Home remedies for ovarian cyst symptoms

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that grow on a person’s ovary. They are relatively common and usually harmless.

There are two common forms of ovarian cysts:

• Corpus luteum cysts: These cysts develop in the corpus luteum. This tissue fills an empty follicle once it releases an egg during ovulation. These cysts may bleed and cause pain.
• Follicular cysts: Follicular cysts form in a follicle where an egg develops during ovulation.

Neither of these types of cysts usually cause symptoms and typically disappear independently. Most people develop at least one of the above every menstrual cycle, typically without symptoms.

Another type of ovarian cyst, a benign tumor, grows slowly and, in rare cases, may become cancerous.

People with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) often have multiple follicular cysts. PCOS is a syndrome that causes hormone imbalances. Some people with PCOS do not ovulate or only ovulate rarely.

Sometimes, a cyst grows so large that it twists the ovary. This can damage the ovary or fallopian tube or cause life threatening bleeding. This type of cyst requires immediate treatment to prevent permanent damage to the ovary. A surgeon may have to remove the ovary.

Learn more about ovarian torsion.

Home treatments for ovarian cysts

Unless a cyst is very large or growing rapidly, a doctor will often advise watchful waiting. This means they will observe the cyst regularly and wait to see if it changes. If they assess negative changes, then they will act accordingly.

A doctor may perform several ultrasounds over a few months to monitor the cyst and ensure it disappears or does not grow larger.

During these observation periods, people may turn to the following home treatments to manage symptoms and reduce pain. While home treatments may help in this regard, they cannot treat the cyst itself.

1. Over-the-counter medication

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can treat ovarian cyst pain, as well as period cramps.

People who get no relief from NSAIDs should contact their doctor since intense pain may point to severe complications.

In some cases, a doctor may prescribe different pain medications, such as co-codamol, which contains codeine.

2. Massage

The pain of an ovarian cyst can cause the surrounding muscles to tense up. This can be particularly uncomfortable during a period. Massaging the lower back, thighs, buttocks, and stomach can help loosen tense muscles and reduce pain.

3. Exercise and stretching

Lifestyle changes, such as increasing activity levels, can help improve a person’s overall health and may help them manage ovarian cyst symptoms.

For example, a 2019 systematic review found that regular exercise alongside dietary intervention had a greater impact on PCOS symptom reduction than dietary changes alone.

Yoga may also help ease muscle tension and pain from ovarian cysts. Some studies show that practicing yoga can help people manage PCOS symptoms. Yoga may also reduce a person’s risk of cysts forming.

4. Heat

Heat increases blood flow, helping to reduce pain from muscle soreness. Research also shows that repeated heat therapy can reduce inflammation and other biological markers of PCOS.

People can apply a warm compress to affected areas to reduce symptoms of pain and soreness.

5. Relaxation techniques

Stress and anxiety can make pain worse. The following relaxation techniques may help relieve anxiety and reduce pain intensity:

• meditation
• yoga or other gentle exercise
• deep breathing
• mindfulness

6. TENS device

Transcutaneous electronic nerve stimulation (TENS) delivers a tiny, safe electrical signal to the nerves. This signal can change how the nerves respond to pain, which may help with both period and ovarian cyst pain.

7. Weight loss

For some people with PCOS, losing weight may help their body better regulate hormones and improve symptoms, such as pain and fatigue.

8. Dietary changes

Many people with PCOS are insulin resistant. This can lead to diabetes and cause weight gain.

A wide range of dietary changes may help, but as research does not point to a specific diet for PCOS, people may need to use trial and error to find what works best for them.

As people with PCOS may have insulin resistance, it might be helpful to reduce sugar intake. Sugar is in various foods, including carbohydrates such as bread and pasta.

A doctor can check someone’s blood to see if they are at risk of developing diabetes. Eating healthful whole foods will help people get their weight within a healthy range.

The following additions to the diet may also help with symptoms:

• Chamomile tea: Chamomile may help people to relax, lessen menstrual cramps, and fight inflammation. It may also significantly decrease testosterone levels, which are often higher in people with PCOS.
• Ginger tea: Ginger may help to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. A 2022 clinical trial suggests it may help to balance hormones in people with PCOS and may be a useful alternative treatment.
• Supplements: Some research suggests supplements, such as vitamin D and curcumin, may help to reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and regulate the menstrual cycle in people with PCOS.

It is essential for people to speak with a healthcare professional before taking new supplements to ensure they do not negatively interact with other medications or health conditions.

Other ways to treat ovarian cysts

Unless the cysts are growing or causing symptoms, medical treatment might not be necessary.

Medical treatments for ovarian cysts can include:

• hormonal birth control pills to regulate the hormones
• surgical cyst removal
• surgical removal of the ovary or fallopian tube

A doctor may need to monitor a growing benign tumor regularly. Sometimes, a doctor may suggest removing the tumor even if it is noncancerous or does not cause symptoms.

Should someone try to drain a cyst at home?

Most ovarian cysts occur without someone knowing they are present. A cyst may cause dull pain in the lower abdomen, but a person cannot typically access an ovarian cyst to drain it manually.

In some cases, a cyst may rupture, which can cause pain. Although this is usually not a problem, people should contact a doctor if they experience severe symptoms.

Home remedies, such as a warm compress and NSAIDs, can help to manage symptoms of an ovarian cyst, but people should not attempt to drain cysts at home. People can speak with a doctor if home remedies are not relieving their symptoms.

When to contact a doctor

Only a doctor can diagnose an ovarian cyst and determine if it is safe to treat it at home. People who think they might have ovarian cysts or PCOS should see a gynecologist. They will ask about the person’s medical history and may perform an ultrasound or blood work.

In some cases, an ovarian cyst can become a medical emergency. A ruptured cyst can cause intense, unbearable pain and heavy bleeding.

Someone with a ruptured cyst may experience dizziness, nausea, or vomiting, along with pelvic pain. They should call a doctor immediately or go to the hospital if this occurs.

Summary

Ovarian cysts are common, but most are harmless and go away over time. Even when they persist, doctors can monitor them to ensure they will not cause problems.

Home treatment for ovarian cysts will not make the cysts go away but can ease any pain or discomfort. People should be mindful of any changes in symptoms and should never ignore severe pelvic pain.

With proper home management and medical care, an ovarian cyst may be little more than a temporary inconvenience.

Read the article in Spanish.