Report Title
Investigating the Impact of Seed Cycling on Menstrual Regularity, Dysmenorrhea, and Premenstrual Symptoms
Collective Title
Master of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics Research Reports 2026
Abstract
Menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea are common in reproductive-age women and can affect quality of life. This study examined whether seed cycling could improve menstrual health in women with irregular cycles or menstrual discomfort. In this single-arm intervention study, women aged 18 - 45 consumed flax and pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase and sesame and sunflower seeds during the luteal phase for three menstrual cycles. Cycle length and symptoms were tracked monthly using smartphone health apps and the Menstrual Health Symptom Questionnaire (MHSQ). Sixteen participants completed the study. Repeated measures across baseline and 1-, 2-, and 3-month follow-ups were analyzed using random-intercept linear mixed-effects models. Symptom scores significantly decreased from baseline (36.30 ± 9.27) to 3 months (27.12 ± 5.83), with an estimated reduction of 9.04 points (p < 0.001). No significant changes were seen for breast tenderness, gastrointestinal symptoms, appetite, or cycle length. These findings suggest that a 3-cycle seed-cycling intervention may help improve menstrual symptoms and support menstrual health as a non-pharmacological dietary strategy.
LLU Discipline
Nutrition and Dietetics
Department
Nutrition and Dietetics
School
School of Allied Health Professions
First Advisor
Lida Gharibvand
Second Advisor
Edward Bitok
Third Advisor
Lesley Ann Foster-Nicholas
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Degree Level
M.S.
Year Degree Awarded
2026
Date (Title Page)
2026
Language
English
Library of Congress/MESH Subject Headings
Menstruation disorders—Diet therapy; Premenstrual syndrome—Diet therapy; Seeds—Health aspects
Type
Research Report
Digital Format
Digital Publisher
Loma Linda University Libraries
Copyright
Author
Usage Rights
This title appears here courtesy of the author, who has granted Loma Linda University a limited, non-exclusive right to make this publication available to the public. The author retains all other copyrights.
Recommended Citation
LLerena, Victoria and Aeri, Sumrite, "Investigating the Impact of Seed Cycling on Menstrual Regularity, Dysmenorrhea, and Premenstrual Symptoms" (2026). Loma Linda University Research Reports. 62.
https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/rr/62
Collection
Loma Linda University Research Reports
Collection Website
scholarsrepository.llu.edu/rr/
Repository
Loma Linda University. University Libraries.