Struggling with mood swings, bloating, fatigue, or cravings before your period?

You’re not alone—and it’s not just “part of being a woman.” In this post, we’ll explain what PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) really is, what causes it, how to know if it's linked to hormonal imbalance, and how seed cycling can help balance your hormones naturally.

What Is PMS?

PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) refers to the emotional and physical symptoms that occur 1–2 weeks before menstruation. While every woman’s experience is unique, common PMS symptoms include:

• Mood swings – irritability, anxiety, sadness, overwhelm

• Bloating and fluid retention

• Breast tenderness or swelling

• Cravings for sugar or salty foods

• Fatigue and poor sleep quality

• Headaches or low energy

These symptoms usually ease once your period begins, but for many women, they’re disruptive enough to affect daily life.

What’s Normal vs. What’s a Sign of Hormone Imbalance?

Mild PMS is common, but if your symptoms are severe, persistent, or affect your mood, energy, or focus, it could be a sign of hormone imbalance. In particular:

• High oestrogen and low progesterone are often linked to more intense symptoms.

• PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) is a more extreme form of PMS with debilitating mood shifts.

• Hormonal imbalances may stem from chronic stress, poor diet, inflammation, gut issues, or blood sugar dysregulation.

Understanding your cycle is key to healing. Functional medicine views PMS as a signal—not a life sentence.

Why Does PMS Happen?

PMS is driven by shifting hormone levels in the luteal phase (the second half of your cycle):

• Progesterone rises after ovulation, helping you feel calm and balanced.

• If progesterone is too low, oestrogen becomes dominant, intensifying PMS symptoms.

• Right before your period, both oestrogen and progesterone drop, leading to mood dips, cravings, and fatigue.

• Cortisol, the stress hormone, can worsen emotional symptoms.

• Insulin resistance can lead to sugar cravings and unstable energy.

Balancing these hormones naturally requires nourishment, rhythm, and consistency.

How Seed Cycling Supports Hormone Balance

Seed cycling is a gentle, food-based method for supporting hormonal health throughout the menstrual cycle. It involves eating specific seeds at each phase to provide key nutrients that promote healthy oestrogen and progesterone levels.

Follicular Phase (Day 1 to Ovulation)

• Flaxseeds – Rich in lignans, which support healthy oestrogen metabolism

• Pumpkin seeds – High in zinc and omega-3s to nourish follicles and support progesterone production

Luteal Phase (Ovulation to Period)

• Sesame seeds – Contain lignans and selenium to support liver detox and progesterone balance

• Sunflower seeds – Provide vitamin E and magnesium to reduce inflammation and ease PMS symptoms

This seed rotation provides the body with nutrient-dense, cycle-specific support, especially for those experiencing signs of hormonal imbalance like PMS, irregular cycles, or perimenopause symptoms.

Other Natural Ways to Reduce PMS Symptoms

In addition to seed cycling, the following lifestyle and nutrition strategies can help improve hormone health and reduce PMS:

• Eat a hormone-friendly diet – Prioritize whole foods, fibre, omega-3s, and cruciferous vegetables

• Stay hydrated – Supports hormone detox and reduces bloating

• Exercise regularly – Helps balance blood sugar and reduce stress hormones

• Manage stress – Use meditation, breathwork, or journaling to lower cortisol

• Track your cycle – Awareness helps you sync your self-care with hormonal fluctuations. Download our Free Monthly Cycle Tracker to understand your unique patterns.

Take Control of Your Hormonal Health

PMS doesn’t have to control your life. With seed cycling and small, sustainable lifestyle changes, you can support your body's natural hormone rhythms, reduce monthly symptoms, and feel more energized, focused, and emotionally balanced.

Ready to begin? Try our Seed Cycle Blends—formulated for hormone health, PMS support, and smoother cycles.