Very large ovarian cysts can cause displacement of the reproductive organs. Damage from a ruptured ovarian cyst may cause scar tissue build-up, and/or the formation of adhesions, attaching the ovary to other parts of the internal body.

Ovarian cysts are most common in women of childbearing years, but can rarely develop in postmenopausal women. A woman’s ovaries are about the size and shape of an almond. It is amazing that something so small and delicate can hold thousands of eggs at birth. It is also quite amazing that something so small can develop a cyst. Thankfully, there are natural remedies that can help the body to rid itself of the cysts naturally, without surgery.

What are the types of Ovarian Cysts?

Functional Ovarian CystsA woman’s ovaries contain thousands of follicles that house immature eggs (ova). During the menstrual cycle each month, as ovulation nears, a select number of follicles are signaled to grow (mature) for ovulation. An ovarian cyst that forms due to a malfunction in follicle maturation is known as a functional cyst. There are two types of functional cysts:

Follicular cyst: This happens when the follicle fails to rupture and release the egg at ovulation; instead it continues to grow, forming a cyst.

Corpus Luteum cyst: After ovulation, once the egg is released, the follicle changes to what is called the corpus luteum. The development of a corpus luteum cyst happens when the opening in the follicle where the egg was released seals off and then causes the corpus luteum to accumulate fluid and grow into a cyst.

Other Types of Ovarian Cysts
There are other types of cysts that form on the ovaries, but they are not related to the menstrual cycle.

Dermoid cyst: These cysts are considered complex and develop from cells that produce human eggs. Because of this, these types of cyst may contain hair, teeth, or skin. They are rarely cancerous.

Cystadenomas: This type of cyst develops from ovarian tissue and is filled with liquid or mucus.

Endometriomas: This type of cyst forms when displaced endometrial cells attach to the ovary and form a growth (endometriosis). This type of ovarian cyst is commonly called a chocolate cyst.

The above 3 types of ovarian cysts may cause damage to the ovary, including twisting, scar tissue and adhesion formation. Both dermoid cysts and cystadenomas may cause the ovary to become very large and displaced. These types of cysts are considered more complex and usually do not respond well to natural therapies. It is best to work with your doctor regarding these types of cysts.

Polycystic ovaries: A polycystic ovary develops many small cysts in a row on the surface of the ovary, which looks like a strand of pearls. Polycystic ovaries are associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). In the case of polycystic ovaries, the ovaries may become enlarged, typically twice the size of normal ovaries. PCOS is fast becoming a leading endocrine disorder among women. Not all women diagnosed with PCOS have ovaries that have these types of cysts.

Causes  of Ovarian Cysts

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Hormonal imbalance
• Hypothyroidism
• Cigarette smoking
• Early menstruation (11 years or younger)
• BMI above 30
• Infertility treatment with gonadotropins has been found to cause multiple large ovarian cysts in some women
• Use of Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) has been shown to increase the risk for development of Corpus Luteum cysts
• Use of Tamoxifen for breast cancer

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Most women that have ovarian cysts don’t even know they have them; typically, there are no signs or symptoms. Most ovarian cysts are discovered during a routine physical exam. The larger a cyst is, the more likely it is to cause symptoms. Symptoms may be:

• Pelvic pain, usually on the side where the cyst is present. Pain may be sharp, sudden or come and go throughout the cycle
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Anovulatory cycles may be a sign of a follicular cyst; charting your cycle can help you to determine if you are having anovulatory cycles
• Pelvic pain after intercourse or strenuous exercise
• Nausea and vomiting, this usually happens after a cyst ruptures
• Vaginal pain with spotty mid-cycle bleeding
• Pressure and/or abdominal bloating; may be noticeable on one side or the other
• Pain or pressure in the abdomen when urinating or having a bowel movement
• Infertility

Note: See a doctor immediately if you have excruciating pain, nausea, vomiting and/or bleeding from the vagina during any point in your cycle.

How are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?

If you suspect you have an ovarian cyst, your doctor can help direct you to the best type of diagnostic testing for your needs. Here are some tests your doctor may perform:

• Transvaginal ultrasound is a vaginal ultrasound probe inserted into the vagina. This type of ultrasound has been found to produce a better image of ovarian cysts than external ultrasound through the abdominal wall.
• Laparoscopic surgery may be performed to determine the type of cyst and to take a biopsy.
• CT or MRI may be used if there is further concern.
• Serum CA-125 assay is a blood test to determine if the cyst is cancerous. This test is not always accurate because elevated levels of CA-125 may also signal the presence of uterine fibroids, adenomyosis or endometriosis.

How Natural Therapies May Help with Ovarian Cysts

There are natural options that are very effective for managing functional ovarian cysts. We like to approach it at two different levels – clearing out and prevention. In this guide you will learn how to clear out excess estrogens and cysts while working to prevent future ones from being created. This therapy usually has results in 3 months, but should only be done prior to trying to conceive.

The Benefits of Natural Therapies for Ovarian Cysts:

• Reduces excess estrogens
• Promotes hormonal balance
• Reduces cyst size and growth
• Least invasive
• Very effective
• No side effects

How to Help Ovarian Cysts Naturally…

Step One: Reduce Estrogen

Excess estrogen is one of the most common types of hormonal imbalance, which can cause the disruption of ovulation. One of the best ways to rid the body of excess estrogens is to stop exposing yourself to xenohormones and to start taking a supplement called DIM (diindolylmethane).

Avoid exposure to estrogens and xenoestrogens

• Stop eating soy foods
• Eat only organic meats and dairy
• Do not microwave foods in plastic
• Stop drinking water from plastic bottles
• Avoid mineral oil and parabens in skin care products
• Use natural detergents

Supplement with DIM
DIM helps to clear the body of these excess estrogens, aiding in hormonal balance and reducing the promotion of ovarian cyst growth. DIM should be taken daily for at least three months along with lifestyle changes which include avoiding xenoestrogens found in products, foods and the environment.

Step Two: Increase Progesterone and Balance Hormones

Natural Progesterone
When there is excess estrogen in the body, there is usually also a progesterone deficiency. Balancing your estrogen and progesterone levels by using natural progesterone cream will help reduce the ovarian cysts and lessen the chance of them occurring in the future. Use of natural progesterone cream helps to increase progesterone levels.