Ovarian Cysts

Can you recommend a herbal supplement to help with an ovarian cyst and prevent pain?

Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder and is a complex condition which needs to be carefully assessed on an individual basis. For this reason my suggestion is to have a Naturopathic consultation so that a full case history can be done, including personal and family medical history, medications, diet and lifestyle.

Ovarian cysts are fluid containing swellings (benign tumours) in the ovary which can be a few centimetres in diameter (occasionally they can grow larger) and if they twist, rupture or bleed they can cause severe pain. For many women this condition is asymptomatic and the cysts may disappear spontaneously.

Women with PCOS produce excessive quantities of androgens in their ovaries (due to excessive Luteinizing Hormone production; conversely, excessive production of androgens can cause excessive production of Luteinizing Hormone). PCOS patients generally have abnormally high (free) Testosterone levels. Excessive amounts of Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are produced by Polycystic Ovary Syndrome patients (this excessive production of LH results in excessive production of Androgens that are responsible for many of the symptoms of PCOS - conversely, excessive production of androgens can cause excessive production of Luteinizing Hormone).

Some causes of Ovarian Cysts

Insulin resistance
Obesity
Oestrogen dominance (excessive estrogen female sex hormones produced in the ovaries)
Excess androgens (testosterone)
Poor liver function
Thyroid function
Adrenal function
Xenoestrogen exposure (synthetic estrogens)
Nutrient deficiencies
Use of the oral contraceptive pill or Hormone replacement therapy

Diet tips for ovarian cysts

Diet - low fat, whole food, mostly vegetarian diet. Estrogen free diet
Choose an alkaline diet such as fresh fruit and vegetables, oily fish, green leafy vegetables, tofu products/ soy milk, and grains (millet, brown rice, buckwheat).
Decrease the consumption of inflammatory/ mucus forming foods such as red meats, dairy, wheat and sugar
Increase 'alive' growing foods like wheatgrass, barley grass, spirulina, sprouts and soaked grains and seeds into your diet.
Vegetable juices rather than fruit juices
Increase the amount of water intake in the form of herbal teas and filtered water

Lifestyle factors for ovarian cysts

A naturopath can tailor make a herbal tincture specific for your needs and it is recommended to make an appointment with a Healthcare practitioner so that they can assess your individual case and give you the appropriate support and advice
Speak to you doctor concerning further diagnostic test such as a thyroid function test and a hormone test done which includes a liver function, testosterone, oestrogen, progesterone and Luteinising Hormones. This hormone test will give you a clearer diagnostic picture of what is happening with your hormones
Keep in mind that when trying to balance hormones it will take a period of at least 3-6 months to recorrect any problems
In Chinese Medicine it is believed that the liver governs the health of the pelvic area and reproductive organs. This means by reducing the burden of wastes in the liver will increase the vitality of the circulation to the reproductive organs and improve menstrual cycles
Ovarian cysts will also change in size and occurrence with each cycle due to oestrogen production throughout the month
Address underlying contributing factors such as liver function, hormone imbalances, weight and insulin resistance
Avoid alcohol and smoking
Acupuncture is beneficial for revitalising energy to the reproductive organs, stimulating Qi (energy) to the organs and reducing any pain and inflammation experienced

Natural remedies for ovarian cysts

Evening Primrose Oil is an anti-inflammatory and also a hormonal modulator for the female reproductive system
There are many Homeopathic remedies which can help to reduce ovarian cysts, consider making an appointment with a Homeopath who can prescribe a remedy specific for your needs. Some remedies they may suggest are Apis, Iodium, Rhus Tox, Colocynthus or Lachesis
B vitamin Complex will again help as a gentle anti-oxidant, regulation of the menstrual cycle, reduce excessive amounts of androgens from the adrenals and also shrink the size of the cysts
A supplement which contains chromium to address the insulin resistance which is often an underlying causative factor for ovarian cysts
False Unicorn helps to normalize ovulation in women with PCOS. It also helps to normalize follicular development and reduces the incidence of ovarian cysts in women with PCOS. It also reduces the amount of estrogens produced by the ovaries
Chaste Berry lowers elevated estrogens levels and increase progesterone levels
Poke Root, Thuja, Red clover and Violet leaves are anti-cystic herbs helping to remove lymphatic congestion and stimulates clearance of metabolic wastes
Ginger is a circulatory herb to stimulate blood flow and cleansing of the reproductive organs
Blue Flag is a lymphatic herb which assists in removing lymphatic stagnation and congestion and is also a specific herb for female reproductive cysts
Paeonia is a hormone modulator, anti-inflammatory, decongestant, nourishes the blood and circulation
Bupleurum, Dandelion and St Marys Thistle aid liver congestion and cleanse the blood and lymphatics. They help to conjugate excessive hormones and remove them from the circulation