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What are treatment options and natural cures for ovarian cysts? As well we know that cysts that occur on or in the ovaries are pretty common in women of childbearing age. In other words, most women of childbearing age will have ovarian cysts (particularly functional cysts - the most common type) at some point of their lifetime. If these cysts become bigger and don’t disappear naturally which then also cause symptoms or even severe symptoms, the appropriately treatment is needed!
-- You might also like to know more about signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts, before continuing!
Fortunately, most of these cysts (in many cases) usually will go away naturally after 1-3 months. Most of them are also not cancerous (ovarian cancer is rare in the women of childbearing age). To disappear naturally, they can rupture and this also usually doesn’t cause any symptom or pain.
Treatment options for ovarian cysts
Once again, these cysts must be treated if they don’t go away on their own. So, what are common options of the treatment to treat this health problem? The following are pieces of helpful information.
In general, the decision of the treatment is usually dependent on several factors (particularly such as age of patient, cyst’s size, type of cyst, symptoms that occur, and overall health of patient). Pelvic ultrasound is one of common procedures to find the type and characteristics of cysts (simple cyst or compound cyst).
Furthermore, the treatment may only involve simple observation, or on other hand may need more complex procedures (such as involving some blood tests, like CA-125 to help doctor analyze the cyst’s chance of cancer).
Watchful waiting (wait-&-see)
Since most cysts can disappear naturally without treatment, doctor usually choose ‘watchful waiting’ to monitor the progress of them with periodically pelvic ultrasound tests within a few months. According to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women's Health -- this option is usually common for:
- Patients who have a fluid-filled cyst (particularly if the size is also still small).
- Patients who are in childbearing years, particularly for women who still have a plan for pregnancy.
- No symptoms (particularly serious symptoms) that occur.
Moreover, watchful waiting option is also usually common for women with postmenopausal (the phase after menopause).
With birth control pills or other methods to temporarily stop the ovulation!
Birth control pills are one of common options to reduce the chance of developing new cysts in the next menstrual cycles of patient. They may be prescribed by doctor for functional cysts (the most common type of ovarian cyst) in order to temporarily stop the process of ovulation, so thus new cysts that form on or in ovaries can be eliminated. Some experts also believe that the use of oral contraceptives may also help decrease the risk of ovarian cancer in patients with ovarian cysts.
In addition, doctor may also use /prescribe Depo-Provera (a kind of hormone injection -- it is usually injected into the patient’s muscle to temporarily prevent ovulation for about three months).
Surgery option
Surgery may be the last option to cure unfriendly ovarian cysts. It is usually common option if the cysts:
- Cause pain or other symptoms /serious symptoms.
- Appear odd on the ultrasound.
- Don’t disappear after several menstrual periods (more than 2-3 menstrual cycles).
- Are cystic mass or potential to become cancerous.
- And if the size is getting larger or too large in size.
For a cystic mass, it has a chance of becoming cancer. And for a cancerous cystic mass, doctor may choose a surgery (like hysterectomy) that remove both patient’s ovaries and uterus. But hysterectomy may be the last option, particularly if patient still want to get pregnant.
Depending on the characteristics of cysts, some of them also can be removed without needing to remove ovary and uterus. Cystectomy is usually the answer of surgery for this case.
There is also a surgery (such as oophorectomy) to only remove the affected ovary and doesn’t remove the other intact. *** Consult more with a doctor for in-depth information!
Natural cures /natural remedies for ovarian cysts
Along with the treatments, there are also natural remedies or natural cures that may be helpful to encourage the successful of the treatment. -- You may also be interested to know about natural remedies for cervical cancer!
Though the exact cause of ovarian cyst is still unclear, but the imbalance of female hormone may contribute to cause cysts on or in ovaries. Based on this theory, there are many herbs that more focused on how to restore the balance & harmony.
Dietary Changes
Eating more fresh fruits & vegetables, diet high in whole grains and legumes may give a significant result to rebalance the body. Consult more with your registered dietitian for more detailed information!
A preliminary Italian study suggests that individuals who have diet high in cheese and meat products are more likely to have ovarian cysts than others who don’t consume these products. Furthermore, eating too much white flour and sugar also should be avoided!
Herbs for ovarian cysts
According to the Herbal Encyclopedia online, the following are some natural cures /herbs that may be effective to treat ovarian cysts:
- Bach flower remedies! This option can be used in combination or alone.
- Bee pollen! It is believed can be helpful for overall support & strengths.
- For cleansing and liver cleanse, milk thistle and dandelion may be the right choice.
- For hormonal balancing, Wild Yam is one of common choices of herb. Another choice is black Cohosh -- it is not only helpful for hormonal balancing but also for effective menstrual regulator.
- Other herbs to restore hormonal balance are ‘Red clover’ and ‘Chasteberry’!
*** Please consult more with a qualified herbalist for the clearly /exact herbs to meet your condition. Always remember that there is no herb that works for instant result. Most of herbs for ovarian cysts usually should be taken for several weeks or months. And to keep safe, it’s much better to consult first with your doctor before trying any complementary therapy /natural cure.
