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Turning Personal Crisis into a Mission-Driven Venture

Once a high-performing NYU GSAS student, Britt Martin found herself facing a life-altering diagnosis in her mid-20s: Hodgkin’s lymphoma. As she underwent chemotherapy, her menstrual cycle ceased — an effect that propelled her into a deeper quest for natural healing.

The Moment of Revelation

During chemotherapy, Britt’s period didn’t return. Rather than accepting hormonal birth control —something she had negative experiences with since adolescence—she chose a different path. Determined to reclaim her health naturally, Britt interviewed practitioners across disciplines, from functional medicine to holistic nutrition. That’s when she discovered seed cycling (or “seed syncing”), a practice that ultimately helped restore her cycle after three months—and with significantly fewer symptoms than before.

Inspired by how seed cycling helped her—and recognizing its inconvenient DIY nature — Britt co-founded Food Period in 2017 with best friend Jenn Kim. Based in New York, the startup transforms seed syncing into convenient products like Moon Bites and Moon Seeds, making hormone‑supportive nutrition accessible at scale.

Why It Works: The Science Behind Seed Syncing

Seed cycling aligns eating with menstrual phases:

• Days 1–14 (follicular phase): raw, freshly ground flax + pumpkin seeds to support estrogen and zinc-important progesterone production

• Days 15–28 (luteal phase): raw sesame + sunflower seeds to moderate estrogen and boost progesterone via vitamin E

Though robust clinical trials are lacking—due in part to the non‑patentability of seed cycling—some data on flaxseed link lignans to estrogen metabolism and symptom reduction during hormonal shifts. Britt’s team has cross‑referenced available micronutrient research with menstrual health literature to guide their formulation.

From GSAS to Impact-Focused Founder

At NYU, Britt Martin’s background in research and strategy informed her methodical approach to business. As an alumna our nine-week NYU Summer Launchpad, she applied her GSAS training to launch a venture rooted in both personal healing and nutritional science.

Early Accolades and Vision

Food Period earned early recognition, including first-place honors and a $5,000 grant in a food‑tech startup competition. Britt and Jenn’s motivation isn’t just better symptoms — it’s disrupting the status quo: shifting menstrual health from pharmaceuticals to food-based options.

Leadership & Mission Today

Now a strategist and founder, Britt continues to speak at NYU events — often sharing her operational insights and advocacy for menstrual health equity.