The cyst is a sac-like structure filled with semi-solid, gaseous, or liquid material. During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries typically produce cyst-like follicles that release an egg during ovulation. However, it may happen that these "cysts" are not reabsorbed and become a problem. Most of the time, ovarian cysts are functional, do not cause pain and disappear spontaneously without the need for medical intervention within two or three menstrual cycles; however, there may be cases where other types of unusual cysts form. You should always consult with your gynecologist before attempting home remedies. If you've already checked it out, there are a few things you can do to treat them at home.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Treatments
Step 1. Wait patiently
Treatment depends on the type of ovarian cyst that has formed. Very often, the first thing that is advised is to wait; functional cysts often disappear spontaneously within a few menstrual cycles; however, it is advisable to monitor them through an ultrasound every 1-3 menstrual cycles to understand if they are reducing or not.
Step 2. Take over-the-counter pain relievers
They help relieve the pain associated with this disorder; paracetamol such as Tachipirina, NSAIDs such as Brufen or Momendol and aspirin can be useful for this purpose.
Step 3. Take oral contraceptives
The gynecologist can prescribe them to control and prevent some types of ovarian cysts. These are drugs useful for preventive and sometimes even therapeutic purposes. If you are already taking them as a method of birth control, chances are you are already taking a normal dose; on the other hand, if you take them only to treat cysts, you should stick to the minimum dosage and take them for the shortest possible time.
Contraceptives reduce the risk of developing certain ovarian cysts, but come with side effects, including an increased risk of breast, cervical, liver cancer, heart disease, and stroke
Step 4. Consider surgery
This is a very rare procedure for this problem; however, if the cyst is particularly large, recurrent, or you have more than one, your gynecologist may recommend surgery to remove it (s). He can suggest this solution even if it causes you severe pain or creates other problems; however, it is an option that you should carefully consider with your doctor.
Method 2 of 3: Home Remedies
Step 1. Apply a warmer
The heat helps to relax the muscles and relieve any cramps you may have. You can choose either an electric heater or a hot water bottle; place the heat source on the lower abdominal area for about 15 minutes and repeat the treatment up to 3-4 times a day.
Step 2. Try castor oil
It has anti-inflammatory properties and is used as a traditional remedy to treat any type of pain due to periods, as it improves blood circulation during menstruation.
- Start by applying enough on your lower abdomen to fully cover the entire area.
- Take a large clean cotton towel and cover your belly; then, place the electric warmer or hot water bottle on the cloth.
- Leave the heat source on the affected area for at least half an hour; repeat four or five times a week.
Step 3. Take a warm bath
This remedy also helps to relax the abdominal muscles; soak in hot water to reduce cramps.
Step 4. Drink herbal tea
Helps relieve pain caused by ovarian cyst; try different ones, like chamomile, mint, raspberry and blackberry; they are all useful for reducing muscle tension and lifting mood.
Step 5. Change the power supply
If you eat a lot of meat and cheese especially, you can facilitate the development of ovarian cysts; Instead, you should include more fruits and vegetables as integral parts of your regular diet, as they can reduce the chances of ovarian cysts forming.
Healthy eating also helps prevent obesity, a factor that can cause more cysts to develop
Step 6. Consider regaining hormone balance with natural progesterone
This hormone can inhibit ovulation, thus reducing the chances of cysts; however, you can only consider this approach if you are under close medical supervision. While it is possible to get creams online, you should always go to your gynecologist to make sure there are no complications.
Start treatment 10 days after the start of menstruation, using a natural progesterone cream; apply it on the inside of the thighs or behind the knees, following the instructions on the package
Step 7. Balance hormones with herbaceous plants
Those listed below are suitable for rebalancing the levels of natural hormones; when using them, strictly follow the instructions on the package.
- Maca is a root native to Peru that is traditionally used to treat fertility and energy deficiencies; it can be useful for restoring hormonal balance and is often used for this purpose during menopause.
- The chaste tree is commonly used to balance the action of plants that promote fertility and helps reduce pain, discomfort, as well as the size of the cysts; it is also being studied for its efficacy against premenstrual syndrome malaise.
Method 3 of 3: Finding out if you have ovarian cysts
Step 1. Pay attention to pelvic pain
It can be a symptom of this disorder; it is often a dull pain that can radiate to the lower back and thighs and frequently develops as soon as menstruation begins or shortly before it ends.
- It can only occur during sexual intercourse.
- It can also occur when passing stools or when the intestines are under pressure.
Step 2. Look for other symptoms
Most ovarian cysts are painless, asymptomatic, and usually go away on their own; however, it can occasionally cause ailments, including:
- Nausea, vomiting, breast pain similar to that experienced during pregnancy;
- Feeling of fullness or heaviness in the abdomen
- Sensation of pressure on the bladder, which causes difficulty in emptying it completely or an increase in the frequency of urination.
Step 3. Be aware of the risk factors
There are a number of possible risk factors for this disorder, and all of them play an important role in choosing treatment. Among these consider:
- Previous history of cysts;
- Irregular menstrual cycles
- Start of menstruation (menarche) before the age of 12;
- Infertility or previous treatment for this problem;
- Reduced thyroid function;
- Tamoxifen-based therapy for breast cancer;
- Smoking and use of tobacco products;
- Chronic inflammatory diseases.
Step 4. Make an appointment with your gynecologist
If you have a history of ovarian cysts, you should have regular medical examinations. If any of the symptoms listed above worsen or interfere with your everyday quality of life, you should call your gynecologist. If you experience severe pain in the abdomen, lower abdomen, or pelvic region, especially if it is accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, seek immediate medical attention.