Both flax and pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s promote blood flow to the uterus, increase progesterone secretion, and help maintain healthy cell membranes. (7) In addition, Vitamin E has been linked to reducing PMS symptoms.
Women consuming 10g of flaxseed per day experienced longer menstrual cycle length, increased progesterone-to-estrogen ratios, and fewer anovulatory cycles, all of which are considered to reflect improved ovarian function.
Flax seeds contain special properties called lignans which can help to bind excess estrogen in the first phase of the cycle while pumpkin seeds, high in the trace mineral zinc, support progesterone production and release for the second phase of the cycle.
Pumpkin and flax in Phase 1 are thought to support the estrogen-dominant follicular phase when the ovaries increase estrogen levels in the body (1). Likewise, sunflower and sesame seed supplementation in Phase 2 are thought to support increases of progesterone in the luteal phase (1).
During phase one, which lasts two weeks, you eat a tablespoon of flax and a tablespoon of pumpkin seeds. Flax seeds contain lignans which bind to excess estrogen. Pumpkin seeds are high in zinc which helps support progesterone production as you move towards the progesterone rise in the second phase of your cycle.
Flax seeds are nutrient- and fibre-rich seeds with added hormone balancing benefits, thanks to special little compounds called “lignans” (and lignins). Lignans are also found in other fibre-rich foods such as other oil seeds, whole grains, legumes and some vegetables, but flax seeds are best known for these compounds.
Both flax and pumpkin seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s promote blood flow to the uterus, increase progesterone secretion, and help maintain healthy cell membranes. (7) In addition, Vitamin E has been linked to reducing PMS symptoms.
Lowered oestrogen activity
Flaxseed also contains a phytoestrogen called lignin that has been shown to reduce oestrogen activity by inhibiting the aromatase enzyme (which converts androgens to oestrogen) and blocking oestrogen receptors located on the surface of fibroid smooth muscle cells.
In addition to the important omega-3 fatty acid ALA, flaxseed, NOT the oil, also contains phytoestrogens, which are plant chemicals called lignans. Phytoestrogens act like the hormone estrogen and may help protect against some kinds of cancer.
Flaxseed does not appear to increase estrogen levels in the blood. In recent years, flaxseed, one of the world's oldest and most versatile crops, has emerged as a nutritional powerhouse.
Avoid use of flaxseed and flaxseed oil during pregnancy. Occasionally, using flaxseed or flaxseed oil causes an allergic reaction. Don't eat raw or unripe flaxseeds. Because flaxseed oil might decrease blood clotting, stop using flaxseed oil two weeks before having elective surgery.
Flaxseed is commonly used to improve digestive health or relieve constipation. Flaxseed may also help lower total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or "bad") cholesterol levels, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease.
While there are no specific recommendations for flaxseed intake, 1-2 tablespoons a day is considered a healthy amount.
In addition to healthy fats, avocados contain plant sterols which can help block estrogen absorption and promote progesterone production.
Magnesium plays a very important role in hormone regulation and is therefore one of the nutrients that boost progesterone levels.
One cause of progesterone imbalance is estrogen dominance by outside factors such as environmental hormones (i.e., xenoestrogen) found in the foods you eat. Other causes of diminished progesterone include insulin resistance, chronic stress, poor nutrition, and insufficient exercise.
Ground flaxseed -- but not flaxseed oil -- may also help with menopausal symptoms. One study showed that 40 grams per day may be similar to hormone therapy for improving mild menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats. But other studies contradict this finding. Ground flaxseed may also ease constipation.
In response to this release of GnRH, the anterior pituitary will release FSH and LH, which will subsequently act on the gonads. In the female ovary, this release of FSH and LH on the gonads causes the release of progesterone.
Vitamin C is absorbed in large amounts just before ovulation and stimulates the production of progesterone. Include plenty of citrus fruits, kiwi, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, bell peppers and other Vitamin C rich foods, which also aids in the absorption of iron from plant sources.
Background: Phytoestrogens, which are abundant in flaxseed and soy, have chemical structures resembling those of endogenous estrogens and have been shown to exert hormonal effects, thereby affecting chronic diseases.