It’s completely normal to have ovarian cysts from time to time. Most ovarian cysts are harmless and can’t be felt at all. Some, however, do cause some discomfort.
Most ovarian cysts go away by themselves and don’t require medical attention. If you are experiencing unpleasant symptoms, though, your health care provider may recommend treatment.
It’s important to remember that there is no scientific evidence that supports natural remedies for ovarian cysts. That is why it’s always good to follow advice from your health care provider, and don’t replace or modify their prescribed treatment with natural remedies.
Types of ovarian cysts
There are different types of ovarian cysts. Some ovarian cysts don’t cause symptoms or require treatment; they go away by themselves.
If there are symptoms, they may include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping – Pain in the lower abdomen on the side where the cyst is
- Pressure or heaviness in the abdomen
However, some cysts, especially large ones, can cause severe symptoms if they rupture. It’s important to contact a health care provider for any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden, severe abdominal or pelvic pain
- Pain with fever or vomiting
- Rapid breathing and heart rate
- Cold, clammy skin
- Lightheadedness or weakness
That said, let’s look at the different types of ovarian cysts.
Functional cysts
Most functional cysts are benign and harmless. They are the most common types of ovarian cysts and usually require no treatment, as they go away by themselves after a short time.
However, when there is internal bleeding in a functional cyst, it becomes a hemorrhagic cyst.
- Follicular cysts
Inside the ovarian follicle is an immature egg, referred to as an oocyte, and some fluid. Once the follicle matures, it ruptures, releasing the egg and the fluid. That happens during ovulation.
If the follicle does not rupture or expel the liquid, it swells up and becomes a cyst.
- Luteal cysts
When a follicle releases an egg and starts producing progesterone, it is called a corpus luteum. The follicle becomes a cyst when it closes back up and fluid collects inside.
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Dermoid cysts
Dermoid cysts are growths that contain hair, fluid, glands, and skin tissue. Dermoid cysts are benign but can cause complications if they rupture.
Endometrioma cysts
Endometriomas are cysts that contain endometrial tissue and menstrual blood. Endometrioma cysts usually occur in people who have endometriosis.
Cystadenomas
Composed of mucous fluid, cystadenomas can become enlarged and cause discomfort. Unlike functional cysts, they don’t spontaneously disappear and often require surgical removal.
Four popular remedies for ovarian cysts
While some people claim that there are natural remedies for ovarian cysts, there is no scientific evidence to support these claims.
Always be sure to consult a health care provider before treating symptoms associated with ovarian cysts.
1. Over-the-counter drugs
Over-the-counter medications can provide pain relief. They don’t require a prescription, but if the pain does not subside, it’s important to see a health care provider.
Talk to a health care provider before taking any painkillers for ovarian cysts.
2. Weight loss
Fat has two main functions in the body.
First of all, it acts as a store of energy.
Secondly, it constantly sends messages to the rest of the body to control things like cell growth, chemical reactions in cells, and the body’s reproductive cycles.
Some extra fat also plays an active role in sending out signals to the body. But if there is too much extra fat in the body, this process can be disrupted.
Studies have shown that being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing many conditions. The body is able to function better at a healthy weight, and this can help prevent the formation of ovarian cysts.
3. Dietary adjustments
Most people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have insulin resistance and/or obesity. Their elevated insulin levels contribute to or cause abnormalities in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, which leads to multiple ovarian cysts.
Resistance to insulin can increase the risk of developing diabetes and infertility, and may also cause weight gain. Managing insulin levels with a diet can be a great way to manage the condition.
For people with PCOS, changing their diet (for example, reducing sugar intake) can help reduce the risk of developing diabetes or ovarian cysts.
4. Relaxation
Stress and anxiety are known to lead to or exacerbate many health problems. Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, and yoga can help manage stress.
These techniques can also help with pain relief and improve overall health.
Reasons to seek medical help
If cysts continue to grow, they can cause discomfort and should be treated properly.
Talk to a health care provider in cases of:
- Severe abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Painful bowel movements
- Urinary frequency
- Menstrual irregularities
- Bloating
- Painful intercourse
- Rapid breathing
- Nausea and vomiting
In some cases, ovarian cysts can cause complications. When a cyst ruptures, it can cause heavy bleeding and intense abdominal pain. These symptoms may be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, dizziness and faintness, and pelvic pain. If you experience these symptoms, contact a health care provider.
References
“Ovarian Cysts.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 26 Aug. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/symptoms-causes/syc-20353405.
“Ovarian Cyst - Overview.” NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/ovarian-cyst/.
“Ovarian Cysts | Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 27 Aug. 2020, medlineplus.gov/ovariancysts.html.
Witchel, Selma Feldman, et al. “Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: Pathophysiology, Presentation, and Treatment With Emphasis on Adolescent Girls.” Journal of the Endocrine Society, Endocrine Society, 14 June 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6676075/.
“Does Obesity Cause Cancer?” Cancer Research UK, www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/obesity-weight-and-cancer/does-obesity-cause-cancer.
“PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) and Diabetes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, www.cdc.gov/diabetes/basics/pcos.html.
History of updates
Current version (26 November 2021)
Reviewed by Kate Shkodzik, MD, Obstetrician and gynecologist
Published (17 April 2019)
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