Cramps, PMS, Acne, Bloating
Estrogen and progesterone are the two main hormones in your menstrual cycle. When they're out of balance, it can lead to...
- Cramps - When estrogen is too high relative to progesterone, it can cause the uterus to contract more strongly, aka more painful cramps.
- PMS (mood swings, irritability, low energy) - Progesterone has a calming, grounding effect. Many people experience PMS when progesterone is too low compared to estrogen during the second half of their cycle (luteal phase), which can make moods feel more intense and harder to regulate.
- Acne - Hormonal imbalances (low progesterone and relatively higher estrogen in the luteal phase) can increase oil production in the skin, making breakouts more likely.
- Bloating - Estrogen can cause the body to hold onto water. When estrogen levels are higher than your body can comfortably manage, bloating is especially common before your period.
In short: when estrogen and progesterone aren’t working in balance, your body feels it in the form of symptoms.
Mood swings, low energy, brain fog, fatigue
When estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, it doesn’t just affect your body - it can strongly impact how you feel mentally and emotionally too...
- Mood swings - Progesterone has a calming effect, so when progesterone is low compared to estrogen, emotions may feel more intense and harder to regulate.
- Brain fog - Estrogen plays a role in focus and mental clarity, but when estrogen fluctuates too sharply or isn’t balanced by progesterone, it can contribute to difficulty concentrating and feeling mentally “foggy.”
- Low energy - especially low progesterone or rapid drops in estrogen can disrupt steady energy levels, making you feel more drained than usual during certain phases of your cycle.
- Fatigue - When hormones are out of balance, the body has to work harder to maintain stability. This can lead to ongoing tiredness, particularly in the second half of the cycle when progesterone should be supporting rest and recovery.
In short: when estrogen and progesterone aren’t working in balance, both your energy and your mood can take a hit.
Irregular periods, PCOS
When estrogen and progesterone are out of balance, it can also affect how regular your cycle is and how consistently you ovulate...
- Irregular periods - A regular cycle depends on ovulation, and ovulation only happens when when your hormones rise and fall in a very specific pattern. When that pattern is disrupted, the ovary doesn’t get a clear signal to release an egg. When ovulation doesn’t happen consistently, progesterone stays low, which can lead to late, missed, or unpredictable periods. Estrogen may still be present, but without enough progesterone to balance it, cycles can become irregular.
- PCOS - PCOS is a complex hormonal condition, but one key feature is irregular ovulation, which often leads to low progesterone over time. This can create an imbalance where estrogen and androgens have a stronger influence, contributing to irregular periods and other symptoms commonly associated with PCOS.
In short: when ovulation isn’t happening regularly and progesterone stays low, hormonal balance is disrupted and cycle irregularities can follow.
Difficulty getting pregnant
Getting pregnant relies on regular ovulation and balanced hormones. When hormone levels are out of sync, it can make conception more difficult. Here are some common hormonal culprits...
- Ovulation not happening consistently - If ovulation is irregular or absent, there are fewer opportunities for an egg to be released and fertilized. See the above section on irregular periods on more info on irregular ovulation.
- Low progesterone after ovulation - Progesterone supports the uterine lining after ovulation. When levels are too low, it can be harder for a fertilized egg to implant and be supported.
- Estrogen and progesterone aren’t working in balance - Hormonal imbalance can affect the timing of ovulation and the conditions needed for early pregnancy.
In short: when hormones aren’t working in balance, ovulation and implantation may be disrupted making it harder to get pregnant.
Perimenopause / menopause symptoms
Perimenopause and menopause are normal life transitions that everyone with a menstrual cycle goes through eventually. Unlike some hormone-related symptoms that can signal imbalance, this phase is simply a natural shift... one that often comes with noticeable changes in how you feel.
As estrogen and progesterone naturally fluctuate and decline, common symptoms can include:
- Mood changes and irritability
- Fatigue and low energy
- Brain fog
- Sleep disruption
- Hot flashes and night sweats
- Changes in cycle regularity (during perimenopause)
These symptoms happen because hormones that once followed a predictable rhythm become more variable, and the body has to continuously adjust.
The good news: while perimenopause and menopause can’t be avoided, how you experience them can often be supported.
Diet, lifestyle, and nourishment play a meaningful role in helping the body adapt to these changes and may help reduce the intensity of symptoms and support a smoother transition.
In short: perimenopause and menopause are a natural part of life - not a problem to fix - and with the right support, this transition doesn’t have to feel overwhelming.
Seed cycling is a simple, food-based way to support your cycle by eating specific seeds during different phases of your cycle. Rooted in naturopathic medicine, the seeds provide nutrients that support your body in each phase. Our products are crafted based on this natural protocol for hormone balance.
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Amanda Scott Flores
Nurse and Holistic Nutritionist
"I’m so impressed with CycleSnax and the approach they’ve taken to supporting women’s hormone health.
Their seed cycling protocol is simple, accessible, and incredibly effective for promoting balance throughout all stages of a woman’s cycle - whether it’s managing PMS, supporting fertility, navigating perimenopause and menopause, or helping with conditions like PCOS.
I’ve seen firsthand how integrating seed cycling into a personalized wellness plan can help optimize hormone balance, improve energy, and support overall wellbeing. CycleSnax makes this protocol easy to follow, empowering women to take control of their health in a natural and practical way.
I highly recommend their approach to anyone looking to support their hormones and feel their best."
Dr. Marlee Guy, ND
Naturopathic Doctor
"Seed cycling is a simple and convenient approach to supporting hormonal balance by leveraging specific nutrients in seeds to influence estrogen and progesterone levels throughout the menstrual cycle.
Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds, rich in lignans and zinc, can promote healthy estrogen metabolism during the follicular phase, while sesame and sunflower seeds, high in selenium and vitamin E, support progesterone production during the luteal phase.
It is an easy method to incorporate into your daily routine and provides targeted support for hormonal health in a practical and natural way."