Ovarian Cysts And Herbal Remedy

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths in a woman’s ovaries. This may happen in just one or both of the ovaries. Usually ovarian cysts are harmless and often go away on their own. Sometimes though ovarian cysts can grow so much they rupture, or cause damage to the ovary. They may grow so much they cause displacement of the reproductive organs or twist themselves. Damage from a ruptured ovarian cyst may cause scar tissue build-up, and/or the formation of adhesion, 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. In fact ovarian cysts can become quite large over time. Thankfully there are natural remedies that can help your body to rid itself of the cysts naturally and without surgery.

What Causes Ovarian Cysts?

• Irregular menstrual cycles.
• Hormonal imbalance.
• Hypothyroidism.
• Cigarette smoking.
• Early menstruation (11 years or younger).
• Increased upper body fat.
• Infertility treatment with gonadotropins, this may cause multiple large cysts.
• Use of Clomiphene (Clomid, Serophene) has been shown to increase the risk for development of Corpus Luteum cyst.
• Use of Tamoxifen for breast cancer.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Often, ovarian cysts don't cause any symptoms. You may not realize you have one until you visit your health care provider for a routine pelvic exam. Ovarian cysts can, however, cause problems if they twist, bleed, or rupture. If you have any of the symptoms below, it's important to have them checked out. That's because they can also be symptoms of ovarian tumors. Ovarian cancer often spreads before it is detected.

·         Infertility.

·         Vaginal pain with spotty bleeding.

·     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.

·         Pain or bloating in the abdomen.

·         Difficulty urinating, or frequent need to urinate.

·         Dull ache in the lower back.

·         Pain during sexual intercourse.

·         Painful menstruation and abnormal bleeding.

·         Weight gain.

·         Nausea or vomiting.

·         Loss of appetite, feeling full quickly.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

Functional Ovarian Cysts: During a woman’s natural cycle the ovaries produce follicles, which are like a cyst and contain the egg to be released during ovulation. As ovulation nears the follicle begins to grow. Follicles also produce and release both estrogen and progesterone. An ovarian cyst that forms due to a malfunction in the follicle 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, it continues to grow forming a cyst.

Corpus Luteum cyst: This happens when the follicle does release the egg at ovulation. The follicle changes to what is called the corpus luteum. The opening in the follicle where the egg was released seals off, accumulating fluid, causing the corpus luteum to 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 mucous.

Endometriomas: This type of cyst forms when endometrial cells attach to the ovary and form a growth (endometriosis).

The above 3 types of ovarian cysts may cause damage to the ovary, including twisting, scar tissue and adhesion formation. Both Dermoid 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 to natural therapies as well. It is best to work with your doctor regarding these types of cysts.

Polycystic ovaries: This is associated with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, the ovary may be enlarged, usually twice the size of a normal ovary. A polycystic ovary develops many small cysts in a row, looking like a strand of pearls on the surface of the ovary. PCOS is a common endocrine disorder. Not all women diagnosed with PCOS have ovaries that have these types of cysts.

How do doctors diagnose ovarian cysts and tumors?

The obstetrician/gynecologist or your regular doctor may feel a lump while doing a routine pelvic exam. Most ovarian growths are benign. But a small number can be cancerous. That’s why it’s important to have any growths checked. Postmenopausal women in particular should get examined. That's because they face a higher risk of ovarian cancer.

Tests that look for ovarian cysts or tumors include:

• Ultrasound. This test uses sound waves to create an image of the ovaries. The image helps the doctor determine the size and location of the cyst or tumor.
• Other imaging tests. Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET) are highly detailed imaging scans. The doctor can use them to find ovarian tumors and see whether and how far they have spread.
• Hormone levels. The doctor may take a blood test to check levels of several hormones. These include luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), estradiol, and testosterone.
• Laparoscopy. This is a surgical procedure used to treat ovarian cysts. It uses a thin, light-tipped device inserted into your abdomen. During this surgery, the surgeon can find cysts or tumors and may remove a small piece of tissue (biopsy) to test for cancer.
• CA-125. If the doctor thinks the growth may be cancerous, he might take a blood test to look for a protein called CA-125. Levels of this protein tend to be higher in some -- but not all -- women with ovarian cancer. This test is mainly used in women over age 35, who are at slightly higher risk for ovarian cancer.

If the diagnosis is ovarian cancer, the doctor will use the diagnostic test results to determine whether the cancer has spread outside of the ovaries. If it has, the doctor will also use the results to determine how far it has spread. This diagnostic procedure is called staging. This helps the doctor plan your treatment.

How to Help Ovarian Cysts Naturally…

Step One: Reduce Estrogen

Excess estrogen in one of the main culprits to causing hormonal imbalance which then causes disordered ovulation. One of the best ways to rid the body of excess estrogens is to stop exposing yourself to xenohormones and taking supplement.

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 perabens in skin care products
• Use natural detergents.

Step Two: Increase progesterone and balance hormones

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

Dr. John Lee recommends natural progesterone as one of the best treatments for ovarian cysts. One of the ways to use natural progesterone is to “trick” the body into thinking it is pregnant. By taking natural progesterone from days 10-26 of the cycle the body thinks it is pregnant and stops ovulating. If no ovulation occurs, no follicle occurs and no ovarian cysts can be created.
 

This is a short term treatment and is best done in conjunction with the other supportive supplements to help prevent them from coming back and to help the body remove the cysts so you can begin trying to conceive. Remember, while you are following this treatment you will not be ovulating, so you will not be able to get pregnant while you are following Dr. Lee’s protocol. If you would like to learn more about how Dr. John Lee treats ovarian cysts with natural progesterone cream, please consider purchasing his book on natural progesterone at his website.

Supportive Herbs for Ovarian Cysts

Now that the symptom is covered let’s look at balancing the body so we can help prevent future cysts. Consider an herbal program for preventing ovarian cysts from forming in the first place. We like to use herbs to help nourish the endocrine system, promote hormonal balance, regular ovulation, and promote proper circulation to the reproductive organs. Also consider herbs that are detoxifying to the liver for improved hormonal balance. Ovarian cysts are a considered a state of stagnation in the body, both in the liver and circulation to the reproductive organs. The herbs below have been found supportive for supporting proper menstrual cycles, reduction in ovarian pain, increased circulation to the reproductive organs and supportive of liver function.

• Herbs: Herbs that have helped regulate the menstrual cycle and assist with hormone imbalances include black cohosh, chasteberry, dong quai, wild yam root, and red clover.
• Detox: If you’re exposed to a lot of toxins in your daily life, you may need a detox. Try dandelion or milk thistle to support the liver in cleansing out toxins from the body, which may help lessen your symptoms. Milk thistle can also balance a women’s estrogen and progesterone levels.
• Consider a vegetarian or raw diet: Some studies have suggested a correlation between diet and ovarian cysts, particularly in women that regularly consume fat from animal sources (meat and dairy). Try cutting back on these foods and see if that helps, or consider working with a dietician.
• Help the body break them down: Natural therapies for helping the body break down the cysts include systemic enzymes, which can break down foreign tissues in the body; and castor oil packs, which you apply to the skin to promote healing.
• Drink more water with lemon: It helps to flush the system of toxins and help return the body to a more healthy overall function.

Sources: WebMD, natural-fertility-info.com and renegadehealth.com