I remember when I was first diagnosed with ovarian cysts. I had just gotten off work from the hospital (ironically enough) and I was driving home. I felt out of sorts during my shift-lightheaded, weak and feverish, but I didn’t think much of it.

As I was driving, every little bump in the road seemed to bother me. I felt cold and clammy. Suddenly, I experienced shooting pains radiating from my lower abdomen (left and right sides) and my lower back. I managed to drive home, but when I got there, the pain was so intense that I was doubled over and I felt like I couldn’t even stand up straight. My parents were at home and my dad thought that I was exhibiting the symptoms of kidney stones.

After a harrowing trip to the emergency room and a pelvic exam (joy to the world), I found out that I had ovarian cysts. The ER doctor prescribed a pain reliever for me, which seemed to help. I met with my general practitioner a few days later and he told me other ways to alleviate the pain.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are small fluid-filled sacs that develop either within or on the surface of an ovary. Many women have ovarian cysts at some point during their lives. Functional (non-disease related) cysts form as a normal part of ovulation. Usually, the cyst will cause little or no discomfort and will be non-cancerous (benign). Ovarian cysts usually disappear within a few weeks.

Non-cancerous types of ovarian cysts:

• Follicular cyst-the most common type of ovarian cyst. This type forms a yellow mass of tissue and occurs when a follicle does not release the egg.
• Corpus luteum cyst-the cyst forms after a follicle has released its egg. The cyst fills with fluid and remains in the ovary.
• Hemorrhagic cyst-this type occurs when there is bleeding within the cyst. There may be abdominal pain on one side of the body.
• Dermoid cyst-is a type of benign cystic tumor with hair, bone, or other structures. These cysts develop from the ovary’s germ cells (the cells that produce the egg).
• Endometrioma cysts-are also know as the chocolate cysts of endometriosis and develop when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries.
• Polycystic-appearing ovaries-these are caused by a buildup of many small cysts around the outside of the ovary.

Symptoms

• Menstrual irregularities
• Lower abdominal pelvic pain-constant or intermittent dull ache that may also radiate to your lower back and thighs
• Pelvic pain shortly before your period begins or just before it ends
• Pelvic pain during intercourse (dyspareunia)
• Pain during bowel movements or pressure on your bowels
• Nausea, vomiting or breast tenderness similar to that experienced during pregnancy
• Fullness or heaviness in your abdomen
• Pressure on your rectum or bladder-difficulty emptying your bladder completely

Signals for immediate medical attention:

• Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
• Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
• Faintness, dizziness or weakness
• Rapid breathing

Causes

The most common type of ovarian cyst is a follicular cyst, which results from the growth of a follicle or fluid-filled sac that houses an egg. Follicles create the hormones estrogen and progesterone and release an egg when you ovulate. When the follicle grows larger than normal during the menstrual cycle and does not open to release the egg, a follicular cyst develops. These usually go away on their own.

Home remedies

My doctor told me to apply a hot compress to the area of discomfort (water bottle, heating pad) and to get a lot of rest. A nice, relaxing bath also seems to soothe away the pain.

Ginger compresses can be help dissolve hardened accumulations of fats, proteins or minerals such as ovarian cysts.

Apply natural progesterone cream topically (14th to the 28th day of your menstrual cycle). Place 1/4 to ½ tsp. on thighs to help regulate your hormones.

Consume more phytoestrogens in your diet to regulate your hormones naturally. Examples would be alfalfa, ginsing, fennel and celery.

-Nolan

Do you have any remedies for ovarian cysts? Comment and tell us!

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