Ovarian cyst
What is an ovarian cyst?
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst
Prevention / remedies / treatment for an ovarian cyst
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a thin fluid-filled sac, located within an ovary. It can be as small as a pea, or larger than an orange.
Functional cysts are part of the normal process of menstruation. If an egg is not released during ovulation, the ovary can fill with fluid. Usually functional cysts will disappear after a few period cycles. Most ovarian cysts are functional in nature, and benign.
In the US, functional ovarian cysts are found in nearly all pre-menopausal women. About 15% of post-menopausal women have cysts. Cysts that persist beyond two or three menstrual cycles, or that occur in post-menopausal women may indicate more serious disease and should be investigated.
Non-functional cysts often occur in groups. They include:
- Dermoid cysts (benign tumours).
- Polycystic-appearing ovary. The ovary is enlarged ( usually twice normal) with small cysts around the outside of the ovary.
Note - an ovarian cyst is not the same as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). - Chocolate cysts (endometrioma, endometrioid cyst, endometrial cyst) caused by endometriosis. They are formed when a small piece of endometrial tissue bleeds or sloughs off to become transplanted in an ovary.
Symptoms of an ovarian cyst
- Often there are no symptoms.
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, lower ribs or thighs. The pain may range from dull and constant through to sharp and intermittent.
- Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, pain or bloating in the abdomen.
- Pain around menstrual period.
- Irregular periods, or abnormal bleeding or spotting.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Difficulty with urination or bowel movements.
- Breast tenderness.
- Headaches.
- Fatigue.
- Weight gain.
- Infertility.
- Increased hair growth on the scalp, face or body.
- Nodules under the skin that feel like bruises.
Prevention / remedies / treatment for an ovarian cyst
Over 95% of ovarian cysts are benign (not cancerous). Most disappear within two or three menstrual cycles.
- Test for hypothyroidism and treat if necessary.
- Iodine. Ensure iodine level is sufficient.
- A warm bath or hot water bottle over the lower abdomen near the ovaries or near pain helps to relax tense muscles and relieve pain or cramping.
- Alternate heat as above followed by cold compress may stimulate circulation and healing in the ovaries.
- See details of remedies recommended by Grow Youthful visitors, and their experience with them.