Ovarian Cyst Symptoms or How to Eliminate Ovarian Cysts

As you may know, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries that produce eggs. Ovarian cysts can develop as a normal part of the menstrual cycle as the ovaries prepare eggs to release into the fallopian tubes. Many of these cysts are completely harmless, but unfortunately some ovarian cysts can be malignant.

But how can you find out whether you are affected or not? Normally, these symptoms are found with the presence of ovarian cysts:

- Sudden and sharp pain in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, or thighs

- Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen

- Pressure and/or pain on the bladder and/or rectum

- Breast tenderness

- Pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period

- Irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting

- Infertility

- Change in frequency or ease of urination (such as inability to fully empty the bladder)

- Increased level of hair growth

- Increased facial hair or body hair

- Weight gain

- Fatigue

- Nausea and/ or vomiting

Actually, you can have ovarian cysts without having any symptoms. But there is no need you to run to a doctor if you don't have any of the symptoms above. Ovarian cysts are usually found during a routine pelvic exam. If the doctor finds one, don't worry too much, about 95% of ovarian cysts are benign and chances are good that the cyst will exhale on its own.

The common treatment of the ovarian cysts is watchful waiting. In doing you simply wait and get re-examined in 1 to 3 months to see if the cyst has changed in size. If you frequently develop cysts, you may get birth control pills from your doctor which normally lowers the chances of forming new cysts. The problem is that scientists aren't sure whether birth control pills always have a positive effect.

If the cyst still exists after several menstrual periods, has gotten larger and looks unusual on the ultrasound or even causes severe pain, it may be necessary to remove it surgically.

But there are also natural methods that can work wonder healing ovarian cysts:

1) Apply a heating pad (or a hot water bottle) to the lower abdomen near the ovaries. This can relax tense muscles, relieve cramping and stimulate circulation and healing in the ovaries. Alternately you can use bags of ice covered with towels as cold treatments to increase local circulation.

2) Herbal remedies such as chamomile herbal tea (Matricaria recutita), Echinacea or milk thistle can reduce ovarian cyst pain and soothe tense muscles.

3) Eliminating caffeine and alcohol, red meats, eggs, reducing sugars, increasing foods rich in vitamin A and carotenoids (e.g., carrots, tomatoes, and salad greens) and B vitamins (e.g., whole grains) can be helpful.

4) Supplements including Vitamin C, zinc and a good antioxidant are known to be helpful in the treatment of the ovarian cysts.