The ovary is the organ that is most prone to a number and variety of cysts in a woman. The ovarian function of producing hormones and releasing eggs is directly related to the formation of cysts. Usually, they occur during the reproductive age of a woman but they can occur in girls or women of any age.
An ovarian cyst is a sac or pouch that develops in or on the ovary, usually during ovulation, containing air or fluid. Even though ovarian cysts are small, they can grow to the size of softball or even larger. Large ovarian cysts are quite remarkable because the ovary itself is about the size of a walnut. Ovarian cysts are very common and while most do not cause any symptoms, the larger they are, the more problems they can cause.
They can exert pressure on the right or left side of the lower abdomen and be painful. Besides the pain in the lower abdomen, some other symptoms are: erratic, painful periods, often with much uterine bleeding as a result of elevated estrogen levels, painful sexual intercourse, heel pain, and excessive hair growth.
Other possibility of such pain might be the stem that forms on some cysts and becomes twisted that also stops the normal flow of blood and causes intense burns of pain. If a cyst ruptures, it can cause severe lower abdominal pain along with weakness, nausea or vomiting.
Cyst can also cause other symptoms and can press on the rectum leading to constipation or on the bladder creating an urge to urinate. You should not ignore any of these symptoms as they could also be the signs of a gastrointestinal disturbance or any bladder infection.
Ovarian cysts can cause irregular periods in a condition called polycystic ovaries whereby the hormonal system regulating the ovaries is disturbed and may cause to form a large number of cysts. Some women also face trouble in pregnancy.
The incidence of ovarian cysts is on the rise, particularly among women between 14 and 55. Let’s look at some of the main factors that contribute to the development of cysts, and then the main things we can do to prevent them.
Causes of ovarian cysts:
- Increased use of birth control pills, especially depo provera
- Increased consumption of hormone-infused foods such as most
commercial meat and milk, to which growth hormone has been added
- Stressful, frantic lifestyle
- Imbalanced, not natural diet
- Obesity
- A toxic, overburdened liver
How can we diminish the likelihood of ovarian cysts?
- Consume organic meats and milks. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and drink abundant water.
- Increase your liver metabolism and detoxify. Your allies here are the natural tinctures of olive leaf, dandelion, milk thistle seed, and artichoke.
- Check your thyroid.
- Stop smoking.
- Loose weight.
When all is said and done though, it really comes down to a healthy lifestyle. This means to be true to yourself, not wishing yourself to be different. The hard part, oddly enough, may not be acts of heroism. Rather, it can be dropping parts of ourselves which are not worth holding on to, but we cling to from sheer habit. Your health is in your hands. So take excellent care of yourself – you are WORTH it!
