Pause for two seconds on a reel about your period cycle, and social media can flood your feed with information on menopause, perimenopause, how to handle their symptoms, pain management and seed cycling. Of late, many nutritionists and health influencers have been advocating the usage of flaxseeds to handle the symptoms of menopause and perimenopause. The argument is that lignans, which are plant-based compounds in seeds that mimic the effects of estrogen, can help modulate the hormonal activity in your body. It's also said that the seeds' high omega-3 and fibre content can reduce inflammation, help with weight management and more, connected to the period cycle. However, the reputed Mayo Clinic of the US, regarded as an innovative, prestigious healthcare provider worldwide, says that the research results on flaxseed's effect on menopausal symptoms have been mixed. Here's what the institution says:

1) Flaxseeds can have an anti-estrogen effect, which might decrease the effects of oral contraceptive drugs and estrogen replacement therapy. 
2) However, they have no effect in treating hot flashes in post-menopausal women. 
3) Mayo Clinic says that the internet trend of 'seed cycling' has little research to support the claims that flax and pumpkin seeds help during the bleeding phase and sunflower and sesame seeds are beneficial during the ovulation phase.
4) That said, there is no harm in adding these seeds to your daily meals for extra crunch and nutrition. For breakfast, you can add a tablespoon of chia to your cereal and some ground flaxseed to yoghurt.
For lunch, you can include pumpkin seeds and flaxseeds. For afternoon snacks, you can add chia and toasted pumpkin seeds. For dinner, you can add sunflower and pumpkin seeds. However, it's best not to eat them all on the same day. Consume them in moderation, taking cues from how your body responds to the intake and as per the advise of your nutritionist or healthcare provider. 

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Disclaimer:

The argument is that lignans, which are plant-based compounds in seeds that mimic the effects of estrogen, can help modulate the hormonal activity in your body.

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