Home Remedies and Herbs for Ovarian Cyst

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that grows on or inside a woman’s ovary.¹ Each woman has two ovaries that are responsible for releasing eggs during each menstrual cycle.¹ Ovarian cysts can occur during a woman’s monthly menstrual cycle or as a result of cancer or other disease.² Those that form during the menstrual cycle are called functional cysts.²

What Causes Ovarian Cyst?

Functional cysts are caused by a woman’s normal menstrual cycle. During each cycle, an egg develops in the ovary, and a follicle grows. Ovulation occurs, where the egg is released into the follicle. If the follicle doesn’t open like it’s supposed to and release an egg, the fluid in the follicle causes a cyst to form. This is what’s known as a follicular cyst.² If the egg releases from the follicle, it may form a cyst known as a corpus luteum cyst, which can contain a small amount of blood.² Since these cysts form during ovulation, ovarian cysts are most common in women in their childbearing years, or who have undergone puberty but haven’t hit menopause yet.² Other ovarian cyst causes can include taking fertility drugs, which can lead to a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.² Polycystic ovary syndrome is another disorder that causes ovarian cysts. It’s characterized by a female hormone imbalance, which leads to many symptoms, such as irregular periods, acne, obesity, and ovarian cysts.³

Ovarian Cyst Symptoms

Ovarian cysts are common and affect many women at some point during their lives.¹ However, many of these women may not ever realize they’ve developed a cyst. In many cases, these cysts are harmless, present no symptoms, and go away on their own.¹ These cysts may only be discovered during a routine pelvic exam. In other women, ovarian cysts can lead to serious symptoms depending on where the cyst is located and if it has ruptured.1 Ovarian cyst symptoms may also occur if the cyst is large, bleeds, twists the fallopian tube, or interferes with the ovary’s blood supply.² Symptoms may include:²

• Abdominal bloating
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during intercourse
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain during bowel movements
• Spotting

Women who experience corpus luteum cysts may notice changes in their menstrual period, though this is rare with follicular cysts.² Some symptoms of ovarian cysts may mimic pregnancy.⁴ It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pain, especially when it’s accompanied by fever or vomiting.⁴ Treatment options may include surgery for current cysts or hormone therapies, such as birth control, for ongoing issues.² Ovarian cyst herbs can help with balancing hormones and improving reproductive health.

References

1. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/basics/definition/con-20019937
2. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/ovarian-cysts
3. http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/polycystic-ovary-syndrome
4. http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/basics/symptoms/con-20019937