Roots and Remedies for Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian Cysts

What are they

Ovarian cysts are fluid filled sacs of pockets within or on the surface of an ovary. Most ovarian cysts are benign (non cancerous) and often resolve on their own without treatment. 

Your ovaries will always have fluid filled follicles of varying sizes and stages of development as you move through your cycle of growing ovarian follicles which take 100 days to mature and then release an egg in ovulation to then shrink into the mass of cells known as the corpus luteum. 

Most cysts don’t hurt but they can become quite large and some can be quite painful. You may feel the sensation of a cyst rupturing with pain, and even fever and chills. You should contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing anything like this. 

There are four main types of cysts. 

Functional cysts 

Most common and related to the menstrual cycle, these types of cysts tend to come and go without causing pain or discomfort. They develop in the follicular phase of the cycle as an egg grows in a follicle it breaks open to release the egg, if the follicle does not open and release, the fluid inside can form a “follicular cyst” on the ovary. After the egg is released the follicle normally shrinks into a mass of cells known as the Corpus Luteum, if the opening seals off before all fluid is released it may form a “Corpus Luteum Cyst”.

More complex cysts include:

Dermoid Cysts

Are benign tumours that may contain hair, skin or teeth tissues that form from embryonic cells thought to arise from ovarian germ cells. 

Cystadenomas

Typically benign growths on the outside of the ovary, filled with fluid or mucus and developed from ovarian tissue that can become quite large and painful.

Endometriomas 

Also known as Chocolate Cysts, are hemorrhagic cysts associated with endometriosis, where endometrial tissue grows outside of the uterus, forming a mass on the ovary. Over time they can fill with blood and can be exacerbated with the cycle of menstrual hormones in particular Oestrogen.   

PCOS (PolyCystic Ovarian Syndrome) 

In PCOS, multiple follicles grow without releasing eggs which can cause multiple follicles but PCOS is characterised by certain metabolic and hormonal imbalances as well. The follicles that occur within PCOS are not ‘cysts.’ They are not abnormally large follicles, they are in fact abnormally small, or under developed. These are treated differently than the cysts mentioned here. 

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pelvic pain

  • Irregular cycles

  • Spotting mid cycle

  • Lower back pain

  • Nausea 

  • Vomiting 

  • Fever 

  • Bloating 

  • Painful bowel movements or urination

  • Lack of ovulation (reduced progesterone)

  • Fertility challenges 

  • Sense of weight gain - feeling heavier, withholding water weight. 

  • Painful Sex

These symptoms all are valid concerns that need further investigation from your health provider. 

Possible Root Causes

  • Pelvic infection 

  • Endometriosis, with endometrial tissue growths forming on the ovary.  

  • Pregnancy with advanced cell growth. 

  • Hypothyroidism, low functioning thyroid. 

  • Oestrogen dominance in relation to progesterone levels

Contributing Factors

Xenoestrogens

Environmental substances that mimic endogenous estrogens produced in the body like bisphenol A (BPA) found in plastics, pesticides, and substances used in some personal care products. They bind to hormone receptors potentially leading to overstimulation of oestrogenic effects and exacerbating symptoms of the progesterone, oestrogen balance of oestrogen dominance.

Xenoestrogens also play a role in liver burden, disrupting the metabolism of hormones and an accumulation of oestrogen. 

Xenoestrogens induce oxidative stress and inflammation which have been shown to be a contributor towards ovarian cysts.  

Stress

Stress activates the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) axis, increasing the amount of cortisol produced which exponentially disrupts production of gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which leads to irregular secretion of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinising Hormone (LH) which work together to regulate ovulation. 

Mainstream Treatment Options

  • Watch and wait - for cysts under 5cm, most cysts will resolve on their own with time, two to three months at most. 

  • Non steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) like Ibuprofen to reduce pain. 

  • Hormonal Birth Control to suppress ovulation and hormonal cycling. 

  • Removal by laparoscopic cystectomy - small incision to remove cyst using a camera. 

  • Oophorectomy - removal of the ovary, using in cases of cancerous growths. 

