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

NCT07575698 | Active Not Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: 2026/127
• Study Type: observational
• Target: 48
• Locations: 1 country
• Sites: 1

Brief Summary

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.

Conditions

Seed Cycling; Nutrition Habits; Premenstrual Syndrome-PMS

Keywords

seed consumption; premenstrual syndrome; follicular phase; luteal phase

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• 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 Outcomes (2)

• Assessment of Dietary Diversity Score at the Beginning and End of the Study

  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

  At the beginning of the first month and at the end of the fourth month of the study

Interventions

Seed consumption DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT

After identifying the participants' follicular phase (approximately days 1-14) and luteal phase (approximately days 15-28), they will consume specific seeds daily for three consecutive months. During the follicular phase, participants will consume flaxseed and pumpkin seeds per day. During the luteal phase, they will consume sesame seeds and sunflower seeds per day. The oilseeds to be consumed will be provided to the participants at the beginning of each month in vacuum-sealed, single-use packages. Participants with a compliance rate of less than 80% will be excluded from the study.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years - 35 Years
• Gender Eligibility Details: Female
• Healthy Volunteers: Yes
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64)
• Sampling Method: Non-Probability Sample

Study Population

Healthy female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 35 years

Sponsors & Collaborators

• TC Erciyes University: lead

Study Sites (1)

Erciyes University

Kayseri, MELİKGAZİ, Turkey (Türkiye)

Location

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Premenstrual Syndrome

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Menstruation Disturbances; Pathologic Processes; Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms

Study Officials

• ARMAĞAN AYTUĞ YÜRÜK, Principal Investigator

  TC Erciyes University

  PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

Study Design

• Study Type: observational
• Observational Model: OTHER
• Time Perspective: PROSPECTIVE
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant professor

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: May 4, 2026
• First Posted: May 8, 2026
• Study Start: March 20, 2026
• Primary Completion: March 20, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): March 20, 2027
• Last Updated: May 8, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03

Data Sharing

• IPD Sharing: Will not share

Locations

TU (1)