Cysts in the ovaries, the primary female reproductive organ, are very common among women these days. They can affect women of all ages, are mostly harmless or benign. They appear in the form of tiny bubbles or thin walled sacs filled with fluid or semi solid substances. Before learning about cysts in ovary, we must know how the ovary functions in females.
Ovaries are a pair of reproductive glands in a woman's body. The ovaries are located on either side of the uterus. Ovary produces egg or ovum. One ovary produces one ovum every month. The egg grows in the ovary, and is released in to the womb or bed of uterus only after getting stimulated by the estrogen hormone. In the mean time, the walls of the uterus thicken, thereby preparing a cushioned bed to receive the fertilized egg that gets implanted on the bed. The process takes place every month, and ends when the egg goes unfertilized. In that case the uterus empties its contents in the form of menstrual periods. When the egg is released, it has a shell like enclosure around it, known as follicle. At times the follicle grows larger than its usual size, becomes fluid-filled, and is unable to release the egg. Such follicles take the shape of ovarian cysts.
1. Follicular cyst - This is the simple and most common type. It is formed when the follicle enlarges and acquires a diameter of 2-3 inches. In this case ovulation does not take place as the follicle fails to rupture. This type of cyst disappears by itself within one or two months. It may cause sharp pain lower abdomen, especially when the cyst bursts forth during menstrual periods.
2. Corpus luteum cyst - This type of cyst is formed when the corpus luteum or the follicle that has already released the egg, instead of breaking down and disappearing, stays back, and becomes filled with fluid and blood.
3. Hemorrhagic cyst - When bleeding occurs within any type of cyst, hemorrhagic cysts are formed.
4. Dermoid cyst - This is a huge, tumor like cyst growing 6 inches in diameter. Generally young women fall prey to such cysts. The formation of such cysts is also referred to as cystic teratoma. Such cysts may be filled with bony structures and cartilages, fat and other body tissues.
5. Endometrioid cyst - This type of cyst is formed by the accumulation of endometrial tissue, the tissue lining the uterus.
6. Polycystic appearing ovary - This occurs when the ovary looks enlarged due to multiple small cysts over the ovary. This is common in women with hormonal disorders.
7. Cystadenoma - This is composed of ovarian tissue. It may have a diameter of 12 inches or more. It is usually filled with fluid.
Irregular menstruation, early menstruation, infertility, obesity, hypothyroidism may lead to formation of cysts in ovary.
1. Severe pain in lower abdomen, lower back, pelvis and 
2. Sharp pain during menstruation.
3. Swelling of lower abdomen
4. Breast tenderness
5. Fatigue
6. Nausea
7. Vomiting
8. Frequent urination
9. Difficulty in moving bowels
10. Infertility
11. Increased facial hair
12. Headache
13. Weight gain
14. Muscle pain
15. Pain in between the ribs
16. Nodule like structures under the layer of skin
17. Increased hair growth
18. Irregular periods
1. Red clover has immense potential for curing hormonal imbalance.
2. Chasteberry can cure irregular menstruation and hormonal disorders.
3. Black cohosh and dandelion regulate the menstrual cycle effectively.
4. Bee pollen is capable of strengthening the reproductive system.
5. Wild yam, milk thistle balances hormonal imbalance.
6. Red chestnut, walnut, wild oats are other natural remedies for tackling the problem of ovarian cyst.
7. Fresh fruits, vegetables and whole grains should be included in diet.
8. Sugar, refined food items, flour should be avoided, for they make the body susceptible to hormonal imbalance.
9. Vitamin A, E and C supplements should be taken daily.
10. Castor oil fomentations may be helpful.
11. Mild exercise should be done.
12. Including fiber based food in diet can be helpful.
13. Drinking plenty of water can help by flushing out toxins from body.
