These pancakes are made with ground flax and pumpkin seeds, providing fiber, healthy fats, minerals, and beneficial plant compounds that support overall health and hormone function.

Flax seeds are particularly rich in lignans and fiber, while pumpkin seeds provide minerals including zinc and magnesium. Together, they make a delicious, nutrient-dense addition to breakfast and a simple way to incorporate foods that are supportive of hormonal health.

Curious about seed cycling? See the notes below for what we know about the research and whether you need to follow a specific schedule to benefit from these nutrient-dense seeds.

INGREDIENTS

Hormone Balancing Pancakes (gluten free, grain free, dairy free)

Serves 2

For the Pancakes

3/4 c almond meal

1/4 c ground flax and pumpkin seed blend *see notes

1/4 tsp ceylon cinnamon

1 tsp baking powder

1/8 tsp himalayan salt

2 eggs, pasture raised

2 tbs maple syrup

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbs coconut oil, melted and cooled (plus more for the pan)

2 tbs filtered water

For the Strawberry Sauce (optional)

16 oz frozen strawberries

METHOD

Ground Flax & Pumpkin Seed Blend

This is a blend I like to keep on hand to add to smoothies, porridge, and baked goods.

To make it, blend 1/2 cup whole flax seeds and 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds in a high-speed blender until it resembles the texture of brown sugar, about 1 minute. Store in a container in the freezer to help preserve freshness. I prefer making small batches and aim to use it within a month.

Strawberry Sauce

Add frozen strawberries to a medium-sized pot over medium-low heat. Let them slowly simmer for about 25 minutes, muddling them with a potato masher, fork, or wooden spoon once they soften.

You don't need to add anything else. You could add lemon and a pinch of salt if that sounds fun, but I like it straight like mama earth made it.

Store any leftovers in the fridge and add them to toast or porridge over the next few days.

Pancakes

In a medium bowl, combine the almond meal and ground flax and pumpkin seed blend. Use your fingers to break up any clumps. Add the cinnamon, baking powder, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. Add the maple syrup, vanilla, melted coconut oil, and water, and whisk again.
Combine the wet and dry ingredients. Let the batter sit for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, add coconut oil to a pan and heat over medium-low. Add more throughout cooking as needed to prevent sticking.
To test the temperature, flick a little water into the pan. It should gently sizzle rather than violently splatter. If it's too hot, turn the heat down and give the pan a few minutes to adjust.
Once the pan is ready, add about 2 tablespoons of batter per pancake. Cook until the bottom is golden and the pancake is set enough to flip. If the pancake is browning too quickly, turn the heat down. Flip and cook until golden on the other side. Continue with the remaining batter. I keep finished pancakes in my toaster oven at 200°F to keep them warm while I cook the rest.
Serve with the strawberry sauce and, if you like, a little maple syrup. Shredded coconut and cacao nibs are also delicious on top.

NUTRITIONAL NOTES

Flax Seeds & Lignans

Flax seeds are one of the richest dietary sources of lignans, a type of phytonutrient. Lignans have been studied for their interactions with estrogen metabolism, but it's more accurate to think of them as compounds that may influence how the body processes and responds to hormones rather than as a food that simply "balances" estrogen.

Flax also provides a significant amount of fiber, making it an easy addition to meals when you're looking to increase your overall fiber intake.

What About Seed Cycling?

Seed cycling is the practice of eating flax and pumpkin seeds during the first half of the menstrual cycle, then switching to sesame and sunflower seeds during the second half.

It's a popular practice in the wellness world, but there isn't currently strong clinical evidence showing that eating particular seeds during particular phases of the menstrual cycle changes hormone levels or improves menstrual function.

That doesn't mean there's anything wrong with seed cycling. If following a simple routine helps you regularly incorporate a variety of nutrient-dense seeds into your diet, go for it. But you don't need to follow a specific schedule to enjoy the nutritional benefits of these foods.

You can simply eat flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds throughout the month in whatever way works for you.

Hormone Friendly Pancakes with Strawberry Sauce