CompletedNot Applicable

Impact of Seed Cycling on Menstrual Regularity, Dysmenorrhea, and Premenstrual Symptoms

United States20 participantsStarted 2025-11-04

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of seed cycling on menstrual regularity, cramps, and pre-menstrual symptoms in women with an irregular menstrual cycle and/or dysmenorrhea. The research seeks to provide evidence-based insights into the potential benefits of seed cycling as a holistic approach to women's reproductive health. It is expected that your participation will last 3 months. Procedures and Activities. You will be provided with and asked to consume specific seeds daily. The seeds are to be consumed as follows: follicular phase (the period from the first day of menstruation (day 1) to ovulation (day 14) in a typical 28-day cycle): 1 tablespoon flax seeds and 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, and luteal phase (the period between ovulation and the start of the next period; typically days 15-28): 1 tablespoon sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Before the intervention and once monthly for a total of 3 cycles, you will be asked to complete an online menstrual health symptom questionnaire (MHSQ) and keep track of your menstrual cycle days on the built-in health tracking app on your electronic device. Risks. Some of the foreseeable risks or discomforts of your participation include the potential for mild gastrointestinal side effects, the potential for allergic reactions, and the possibility of no significant benefit. Benefits. Possible benefits include the potential for improved menstrual cycle regularity, the potential for a reduction in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) symptoms, and the potential for nutritional benefits. Societal benefits include additional knowledge on seed cycling to help manage menstrual regularity and PMS symptoms.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 45 Years

Sex

FEMALE

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Women ages 18-45 with an irregular menstrual cycle and/or menstrual cramps, and/or pre-menstrual symptoms. "Irregular"is defined as a cycle that deviates from the typical pattern of 21 to 35 days between periods * Access to an electronic device with a built-in health tracking app that can connect to the internet and is capable of reading QR codes * Speak and understandEnglish Exclusion Criteria: * Current or recent use (within the last 3 months) of hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy * Currently pregnant, lactating, or planning pregnancy between now and December 2025 * Active gastrointestinal (GI) condition * Currently consuming seed oil supplements * Allergic to flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds * Unable to chew or swallow flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds * Daily, regular consumption of flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, or sunflower seeds

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Change in menstrual cycle from irregular to regular

Timeframe: 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07052500

SponsorLoma Linda University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2026-05-07

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Menstruation Disorders trials