Seed Cycling: Can the Right Foods Really Balance Your Hormones?

What if something as simple as the seeds you eat could help support your hormones throughout the month? In this episode of the **Biohackher Podcast**, I sit down with nutritionist, health coach and Beeya co-founder **Kaya Purohit** to unpack the increasingly popular — and sometimes controversial — practice of **seed cycling**. Kaya shares how her fascination with the menstrual cycle began as a teenager, when she noticed her mood, anxiety and emotions shifting at different points of the month. That curiosity eventually led her into nutrition and women's hormonal health — and to seed cycling, a practice she initially admits she was sceptical about. We break down exactly what seed cycling involves, why different seeds are eaten during different phases of the menstrual cycle, and the nutrients within flax, pumpkin, sesame and sunflower seeds that Kaya believes may help support hormonal health. But this conversation goes well beyond periods. Kaya explains why she believes women in **perimenopause** may particularly benefit from seed cycling and discusses the experiences women have reported with cycle regularity, libido, PMS, hormonal acne, mood and menstrual symptoms. She also shares details of Beeya's clinical trial examining seed cycling and PMS symptoms. We also explore a much bigger issue in women's health: **why women are still so often expected to follow health advice developed around men**. Kaya reflects on her own experience with fasting, keto and the "5am club", and why learning more about female physiology changed the way she approached her own health. ### In this episode, we discuss: - What seed cycling actually is and how to do it - The four seeds used during different phases of the menstrual cycle - Why seed cycling isn't a magic bullet for hormonal health - PMS, painful periods and what your menstrual cycle can tell you about your health - Seed cycling during perimenopause and menopause - Why ovulation matters beyond fertility - The relationship between estrogen and progesterone - Why women shouldn't automatically follow health protocols designed around men - Food, gut health and hormonal health - Why Kaya moved away from a vegan diet after 25 years as a vegetarian - The problem with restrictive wellness trends and conflicting health advice on social media - Why women need to be better heard by health professionals - The clinical trial examining seed cycling and PMS - Why sleep, relationships, community and joy deserve a place in the longevity conversation Kaya also makes an important point throughout our conversation: **seed cycling isn't a cure-all**. Nutrition, movement, sleep, stress and overall lifestyle still matter, and women's individual experiences shouldn't be reduced to a single protocol. If you've ever wondered whether your period symptoms are simply something you have to put up with, whether seed cycling has any substance behind the hype, or how you can start working *with* your female physiology rather than against it, this conversation is for you. **ABOUT KAYA PUROHIT** Kaya Purohit is a nutritionist, mom, filmmaker, and the co-founder of Beeya, where she combines nutrition science with real-life practicality to help women better understand their hormones. Through education, recipes, and food-first strategies, she's on a mission to make hormone health feel simple, approachable, and empowering. **CONNECT WITH KAYA PUROHIT** @kayapurohit @beeyawellness    **PREORDER MY NEW BOOK!** **!https://assets.libsyn.com/show/448539/Biohacker-no-bg_1.png** *Biohackher – Live Well Longer* is your practical guide to adding life to your years. Drawing on the latest science in women's health, longevity and biohacking, this book cuts through the hype to reveal what actually works to support your brain, body, beauty and balance as you age. From sleep, hormones and gut health to strength, stress, nutrition and cutting-edge longevity tools, you'll discover evidence-based strategies to help you feel stronger, sharper and more vibrant at every stage of life. **Released 27 October, 2026**. Pre-order now at: https://www.amazon.com.au/exec/obidos/ASIN/1764247639?tag=simonsayscom    **WANT TO LEARN MORE?** If you're keen to get started on your biohacking journey to optimise your health and live well longer please join me on my socials:  **Instagram:** https://www.instagram.com/biohackher\_official **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/in/azra-alagic-77794526/  **Facebook:** https://m.facebook.com/people/Biohackher  **Website:** www.biohack-her.com  **YouTube:** https://www.youtube.com/@biohackherpodcast  **TikTok:** https://www.tiktok.com/@biohackher\_official