How to Treat Ovarian Cyst? [Medications + Natural Remedies]

Fluid buildup inside an expanding ovarian follicle can occasionally cause cysts to develop in women's bodies. Although these cysts can occasionally cause pain, they are often painless and do not require any special care. Without a doubt, it should be emphasized that ovarian pain and cyst status ought to be continually monitored. 

It is crucial to seek a specialist's assistance to identify and treat an ovarian cyst, considering that treatment options depend on the age, type, and size of the cysts. This article explains how to treat ovarian cysts with at-home remedies and specialized care in order to lessen their size and pain or even prevent them from returning.

Read more: How Do Ovarian Cysts Affect Your Fertility?

Methods for Diagnosing Ovarian Cysts

According to the required examinations and tests, the doctor studies the size, shape, and type of the cyst in order to detect whether it is an ovarian cyst or not. For instance, the doctor determines if the cyst is solid, liquid, or a combination of both and then presents the best course of action to the patient. The following are some of the procedures and examinations used to diagnose ovarian cysts:

• Pelvic Ultrasound: Using a specialized device and high-frequency waves, the doctor will scan the uterus and ovaries in order to determine the type of the cyst and its location.
• Blood Test: In certain cases, when the ovarian cyst is solid, a blood test is recommended to assess the level of a protein called cancer antigen CA-125 so that the risk of ovarian cancer will be investigated.
• Pregnancy Test: A positive pregnancy test result may indicate the presence of a corpus luteum cyst if the patient has noticed ovarian cyst symptoms.
• Laparoscopy: During this anesthetic-required surgery, a small incision is made to insert a narrow rod into the belly, where the doctor can observe and diagnose the cyst and immediately remove it.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment

As previously said, the doctor first considers factors such as the patient's age and any clinical symptoms, the cyst's appearance, and the woman's menopause before prescribing an appropriate course of action. There are several types of ovarian cyst treatment, including:

• Birth control pills
• Painkillers
• Ovarian Cyst Surgery
• Home Remedies

Birth control pills

By altering the body's hormones, birth control pills can lower the likelihood of ovarian cysts and ovarian cancer. So, they can be helpful for women who suffer from frequent ovarian cysts.

Additionally, these medications stop cysts from returning. It's important to remember that contraceptives will only lessen the likelihood of cyst formation and return; they cannot minimize ovarian cysts.

Painkillers

Patients are frequently instructed to take over-the-counter painkillers for 2-3 days in order to ease the pain brought on by ovarian cysts; however, longer-term usage of these medications requires a doctor's care and must follow his prescription. Ibuprofen, naproxen, and acetaminophen are examples of over-the-counter painkillers.

Ovarian Cyst Surgery

Surgical treatment is required if the ovarian cyst does not go away after two to three menstrual cycles or in the event it gradually grows. Here are two options for surgical treatment:

Laparoscopy: Using a delicate and specialized tool, the doctor removes the cyst from the body after making a small incision on the belly.

Laparotomy: This procedure involves making a pelvic incision and removing the ovarian cyst in circumstances where the ovarian cyst has developed malignancy.

Home Remedies

The following are some natural remedies for ovarian cysts that can be utilized without prescription drugs:

• Warm compress: Heat therapy, also referred to as the "hot compress method," is a technique for easing cramps brought on by ovarian cysts that can be applied to the lower abdomen using heating pads or a hot water bottle.
• Ginger Root and Tea: Ginger root is high in antioxidants and anticancer compounds. Ginger in the diet can help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and reduce the risk of cancer. In addition, ginger tea is a natural pain reliever and cramp reducer.
• Chamomile Tea: Chamomile tea has a calming effect and is stress-relieving due to its anti-inflammatory effects. Consuming this tea will help you sleep more soundly and reduce muscle spasms.
• Omega 3 fatty acid: It is strongly advised to include foods high in omega-3 in your diet, such as fish oil, walnuts, and pumpkin seeds.
• Apple cider vinegar for ovarian cyst treatment: The ovarian cyst is aggravated by a deficiency in potassium in the body, so using apple cider vinegar is recommended as it is rich in this substance. Consuming apple cider vinegar can help shrink ovarian cysts and lower the risk of developing them. It is advised to mix warm water and blackstrap molasses with apple vinegar and drink it every day.
• Reducing the amount of cold-natured food intake: To cure ovarian cysts at home, avoid foods with cold nature, like rice, fish, yogurt, and fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, peaches, tomatoes, and cherries. It should be noted that it is preferable to eat this kind of dish with warm ingredients such as saffron, cinnamon, black cumin, and honey.

