Hormonal imbalance is often the #1 contributing factor in the formation of ovarian cysts. The hormone culprit, estrogen and too much of it. Some women’s bodies produce too much estrogen and others are over exposed to xenohormones.
Ovarian cysts are literally a pain. Not only does having an ovarian cyst mean ovulation may not happen, but they also often cause pain (can be one-sided), pressure and/or abdominal bloating, pain during intercourse or with a bowel movement, irregular menstrual cycles with mid-cycle spotting and anovulation, or at their worst ovarian damage and infertility, yet some women never know they have them.
The reality of ovarian cysts is that every woman who ovulates gets them—because a cyst is critical to the development of an egg as well as the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Unfortunately, there are some abnormal ovarian cysts but the overwhelming majority of them are benign. ~ The Center for Menstrual Disorders
Natural therapies are excellent at helping the body detoxify properly, maintain healthy circulation to the reproductive organs and nourishing the systems of the body instrumental in keeping hormones balanced, all to prevent the formation of abnormal ovarian cysts*. At the top of the list of natural ways to help the body achieve reproductive wellness and prevent ovarian cysts is to reduce excess estrogen to promote hormonal balance.
Easy Ways to Reduce Excess Estrogen and Balance Hormones
1. Change your diet
- Follow a Fertility Diet packed with mostly fresh or frozen whole foods
- Avoid BPA in canned goods and do not cook food in plastic or drink water from plastic
- Reduce intake of soy, processed food and hormone-treated food (like conventional animal products)
- Learn The Clean 15 and The Dirty Dozen foods
2. Avoid exposure to xenohormones
- Choose skin care products and cosmetics free of mineral oil, parabens and emulsifiers
- Use natural detergents and cleaning products
- Avoid solvents and adhesives such as those in paint/varnish, nail polish and dry cleaning
3. Maintain a healthy weight and BMI
- Excess adipose tissue or body fat stores can cause your body to overproduce estrogen
- Participate in moderate-intensity exercise for at least 30 minutes 5 times a week
- Practice mindful eating paying attention to portion size and omit all sugary beverages (including fruit juice, soda and alcohol)
4. Consider Specific Supplements
- Herbs to help nourish the endocrine system, liver and ovaries: Vitex, Chaste tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus), Tribulus aerial parts and fruit (Tribulus terrestris), Maca root (Lepidium meyenii), Milk Thistle seed (Silybum marianum), etc.
- Diindolylmethane, aka DIM, helps the body metabolize excess estrogen in turn supporting hormonal balance
- Natural progesterone cream, used short term can help balance estrogen and progesterone levels in the body
The Work Is Worth It!
If you regularly experience ovarian cysts, the work to reduce exposure to excess estrogen is completely worth it. Each of the steps above are explained in great detail in our guide How to Help Ovarian Cysts Naturally and Safely with Herbs and Supplements… and you can see ovarian health products here…
If you find yourself still needing help in knowing what to do, we offer Fertility Consultations and are happy to help in creating a natural fertility program for you.
*Note: There are additional considerations for women with PCOS and multiple ovarian cysts.
- Shaffer, L. (n.d.). Treat the Pain of Ovarian Cysts FAST With These 12 Natural Remedies! Retreived from: https://www.davidwolfe.com/remove-ovarian-cysts-12-remedies/
- Rodriguez, H. (n.d.). How to Help Ovarian Cysts Naturally and Safely with Herbs and Supplements… Retrieved from: https://natural-fertility-info.com/ovarian-cyst-remedy
- Wortman, M. (n.d.) Women’s Health; Ovarian Cysts. The Center for Menstrual Disorders. Retrieved from: http://www.cmdrc.com/womens-health/ovarian-cysts/
