MedicalOvarian cysts, whichare fluid-filled sacsthat form on or inthe ovaries, mostcommonly affectwomen in theirchildbearing years,according to theU.S. Department ofHealth and HumanServices Office onWomen’s Health.Ovarian cystsWhat are they?Although ovarian cysts generallyaren’t cancerous, women whoexperience them are more likelyto experience pain and otherundesirable symptoms.What are the signs and symptoms?Signs and symptoms which are commonwith cysts include painful menstruation,abdominal pain and bloating, painful sexualintercourse, irregular periods, painful bowelmovements, and nausea and vomiting.What causes them?Functional cysts are the most common typeof cysts and these form during ovulationfrom excessive levels of oestrogen in thebloodstream.Polycystic ovary (PCOS) cysts,endometriomas (which are caused byendometriosis), cystadenomas, and dermoidcysts are all types of ovarian cysts which arecaused by things other than ovulation.Some cysts are hereditary but others havebeen attributed to a number of other causessuch as an altered immune system, insulinresistence, environmental toxicity, obesity,hormonal imbalance or poor diet.What can the doctor do?The Mayo Clinic suggest that there’s nodefinite way to prevent the growth of
ovarian cysts but advise women to undergoregular pelvic examinations to help ensurethat changes in your ovaries are diagnosedas early as possible.When women experience functional cysts,birth control pills may be recommended.No medical evidence has proven that birthcontrol pills prevent ovarian cysts fromforming but some doctors still prescribethem to women who suffer from thisproblem to suppress ovulation in the hopesof preventing cysts.It’s important to know that suppressingovulation will not prevent types of cystswhich form as a result of conditions and notovulation.What can I do to helpmyself?In addition to pelvic examinations, bealert to changes in your monthly cycle,including symptoms that may accompanymenstruation that aren’t typical for you orwhich persist over more than a few cycles.If you suspect that you could have an ovariancyst, it’s important to make an appointmentwith your gynecologist right away. Whilemost cysts are nothing more than anannoyance, others do require treatment. Thesymptoms of ovarian cysts also tend to besimilar to other conditions, so it’s importantto get a proper diagnosis.There is a plethora of information on theinternet about natural remedies to preventovarian cysts from forming, however, thisshould only be considered in consultationwith your healthcare provider and never as asubstitute for qualified medical advice.Some of the main areas suggested for thenatural prevention of ovarian cysts include:A Healthy DietAs a diet high in animal products and highlyprocessed foods has been show to affectfemale reproductive hormone levels in thebloodstream, these should be reduced.Many articles also advise a reduction of soyand dairy.Whole foods, nutrient dense food and freshraw fruit, vegetables and nuts should beincreased as these are high in fibre whichreduces excess oestrogen in the body.Avoid plastic containersAccording to some sources, drinking fromplastic bottles and eating from plasticTupperware containers can also increaseoestrogen levels!ExerciseExercise is one of the easiest and most naturalways to restore the body’s equilibrium.Supportive HerbsMaca root (Lepidium meyenii), Black Cohoshroot (Actaea racemosa), Dong Quai root(Angelica sinensis),Milk Thistle seed (Silybummarianum), Tribulus, aerial parts and fruit(Tribulus terrestris), Vitex, Chaste treeberry (Vitex agnus-castus), Wild Yam root(Dioscorea villosa) and Yarrow aerial parts(Achillea millefolium). These herbs belowhave been found supportive for supportingproper menstrual cycles, reduction inovarian pain, increased circulation to thereproductive organs and supportive of liverfunction.Castor Oil PacksCastor Oil Packs are an ancient therapy thathelps to cleanse and heal the body wherethey are placed. The castor oil has a drawingpower the clears the body of excess tissuesand toxins. Castor oil packs stimulate thelymphatic and circulatory system. Thelymphatic system removes toxins and wastefrom the area stimulated by the castoroil pack. The promotion of circulation bythe castor oil pack will also bring in freshoxygenated, nutrient rich blood to thereproductive organs, including the ovaries.This is vital to reducing and dissolving ovariancysts. Do not use during menstruation.Try DetoxificationAs some cysts are believed to be caused byan imbalance in the body, detoxificationtherapy has been suggestedLouise Bensaid