Introduction:
PCOS, the most prevalent endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, occurs in approximately six to 15 percent of cases. This syndrome is characterized by common clinical signs such as irregular menstrual cycles, acne, Insulin Resistance (IR), obesity, and male-pattern hair loss. Conforming to the Rotterdam criteria, the diagnosis of PCOS is confirmed on the presence of at least two criteria: oligo-anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries detected through an ultrasound.
PCOS individuals face an increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. While the primary mechanism behind PCOS remains elusive, insulin resistance and obesity are believed to play pivotal roles in its development. IR-induced hyperinsulinemia stimulates excess androgen production by Theca cells in the ovaries and reduces the liver's synthesis of Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). Adipose tissue, especially visceral fat, is closely linked to IR, diabetes, hypertension, and pro-inflammatory states. Adipose tissue is identified as a secretory organ for adipocytokines, like adiponectin and leptin, which are involved in the pathogenesis of PCOS.
Lifestyle changes, including adjustments to diet, exercise, and behavioral therapies, are typically the initial approach in managing PCOS. However, there has been growing interest in using medicinal seeds or herbs as an alternative or complementary treatment or disease management.
What Is Seed Cycling in PCOS?
During the menstrual cycle, estrogen is primarily produced in the initial 14 days of the follicular phase as ovarian eggs mature. The levels of FSH and LH rise just before ovulation, and estrogen levels decrease immediately after ovulation. Once the egg is released, the luteal phase starts, with progesterone and estrogen levels gradually increasing in a carefully balanced ratio to support the possibility of conception and implantation. If implantation does not occur, these hormone levels decline again before the start of the next menstrual cycle. Hormone disruptions occur in PCOS, and seed cycling alleviates the symptoms.
Seed cycling, a tradition that involves consuming particular seeds at different stages of the menstrual cycle, has a long history but has gained popularity recently. This age-old practice is believed to offer a natural way to regulate women's hormones during the menstrual cycle, with potential benefits for fertility and the alleviation of symptoms associated with premenstrual Syndrome (PMS), menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endometriosis. It is a naturopathic therapy that regulates hormones by balancing the estrogen and progesterone hormones in the menstrual cycle's first and second half. Seed cycling involves the consumption of:
Phase I: From day 1 to 14- pumpkin seeds, and day 11 to 14- flax seeds.
Phase II: Day 15 to 29 sesame and sunflower seeds.
What Is the Role of Seed Cycling in PCOS?
Pumpkin seeds contain phytoestrogens that mimic estrogen activities, while flax seeds, another commonly recommended seed in this diet, contain lignans that bind to excess estrogen, helping to maintain hormonal balance. Sesame and sunflower seeds are known to foster progesterone secretion during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Sesame seeds are also rich in zinc, which has similar effects on progesterone production and contain lignans that block excess estrogen as progesterone levels rise. Sunflower seeds provide two essential micronutrients: vitamin E, which can enhance progesterone production, and selenium, which aids in detoxifying excess estrogen from the liver. It is worth noting that sesame seeds can benefit postmenopausal women by improving blood lipids, antioxidants, and sex hormones.
What Are the Seeds Used in Seed Cycling for PCOS?
Pumpkin Seeds: Pumpkin seeds are highly nutritious and contain nutraceutical ingredients, including palmitic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid, and linoleic acid. These essential acids fall into the omega-3 and omega-6 categories and play crucial roles in various metabolic pathways.
Supplementing with phytoestrogens derived from pumpkin seeds has been observed to have positive effects. Pumpkin oil is rich in vitamin E, including alpha-tocopherol and gamma-tocopherol, which have known health benefits.
Estrogen hormones are vital for the menstrual cycle, reproduction, bone density maintenance, and cholesterol regulation in the body. Phytoestrogens in plants mimic estrogen's effects due to the ability to bind estrogen receptors. The pumpkin seed oil contains many phytoestrogens and sterols, such as secoisolariciresinol and lariciresinol. Research has shown that pumpkin seeds contain approximately 21 milligrams of secoisolariciresinol per 100 grams of dry weight and 260 milligrams of phytoestrogens per 100 grams of seeds.
Studies have indicated that pumpkin seeds have estrogenic-like effects, influencing lipid metabolism, bone health, mammary gland development, and uterine epithelial cell growth. Phytoestrogen components in pumpkin seeds have been linked to cardiovascular benefits, including lowering total cholesterol, LDL, HDL, and triglyceride levels.
Flax Seeds: Flaxseed, scientifically known as Linum usitatissimum, is rich in biologically active components, including Alpha-Linolenic Acid (ALA), dietary fiber, and phytoestrogenic lignans. Lignans found in foods can enhance testosterone activity and reduce the availability of free testosterone by increasing sex hormone-binding globulin levels.
A study was conducted with individuals consuming flaxseed powder daily with lifestyle changes for 12 weeks. This group showed a prominent decrease in body weight, insulin levels, triglycerides, C-reactive proteins, leptin, and increased HDL cholesterol and adiponectin. These positive effects were more pronounced in PCOS patients who consumed flaxseed supplements and those with lifestyle modifications.
Sunflower Seeds: Sunflowers are known for nutritional and medicinal value. Sunflower seeds are a rich source of nutritious compounds, including proteins, fiber, unsaturated fats, vitamin E, iron, selenium, folate, copper, zinc, and phytochemicals. They consist of approximately 20 percent proteins. In a 100-gram serving of sunflower seeds, 14 grams of carbohydrates, of which seven grams are fiber. These seeds also contain essential amino acids such as glutamic acid, aspartic acid, cysteine, and arginine. They are particularly abundant in linoleic acid, constituting 55 to 70 percent of the fatty acid composition. The antioxidant properties of defatted sunflower seed shells are attributed to the phenolic compounds. Notably, linoleic acid found in sunflower seeds has potential benefits in treating PCOS.
Sesame Seeds: Sesame seeds have gained recognition as a significant source for addressing micronutrient deficiencies in modern nutrition. These seeds are derived from a bell-shaped flower that starts yellowish and matures into a bluish-purple color. They possess a nutty, sweet aroma and a flavor reminiscent of buttery milk. Sesame seeds are utilized as both a food ingredient and as edible oilseed.
These seeds are notably rich in carbohydrates, proteins, fats, dietary fiber, and minerals. They are a substantial source of oil due to the chemical composition. Sesame seeds also provide a balanced combination of amino acids and monosaturated and polyunsaturated acids. They exhibit antioxidant properties that have shown promising results in reducing blood pressure, enhancing vascular health, and mitigating certain chronic disorders.
Sesame seeds contain nutrients that can be beneficial for individuals with PCOS. The healthy fats can help regulate blood glucose levels and contain essential minerals like calcium, magnesium, and zinc.
Conclusion:
PCOS is a multifaceted condition influenced by genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Its impact on women's health, particularly concerning menstrual irregularities and hormonal imbalances, underscores the need for effective management strategies. Recent studies have shed light on the potential benefits of dietary interventions like seed cycling in alleviating PCOS symptoms. Flaxseed, sunflower, sesame, and pumpkin seeds each offer unique bioactive compounds that can positively influence hormone regulation and metabolic health.
