Impact of Consuming Seeds Mix Laddu on Regulating Menstrual Cycle Irregularities among Young Women: A Nutritional Intervention Study

Abstract

Menstrual cycle irregularities are common among young women and may be associated with dietary, lifestyle, and hormonal factors. This study evaluated the reported impact of a seed mix laddu intervention on menstrual-cycle characteristics and related symptoms among women aged 17–25 years. A total of 30 female participants with reported menstrual irregularities were selected purposively from an initial group of 100 women. A three-month nutritional intervention was undertaken using a seed mix laddu prepared from flax, pumpkin, sesame, and sunflower seeds. Pre- and post-intervention information was collected using structured questionnaires covering anthropometry, dietary and lifestyle patterns, menstrual characteristics, symptoms, compliance, tolerability, and participant feedback. Before intervention, 23% reported cycles shorter than 24 days, 30% reported cycles longer than 35 days, and 47% reported irregular or unpredictable cycles. After the intervention, 99% were reported as having cycles within 24–35 days. Normal bleeding increased from 37% before intervention to 77% after intervention, while heavy bleeding decreased from 47% to 17%. The proportion reporting 5–7 days of bleeding increased from 47% to 63%. Reported severe cramps, heavy bleeding, mood swings, and fatigue were lower after intervention, with reductions reported as 83% to 40%, 43% to 23%, 27% to 14%, and 60% to 27%, respectively. Most participants consumed the laddu at least 4–6 times per week; 80% reported no side effects. Ninety percent expressed willingness to continue the intervention, and satisfaction ratings were either satisfied (70%) or extremely satisfied (30%). The findings indicate a favorable change in self-reported menstrual outcomes and good acceptability of the seed mix laddu over three months. However, the study was a small, single-group nutritional intervention based largely on self-reported outcomes; therefore, the findings should be interpreted as preliminary and should not be considered proof of causality.