Other home remedies for ovarian cysts

• Avoid consuming products like canned goods that contain preservatives;
• Avoid eating meals high in fat and calories, such as bacon, pizza, pasta, French fries and cream-based sweets;
• Avoid consuming milk with fruits since milk is difficult to digest when consumed with fruits.

Long-Term Home Remedies for Ovarian Cysts

Cysts can be treated at home in several ways in order to be shrunk over time and prevented from returning. A professional doctor should assess the patient's symptoms and physical condition before using these approaches. Here are a few of these long-term treatment methods:

Diet Modification

Being overweight or obese may result in several cysts in a woman’s body, which will lead to the development of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Avoiding foods that induce insulin resistance, such as carbs and processed meals, can help to permanently remove ovarian cysts since there is a link between polycystic ovary syndrome and the inability to lose weight.

Using Flaxseed to Regulate Hormones

Ground flaxseed is useful in treating ovarian cysts as it lowers testosterone levels and balances hormones in the body. Given that polycystic ovarian syndrome can occur because of the body's excessive levels of androgen hormones.

Intake of Maca Root for Regulation of Hormones

Maca root or ginseng is very helpful to menopausal women as it is effective in regulating body hormones and also lessens the discomforts and side effects of menopause, such as night sweats, heart palpitations, hot flashes and depression. It should be noted that this food supplement can be consumed in the form of powder or capsules, as well as a supplementary ingredient in coffee or smoothies (as per direction).

Treating Ovarian Cysts in Young Girls

Ovarian cysts are typically treated in young, single ladies using techniques including massage therapy, lifestyle modifications, diet modifications, keeping the body warm, and relaxation.

Ovarian Cysts Treatment During Menopause

Suppose the ovarian cyst is benign and the CA-125 protein level is normal. In that case, the doctor repeats the CA-125 test to keep the patient's condition under control and also performs frequent physical examinations and imaging tests. Additionally, he/she might prescribe medications to treat pain and other cyst symptom relief.

It is worth noting that certain benign cysts require surgery, which is known as cystectomy surgery. This surgery is used in case the cyst is large, painful or ruptured and drug treatments are not effective. In addition, this procedure is performed when there is a chance that ovarian cancer will develop. Naturally, in postmenopausal women, the laparoscopic procedure is frequently employed to remove the cyst.

Why Is Ovarian Cyst Treatment Necessary?

If this disease is not caught and addressed in time, it may grow worse and develop into malignant cysts, causing irreversible damage to the patient's body. Additionally, ovarian cysts that are not treated may cause issues with fertility and conception. However, this is not always the case, and some people can still get pregnant despite having an ovarian cyst.

How Long Does It Take to Treat an Ovarian Cyst?

Ovarian cysts typically resolve without medication or additional treatment after one to three months. Still, if the cyst doesn't go away in this time frame or gets bigger, you should visit a doctor and use one of the ovarian cyst treatments. 

Conclusion

There is no surefire strategy to stop ovarian cysts from developing, even though there are numerous medications and herbal supplements available to cure ovarian cysts or lessen their discomfort and symptoms.

It is also important to note that ovarian cyst discomfort can occasionally be mistaken for Mittelschmerz pain (painful ovulation). In light of this, it is advised to seek medical attention if you experience pain in your abdomen or ovaries. A specialized doctor will be able to differentiate between the issues associated with these two complications and provide the patient with effective therapy.