Evaluation of Effect of Seed Cycling on Menstrual Irregularity Among Women
Keywords:
Abdominal discomfort, Blood clot, Regularity of menstruation, Seed cycleAbstract
Background & Aims: Various seeds have gained therapeutic importance in the treatment of menstrual dysfunction, as an alternative to medicine. The study objective is to evaluate the effect of seed cycling on menstrual irregularity among women. Menstrual irregularity may affect body weight, menstrual cramps & bloating, and blood clots during the cycle. Seed cycling includes the consumption of flax seeds & pumpkin seeds during the follicular phase while sunflower seeds & sesame seeds are consumed in the luteal phase of menstruation.
Methodology: The study sample size was 79 females aged 18 to 35 years old, practicing seed cycling. A self-structured questionnaire was used for an observational study design with a convenient sampling technique. It includes questions about anthropometrics, menstrual flow & occurrence, frequency & quantity of seeds consumed as well as its effect on menstrual cramps & bloating, blood clots, and regularity of menstruation.
Results: A total of n=79 participated in the study about 92.4% of them had noticed a change in their menstrual cycle irregularity after consuming seeds. A healthy weight was maintained among 81% of participants, 82.3% had relief from bloating & cramps, and 82.3% had improvement in blood clots during menstruation after seed cycling. Meanwhile, 7.6% of them did not affect their menstrual cycle regularity after consuming seeds.
Conclusion: Participants who had done seed cycling for a certain period maintained their menstrual cycle regularity, had relief from abdominal discomfort, sustained a healthy body weight, and aided in improvement in blood clots during the cycle.
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