The Effect of Seed Cycling-Based Nutritional Intervention on Premenstrual Symptoms

Evaluation of the Effect of Seed Cycling on Premenstrual Symptoms in Healthy Adults

This study aims to investigate the effects of the seed-cycling intervention on premenstrual symptoms and nutritional status. At the beginning of the study, written informed consent will be obtained from all individuals who agree to participate.

During the month prior to the intervention, participants' menstrual cycles will be monitored to determine their menstrual phases. In this period, dietary intake records and menstrual symptoms will be documented, and the estimated ovulation date will be determined based on reported symptoms.

After identifying the participants' follicular phase (approximately days 1-14) and luteal phase (approximately days 15-28), the intervention will be implemented for three consecutive months. Participants will be instructed to consume flaxseed and pumpkin seeds daily during the follicular phase, and sesame seeds and sunflower seeds daily during the luteal phase.

The oilseeds to be consumed will be provided to the participants at the beginning of each month in vacuum-sealed single-use packages.

Study Overview

• Status: Active, not recruiting
• Conditions: Premenstrual Syndrome-PMS; Nutrition Habits; Seed Cycling
• Intervention / Treatment: Dietary supplement: Seed consumption

• Study Type: Observational
• Enrollment (Estimated): 48

Contacts and Locations

Study Locations

• Turkey (Türkiye)
  • MELİKGAZİ
    • Kayseri, MELİKGAZİ, Turkey (Türkiye)
      • Erciyes University

Participation Criteria

Eligibility Criteria

• Ages Eligible for Study: Adult
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers: Yes

• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 years

Description

Inclusion Criteria: Individuals aged 18-35 years, with a regular menstrual cycle, a body mass index (BMI) between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m², who agreed to consume oilseeds for three menstrual cycles, and who are literate with no problems in Turkish communication or comprehension were included in the study.

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Exclusion Criteria: Individuals were excluded if they were pregnant, lactating, or postmenopausal; had acute, chronic, or psychiatric disorders including hormonally diagnosed conditions such as PCOS that could affect menstruation; were receiving medications affecting hormones or menstrual cycles; were taking vitamin, mineral, or nutraceutical supplements; had allergies or intolerances to flaxseed, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or sesame; were positive for HIV or HPV infection; consumed alcohol regularly; or were following a special diet.

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Study Plan

How is the study designed?

What is the study measuring?

Primary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Assessment of Premenstrual Syndrome Scale at the beginning and End of the Study	To evaluate the severity of symptoms experienced during the premenstrual period, the Premenstrual Syndrome Scale, a validated instrument, will be administered during the premenstrual weeks of the first and fourth months. The Premenstrual Syndrome Scale is a self-report measure developed to assess the physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms experienced by women during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. The scale consists of a total of 44 items and comprises nine subdimensions. Each item is rated on a five-point Likert scale. Higher total scores obtained from the scale indicate greater severity of premenstrual symptoms. Subdimension scores may be calculated separately, and an overall assessment can also be conducted based on the total score.	The premenstrual weeks of the first and fourth months of the study

Secondary Outcome Measures

Outcome Measure	Measure Description	Time Frame
Assessment of Dietary Diversity Score at the Beginning and End of the Study	The Dietary Diversity Score is based on the nine food groups recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization. According to the scoring system, a score of ≥6 points is classified as high dietary diversity, 4-5 points as moderate dietary diversity, and ≤3 points as low dietary diversity.	At the beginning of the first month and at the end of the fourth month of the study
Assessment of Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index at the Beginning and End of the Study	The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index (CDAI) is a quantitative measure that reflects the overall impact of the major antioxidant nutrients consumed through the diet and is used to assess the total antioxidant capacity of the diet. This index is considered a reliable indicator as it represents the cumulative effect of dietary antioxidants.The Composite Dietary Antioxidant Index will be calculated based on individuals' 24-hour dietary intake records, by assessing the intake of six antioxidant nutrients: vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, carotenoids, zinc, and selenium.	At the beginning of the first month and at the end of the fourth month of the study

Collaborators and Investigators

• Sponsor: TC Erciyes University
• Investigators: Principal Investigator: ARMAĞAN AYTUĞ YÜRÜK, Principal Investigator, TC Erciyes University

Study record dates

Study Major Dates

• Study Start (Actual): March 20, 2026
• Primary Completion (Actual): March 20, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 20, 2027

Study Registration Dates

• First Submitted: May 4, 2026
• First Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 4, 2026
• First Posted (Actual): May 8, 2026

Study Record Updates

• Last Update Posted (Actual): May 8, 2026
• Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria: May 4, 2026
• Last Verified: March 1, 2026

More Information

Terms related to this study

• Keywords: premenstrual syndrome; luteal phase; follicular phase; seed consumption
• Additional Relevant MeSH Terms: Pathologic Processes; Menstruation Disturbances; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms; Premenstrual Syndrome
• Other Study ID Numbers: 2026/127

Plan for Individual participant data (IPD)

• Plan to Share Individual Participant Data (IPD)?: NO
• IPD Plan Description: Individual participant data will not be shared due to participant privacy and confidentiality concerns

Drug and device information, study documents

• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated drug product: No
• Studies a U.S. FDA-regulated device product: No