The ovaries, which are located on either side of the uterus, are part of the female reproductive system.  They produce eggs and the two hormones estrogen and progesterone.  Many women develop Ovarian Cysts, which are fluid-filled sacs that can grow on one or both ovaries.  Ovarian Cysts are fairly common and can sometimes go unnoticed (without symptoms), but they can induce serious symptoms or pain if they rupture.  It is always beneficial to get regular pelvic examinations in order to monitor the health of your reproductive system. 

A lot of women may experience an Ovarian Cyst at least once in their lives, but they may be minor and without any symptoms.  Larger cysts may cause abdominal discomfort and may increase the need to urinate more frequently, if the cyst presses on the bladder.  The symptoms of Ovarian Cysts may include:

• Pelvic pain (dull ache in lower back or thighs)
• Abdominal bloating or swelling
• Nausea or vomiting
• Painful intercourse
• Breast tenderness
• Pressure on the bladder (which may cause you to urinate more frequently)
• Pain during bowel movements
• Pain before or during the menstrual cycle

More severe cysts may cause:

• Faintness or dizziness 
• Sharp abdominal pain 
• Fever
• Rapid breathing

A lot of Ovarian Cysts are known as functional cysts, which can develop as part of the menstrual cycle.  The most common type of cyst is a Follicular Cyst, which results from a larger than normal follicle that does not open to release the egg during the menstrual cycle.  These cysts usually resolve by themselves.  When a follicle does release the egg, it begins producing estrogen and progesterone.  Occasionally, the escape opening of the egg closes shut and causes fluid to accumulate in the follicle, making the corpus luteum grow into a cyst.  Common causes for Ovarian Cysts are below. 

• History of prior Ovarian Cysts
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Infertility
• Obesity
• Early menstruation (11 years or younger)
• Hypothyroidism
• Endometriosis

• It is beneficial for your overall health to eat plenty of raw fruit, dark leafy green vegetables, whole grains, and legumes because these food items can help supply your body with the essential nutrients that it needs. Polluting the body with meat, dairy products, processed foods, soda, caffeine, fats, alcohol, or sugary foods may cause certain organs or systems to function poorly, so it's best to avoid these, in general, and especially if Ovarian Cysts develop. 
• Ovarian Cysts may cause abdominal pain so it can be soothing to place a hot water bottle, heating pad, or warm towel on the lower pelvic area.  This can provide quick relief, but will not get rid of the cysts.  You can 
• It may be beneficial to place a warm castor oil pack on your lower abdomen to help decrease swelling or minimize the growth of Ovarian Cysts.  You can purchase a castor oil pack, or you can make your own.  To make your own, soak a piece of wool flannel in castor oil and place it on the abdomen.  Cover it with plastic wrap, place a heating pad or hot water bottle on top, leave it on for an hour or so, and then remove it.  Do this four times a week for a month, or until symptoms subside. 
• There are a variety of herbs that can help maintain a consistent hormonal balance, promote circulation, as well as regulate ovulation.  If you take these herbs in the first place, they can prevent Ovarian cysts from forming in the first place.  Black cohosh root, maca root, milk thistle, dong quai root, wild yam root, vitex, and tribulus are all beneficial herbs.
• To help prevent Ovarian Cysts from growing, it may be a good idea to regularly detox or cleanse the body in order to keep the liver, as well as your other organs and systems, functioning properly.  By cleansing the toxins from your body, your liver doesn't have to work as hard. 
• Being stressed can make organs run differently or can increase the pain that may come with Ovarian Cysts. Taking an Epsom salt bath can naturally soothe the body and it helps the skin absorb magnesium, which is a vital mineral in the body.  Magnesium can help to lower stress levels, so you can eat magnesium rich foods or practice stress-relieving exercises like yoga, Tai Chi, or meditation.
• When you have Ovarian Cysts, it is crucial to increase your fluid intake.  Anti-flammatory herbal teas or water are the optimal beverages to consume.  Ginger tea, turmeric tea, echinacea, or chamomile tea can help naturally soothe the body.  When it comes to drinking water, it is optimal to drink 8-10 glasses of water every day.  You can also use your body weight as a measurement for staying hydrated.  Drinking half your body weight in ounces of water is suggested, so if you weight 150lbs you should drink 75oz of water each day. 

• Ginger
• Garlic
• Turmeric
• Indian Gooseberry
• Milk Thistle
• Dandelion Root
• Flaxseeds
• Legumes (beans and lentils)
• Dark Leafy Greens (spinach, kale, & chard)
• Red or Orange Bell Peppers
• Colorful Squash
• Carrots
• Beets 
• Corn
• Okra
• Artichokes
• Cabbage
• Onions
• Cucumbers
• Broccoli