  • Hysterectomy - removal of uterus, ovaries and possibly fallopian tubes in extreme cases. 


Naturopathic Treatment Options

Naturopathic medicine can play a supportive role in the management and treatment of ovarian cysts, often complementing conventional medical treatments. Naturopathy focuses on holistic, non-invasive approaches and emphasises the body's innate ability to heal and maintain itself. The naturopathic approach to treating ovarian cysts typically involves lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, herbal supplements, and other natural therapies aimed at restoring hormonal balance, improving metabolic health, and addressing individual symptoms. 


Naturopathic treatment aims to prevent additional cysts from forming or reforming, it is not intended to dissolve cysts that are already in existence. 

  • Support clearance of excess Oestrogen by enhancing liver detox pathways and promoting excretion via the digestive system to establish hormonal balance.

  • Optimising gut health to support detoxification pathways to eliminate toxins and metabolic waste that may contribute to hormonal imbalance and the formation of cysts. 

  • Reducing Inflammation through modulating histamine intolerance through diet, lifestyle and stress management. 

  • Stress management via stimulation of the vagus nerve to increase resilience and expand capacity of the HPA axis. 

Supporting through Diet

Fibre

Increase plant fibre, especially cruciferous vegetables at least three times a week and dark leafy greens daily for the nutrients that convert to DIM to support oestrogen metabolism.

Increased fibre is also going to support digestive clearance of oestrogen.

Prebiotic fibres feed your gut microbiome that support hormonal balance. 

Avoiding Cow’s Diary

A1 beta-casein protein from cows' dairy has shown to be inflammatory for some people (Haq et al, 2014). Mast cell and histamine inflammatory response can increase sensitivity to oestrogen and exacerbate the ovarian signalling. Goats and Sheep dairy as well as A2 cows milk sources do not have the same inflammatory response and neither does butter.

Seed Cycling 

Seed cycling provides the specific nutrients to help build your hormones at the time they are required in your cycle. 

  • Follicular Phase – Ovulation (Days 1-14): eat 1-2 tablespoons each of raw, fresh ground flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds

  • Ovulation-Luteal Phase (Days 15-28): eat 1-2 tablespoons each of raw, fresh ground sunflower and sesame seeds 

These can be added to smoothies, sprinkled on top of porridge or your nutty granola, berries and coconut yoghurt or even added to salads. 

If you ovulate at a different time in your cycle then switch the seeds accordingly.

Seed cycling is not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. This is a basic guideline that can get you started with eating in tune with your cycle, it is important to honour your individual cycle, your unique needs and how you feel in your body.


Supporting through Lifestyle Practices

Help ease the pain using:

  • Heat packs 

  • Epsom salt baths

  • Castor Oil Packs 

  • Massage

  • Gentle movement & stretching to loosen surrounding muscle tightness

Stress Management

Supporting Oestrogen clearance through managing stress, yes I know it’s not always easy to remove stress from our modern day lives but we can nourish and nurture our capacity for resilience - our ability to deal with stresses that we face. 

Supporting with Herbs

Supporting ovarian cysts with herbs is a very individualised practice. We need to address your root causes for your individual circumstances whilst managing your symptoms to improve your quality of life and capacity for healing. 

I always recommend working with a qualified practitioner to ensure your treatment is nuanced to your individual presentation so that you do not exacerbate your situation. 

Here are a few herbs that may assist your healing journey under the right circumstances. 


Thuja occidentalis 

Thuja has been used for its anti-cystic activity - it has astringent and antiseptic actions used for restrained haemorrhages occasioned by malignant growths like ovarian cysts (Hechtman, 2019; Ramanan & Radhakrishnan, 2022).  

Trifolium pratense

Red clover has antispasmodic actions which may support elements of pain and it is an alterative herb meaning it supports detoxification functions of the liver to reduce toxicity. It is phytoestrogenic which may stimulate the ovaries if there is stagnation and is said to reduce ovarian cysts through thinning out the walls and helping them to drain.

