depends. Also called vasomotor symptoms, these tend to last 7-10 years. But some people have symptoms for longer. For example, Black people often have longer vasomotor symptoms during menopause. 


    When you stop hormone therapy, you may notice that your hot flashes come back. If they’re severe, you may consider restarting hormone therapy (if your doctor finds that it’s a healthy option for you) or you might try a non-hormone treatment. 


    Or you may not have returning hot flashes after stopping hormone therapy. The important thing to know here is that treating your hot flashes during the menopause transition doesn’t delay you going through menopause. 


    Does stopping oral birth control pills bring on menopause for people over 45?


    No. If you stop your birth control pills and notice perimenopause or menopause symptoms, it may be that you’re in perimenopause or menopause (not because of oral contraceptives, but because of your age and when you stopped using them). 


    Since you’re still at risk of pregnancy up until 12 months past your last menstrual cycle (the definition of menopause), you may decide to continue oral contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, as well as treat your perimenopausal symptoms. 


    Can I stay on bioidentical hormone replacement for more than 5 years?


    Maybe. Some people may need this treatment for more than 5 years. 


    But guidelines say you should use the best dose for the best amount of time to treat your menopausal symptoms. There shouldn’t be a random age cutoff for hormone therapy during menopause.


    The right time to stop this treatment is different for each person. Talk to your doctor to figure out the right time for you.


    Once you start treatment, you and your doctor can look at the risks and benefits of continuing hormone therapy each year. This should go hand-in-hand with age-appropriate cancer screening and healthy lifestyle habits including regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet such as the Mediterranean diet, minimal or no alcohol, and no tobacco use. 

     


    How do I know if my symptoms are related to menopause or another medical condition?


    Talk with your doctor about your symptoms. They may check for other causes of your symptoms. If your age, menstrual cycle history, and symptoms match up with perimenopause or menopause, then that’s probably your diagnosis. You and your doctor can talk about your options for treatment. 


    How does hormone therapy affect people with a history of migraines?


    It may be an option for you after your doctor looks over the risks and benefits. If you’re perimenopausal, you may notice changes in your migraines during your menstrual cycles (menstrual-related migraines). 


    Your migraines may get worse during perimenopause. Starting hormone therapy may improve your perimenopausal or menopausal symptoms. You may notice that your migraines get better after menopause.


    How does menopause affect my sex life?


    The symptoms that commonly happen during menopause (like hot flashes, night sweats, sleep disturbance, vaginal dryness, cognitive fog, and irritability) can either directly or indirectly impact sex. 


    For example, our group has studied the relationship between sleep and sexual functioning. We found that poor sleep quality puts you at higher risk of sexual dysfunction. 


    The genitourinary syndrome of menopause – which affects your genitals and urinary organs – typically starts about 2-3 years after your last menstrual cycle. This can cause vaginal dryness, which can cause you to have pain during sex. 


    It’s important to know that sex should never be painful. You can use lubricants, as well as vaginal moisturizers regularly, to help with these symptoms. You may need to start a low dose of vaginal estrogen to help with your symptoms. These are safe and can be used long term. They don’t increase your risk of breast cancer, blood clots, heart attacks, or strokes.


    Sexual health is an important part of overall health. So if you’re experiencing sexual problems, talk with your doctor so you can get checked and treated. 


    Can you develop a panic disorder during menopause?


    Perimenopause is a time when you may develop depressive symptoms, especially if you have a history of anxiety or mood disorders. We see an increased risk of symptoms and diagnosis during this time.


    Talk to your doctors about your options for treatment. They may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and medications such as antidepressants. During perimenopause, you may benefit from hormone therapy to help your mood.


    The best treatment for you will be based on the specifics of your situation. 


    Are hormone therapy options covered by insurance?


    Yes. The FDA approves hormone therapy, including other similar FDA-approved treatments. It’s covered by most insurance companies. 


    What’s the best way to find a menopause specialist located near me?


    Go to the 

    North American Menopause Society website

    and search for a certified menopause practitioner. 


    Here, you’ll enter information about the state or country you live in. Then, you’ll get a list of menopause specialists near you.

     


    Watch the webinar
    here.



    WebMD Feature


    Sources


    SOURCE:


    Juliana Kling, MD, MPH, professor of medicine; chair of women’s health internal medicine; associate chair of equity, inclusion and diversity, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. 



    © 2023 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.

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