Ovarian Cysts

Symptoms

Ovarian cysts are not uncommon. In many cases, they appear and disappear, and are often discovered by accident during a routine pelvic examination. They are an enclosed area filled with fluid. Cysts can be solitary or multiple, situated on or beside the ovaries. Sizes can vary from small to the size of a grapefruit. Pain and discomfort arise when the cyst presses against other tissues, but cysts are often small, harmless and cause no discomfort. The pain is experienced as a constant soreness or burning just inside and above the hip bone, or on either side in the lower abdomen. Sudden twisting movements are painful and the area is usually very sensitive to touch and pressure. Some women experience sudden sharp pains during ovulation. Depending on their size and location, ovarian cysts can irritate the bladder and intestines, causing abdominal swelling or pain during intercourse.

In rare cases, a cyst will form on a stem and twist, causing severe abdominal pain comparable to an appendicitis attack. Ovarian cysts that develop after menopause should also be checked regularly, since there is a possibility that they may also be cancerous. Multiple cysts on one ovary, accompanied by menstrual irregularities and excess facial hair, are known as polycystic ovaries.

Causes

Every month the ovaries develop a follicle which normally releases an egg during ovulation. Cysts form when a follicle grows but neither releases an egg nor degenerates. Instead, it continues to grow in the ovary, secreting fluid that develops into a cyst. Most cysts naturally disappear within a cycle or two. Persistent or recurring problems with cysts are caused by hormonal imbalances often related to diet, including too much meat, saturated fats and products made from white flour, pastas and rice, which lack fiber. Also suspected are pelvic congestion from poor circulation and a sluggish liver, since that organ is responsible for the detoxification of hormones.

Nutrition

Nutritional therapy can help prevent the enlargement of ovarian cysts. Eat plenty of whole grains, legumes, fruits and vegetables. Drink enzyme-rich juices such as carrot, spinach, beet or cucumber juice to boost the immune system. Since the liver is involved in any abnormal metabolism of hormones, eat such liver-cleansing foods as artichokes, lemons, black cherries, pineapple, parsnips, dandelion greens, watercress, turmeric, celery and burdock root. Many of these can also be juiced. Other foods good for the liver are kelp, dulse, milk thistle, Swiss chard, turnip greens, wheat germ, seeds and nuts. Use at least two tablespoons of unrefined, cold-pressed flax seed oil daily on salads or in any dishes which do not require heating to high temperatures. Flax seed oil is an excellent source of the essential fatty acid omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid and also contains the other essential fatty acid, omega-6 linoleic acid. These fatty acids, which the body cannot manufacture itself, are converted to prostaglandins, hormone-like substances which reduce inflammation.

Avoid coffee, black tea, alcohol and processed foods, which interfere with hormone function. Most importantly, lower the intake of saturated fat and cholesterol by eliminating red meats from the diet. Keep high-fat dairy products, especially cheeses, to a minimum. Cultured dairy products such as yogurt or buttermilk are fine as long as they are low in fat and free of antibiotics and other chemicals. The more vegetarian the diet, the better. Use fish and seafood as your source of animal protein if you eat any at all.

Nutritional Supplements

Vitamin E is often helpful in preventing and reducing cysts, as it provides hormonal balance. The gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) available in evening primrose oil is highly recommended for building anti-inflammatory prostaglandins. They can also be found in cod or halibut liver oil, flax seed oil, olive oil, black currant oil or oil of borage. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids is also helpful in combating inflammation. Bioflavonoids are plant substances that exist naturally with vitamin C and protect estrogens. They prevent estrogens from being broken down too rapidly, thereby increasing overall estrogen activity. They are abundantly available in citrus fruits, garlic, onions, peppers, cherries, berries, grape seed, currants and many other foods. In supplement form, look for rutin, hesperidin, catechin, quercetin, grape seed extract or pycnogenol. To support the health of the ovarian lining, vitamin A or beta-carotene is useful.

Daily dosages:

Most Important

Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 600 IU

Evening primrose oil, two 500 mg capsules three times daily

Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg

Quercetin, 500 mg

Helpful

Vitamin A, 25,000 IU or 30,000 IU

beta-carotene (avoid during pregnancy)

Herbal Remedies

Natural progesterone cream should be applied topically from the fourteenth to twenty-eighth day of the menstrual cycle. Apply 1/4–1/2 tsp. on hips and thighs to help regulate hormone levels.

Dong quai, licorice, black cohosh, chaste berry, damiana, raspberry, sage, ginseng, fennel and gotu kola regulate estrogen. Take as teas, tinctures or capsules, as directed on the bottle.

Homeopathy

An experienced homeopath should be sought for a more extensive treatment.

Tissue Salts

Take 4 tablets under the tongue three times daily.

Calc sulph eliminates the waste material that causes ovarian cysts.

External/Physical Therapies

Avoid chilling the extremities and lower abdomen, which causes internal congestion.

Minimize use of high heels, since they inhibit pelvic circulation.

Available Brand Name Products

Nutritional Supplements

Ascorbate/Non-acidic Vitamin C (Ester-C)

Flax Oil (Flora)

Flax-O-Mega 1000 mg (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend (Flora)

Udo’s Choice: Ultimate Oil Blend Capsules (Flora)

E 400 IU Mixed Tocopherol 100% Natural (Natural Factors)

Ester-C (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil 1000 mg (Natural Factors)

Flax Seed Oil Liquid (Natural Factors)

Hi Potency Multi (Natural Factors)

Super Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Multi Plus (Natural Factors)

Ultra Prim Evening Primrose Oil (Natural Factors)

Other Nutritional Supplements

Bee Pollen (Nature’s Herbs)

Herbal Remedies

Dong Quai Extract (Natural Factors)

Enriching Green Factors (Natural Factors)

Saw Palmetto Extract (Natural Factors)

Alfalfa Leaves (Nature’s Herbs)

Black Cohosh Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Burdock (Nature’s Herbs)

Chaste-Berry Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Damiana Leaves (Nature’s Herbs)

Dong Quai-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Echinacea-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Fennel Seed (Nature’s Herbs)

Ginseng-Power, Siberian (Nature’s Herbs)

Golden Seal Root (Nature’s Herbs)

Green-Power (Nature’s Herbs)

Kelp (Norwegian) Combination

(Nature’s Herbs)

Licorice Phytosome (Nature’s Herbs)

Parsley Leaf (Nature’s Herbs)

Red Clover Combination (Nature’s Herbs)

Red Raspberry Combination (Nature’s Herbs)

Saw Palmetto-Power (Nature’s Herbs)