Tribulus terrestris

Tribulus has astringent actions that help to drain fluids and is another alterative herb to support the bodies natural detoxification processes. Due to the steroidal saponins it appears to increase FSH in women which supports ovulation and is said to stimulate receptors in the hypothalamus of the brain.   (Abadjieva & Kistanova, 2016).

Vitex Agnes-Castus

Chaste Tree Berry is a pituitary adjuvant meaning it enhances the impact on the pituitary. It is dopaminergic, enhancing dopamine receptibility and inhibits prolactin; It promotes sensitivity of active oestrogen feedback in the pituitary. Vitex is used in progesterone deficiency but only in very specific circumstances so as with all supplements it is always advised that you are working with a qualified practitioner.   

Matricaria recutita

Chamomile is a beautiful antiinflammatory herb that acts on the nervous system as a mild nervous system sedative in times of anxiety and stress. It is antispasmodic and analgesic supporting inflammatory root causes as well as supporting pain management. 

Supporting with Supplements 

Diindolylmethane (DIM) 

Provides a concentrated benefit of eating your cruciferous veggies without needing to down 12 cups of broccoli and brussel sprouts, supports phase 1 and phase 2 liver detoxification process for sufficient oestrogen metabolism promoting the more favourable metabolite 2-hydroxyestrone. Reducing oestrogen excess means a lower risk of ovarian cysts. 


N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) 

Glutathione precursor meaning it enhances production of your body's major antioxidant. 

High Quality Probiotics and Prebiotics

Your gut microbes interact with oestrogen via your estrobolome, keeping your gut microbes happy helps to keep your hormones balanced too!

Omega 3

DHA and EPA help to reduce inflammation which has shown to reduce symptoms and severity of ovarian cysts.

Iodine
Iodine can down regulate and stabilise oestrogen receptors, preventing hyperstimulation of ovarian follicles by oestrogen. 

Selenium

Selenium regulates iodine and promotes healthy ovulation with a stable formation of the corpus luteum. 


Energetics

In feminine nature we are cyclic, we flow in and out of energetic waves. We are in a constant cycle of growth, creation, release and rest. Just as our ovaries are growing, changing, releasing and reabsorbing.
Remaining in creative flow is the nature of continuing without stagnation and withholding. When this expression is frustrated, I believe our creative energy calls our attention through manifesting physically in our bodies cells. 

These energetic blocks to creativity, purpose, ambition for your passion may come from stress or self neglect, in regards to holding back the stages in your energetic release or rest. 

The left side of your body represents the feminine energy, whilst the right side is your masculine energy force. If it is your left side that is impacted I recommend visiting with your wounded feminine archetype.

Where are you denying yourself pleasure, and the exploration and release of your passions and desires?


Interested in going deeper?

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Get in contact if you would like to go deeper with me! 

References

Abadjieva, D., & Kistanova, E. (2016). Tribulus terrestris Alters the Expression of Growth Differentiation Factor 9 and Bone Morphogenetic Protein 15 in Rabbit Ovaries of Mothers and F1 Female Offspring. PloS one, 11(2), e0150400. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0150400

Hechtman, L. (2019). Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. (2nd ed.). Elsevier.

Osiecki, H. (2010). The nutrient bible. (9th ed.) Bio Concepts.

Ramanan, V. E., & Radhakrishnan, R. (2022). Non-invasive Resolution of Pathological Ovarian Masses with Homeopathic Treatment-A Case Series. Homeopathy : the journal of the Faculty of Homeopathy, 111(3), 194–201. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1735849

Sarris, J & Wardle, J. (2014). Clinical Naturopathy: An evidenced-based guide to practice. Elsevier, Australia

Thomsen, M. (2022). The phytotherapy desk reference. 6th ed. Aeon books. 

Ul Haq, M. R., Kapila, R., Sharma, R., Saliganti, V., & Kapila, S. (2014). Comparative evaluation of cow β-casein variants (A1/A2) consumption on Th2-mediated inflammatory response in mouse gut. European journal of nutrition, 53(4), 1039–1049. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-013-0606-7

Libido, Family HealthDania Foster