Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled growths in the ovaries of a woman’s reproductive system. In this article, we shall look at some of the best supplements for ovarian cysts to help reduce them and prevent them from cropping up in future.
Common Types of Ovarian Cysts
The main type of ovarian cysts that is common in women is called functional ovarian cysts. In the female reproductive system, the ovaries contain thousands of follicles that contain immature eggs.
During each monthly menstrual cycle, ovulation takes place which causes a number of follicles to mature. A functional cyst is an ovarian cyst that occurs due to malfunction in follicular maturation.
Functional ovarian cysts are of two types: follicular ovarian cysts and corpus luteum cysts. Follicular cysts occur when the follicle inside the ovaries fails to rupture and release the mature egg during ovulation. This makes it continue to grow inside the follicles, thereby forming a cyst.
Meanwhile corpus luteum cysts happen when the opening in the follicle where the mature egg was released closes off and causes the corpus luteum (which is what the follicle is called after the egg is released at ovulation) to accumulate and grow into a cyst.
Other Types of Ovarian Cysts:
- Dermatoid Cysts– These are non-cancerous but complex cysts that develop from the cells that produce human eggs. They may contain hair, teeth or skin.
- Cystadenomas– This type of cyst develops from ovarian tissue. It can be filled with fluid or mucus.
- Endometriomas– Women with endometriosis may develop such cysts. Also known as chocolate cysts, these ovarian cysts happen when endometrial cells that attach and grow on the ovaries form a blood-cysts growth.
- Polycystic ovaries – This is a symptom associated with PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome) which is a hormonal disorder. Here, a string of small cysts develop on the ovaries which cause the ovaries to look enlarged. Polycystic ovaries do not cause pain.
Note: Dermatoids, cystadenoma and endometriomas need professional medical monitoring or treatment because they can cause damage to the ovaries. So make sure to see a doctor for proper diagnosis to see exactly what type of ovarian cyst you are suffering from.
Top 8 Natural Supplements for Ovarian Cysts
Now that we have looked at what ovarian cysts are and their types, below is the list of the top 8 supplements for ovarian cysts:
1. Vitex
- Scientific name: Vitex Agnus-castus
Vitex (buy here) is one of the most popular supplements for female reproductive issues including fibroids, irregular periods and ovarian cysts as well. It is also known as chasteberry.
Taking Vitex supplements helps promote healthy ovulation which ensures the mature egg is released properly and there is no malfunction that leads to growth of cysts. Vitex also regulates hormones and improves the whole process and timing of the menstrual cycle.
2. Black Cohosh
- Scientific name: Angelica sinensis
An herb that was used by the Native Americans to solve menstrual issues, black cohosh (buy here) is another supplement for ovarian cysts. It regulates the whole menstrual cycle, which ensures proper maturation of an egg, healthy ovulation, timely release of the egg and regular menstrual flow.
Taking black cohosh also relieves ovarian cyst pain so if you are suffering from ovary pain, discomfort and abdominal cramps, then black cohosh will help!
3. Wild Yam
- Scientific name: Dioscorea villosa
Wild yam root (buy here) regulates the entire menstrual cycle promoting healthy menstruation. It also balances hormones that influence the reproductive system such as estrogen, and this prevents excess estrogen that feeds ovarian cysts.
Supplementing with wild yam also greatly relieves ovarian cyst pain.
4. Milk Thistle
- Scientific name: Silybum marianum
Milk thistle (buy here) helps support the female reproductive system through helping with liver detoxification. Many reproductive issues and disorders such as ovarian cysts, fibroids and endometriosis are aggravated by excess or ‘bad’ estrogen.
Too much estrogen in the body causes development of ovarian cysts. The liver is an important organ that processes and breaks down excess hormones including estrogen in the body. Milk thistle helps detox the liver and regenerate liver cells.
5. Tribulus
- Scientific name: Tribulus terrestris
Ovarian cysts commonly develop in women who are not ovulating regularly. Tribulus (buy here) helps normalize ovulation when taken before ovulation.
In one study found in the Botanical Medicine for Women’s Health by Dr. Aviva Romm, 36 women who suffered from anovulation (not ovulating) were given 300-400mg of tribulus daily from day 5-14 of their cycle. Results showed that 67% women experienced healthy ovulation after 2-3 months of regular use. And 6% immediately conceived.
6. Dandelion
- Scientific name: Taraxacum officinale
Dandelion (buy here) is also on this list of top supplements for ovarian cysts. Just like milk thistle, dandelion helps support liver detox which naturally treats and prevents ovarian cyst growth.
Taking dandelion in form of supplements or tea helps the liver flush out excess estrogen in the body that leads to unwanted growth of ovarian cysts.
7. Yarrow
- Scientific name: Achillea millefolium
Yarrow (buy here) is another herb that was prized by the Native American community. It has strong medicinal benefits including supporting reproductive health. Yarrow is known to promote proper blood circulation in the reproductive system. This relieves pelvic congestion which helps reduce and dissolve unwanted fluid-filled growths such as ovarian cysts.
8. Red Clover
- Scientific name: Trifolium pratense
Last but not least is another supplement for ovarian cysts known as red clover (buy here). It is a powerful hormone balancer, especially female hormones like estrogen. It contains phytoestrogens, such as daidzein and genstein, that mimic and take part in neutralizing the activity of excess bad estrogens.
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