Ovarian cysts are fairly common, but you may not have heard much about them because in most cases, they don’t have any symptoms. This also means that you can have an ovarian cyst and not know it. However, in some cases, they do cause problems. Here’s some information about this condition and the role that acupuncture can play in treating ovarian cysts.
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is like a pocket or a container like a small balloon, usually fluid-filled, that grows in or on the surface of one of your ovaries. Ovarian cysts are pretty common and usually don’t cause pain or other symptoms, so in most cases, they’re pretty uneventful and go away on their own within a couple of months.
So, why are we even talking about ovarian cysts?
That’s because while they’re usually harmless, in some instances these cysts can grow fairly large and become problematic in a couple of ways. A large cyst can displace your ovary and cause it to move or become twisted, a condition called ovarian torsion. Not only can this be painful, but it can also inhibit the flow of blood to the affected ovary. Symptoms of this happening can be severe pain in your pelvis, sometimes accompanied by nausea and vomiting. Another complication that can occur is that the cyst can rupture (burst open), which causes severe pain and bleeding inside your pelvis. As a cyst becomes larger, the risk of it rupturing increases.
Are all ovarian cysts the same?
No, however most ovarian cysts are related to the function of your menstrual cycle and are called functional cysts. During a typical menstrual cycle, your ovaries grow follicles each month, which are small cysts that generate the hormones estrogen and progesterone. A follicle breaks open each month to release an egg, which is how you ovulate. A follicular cyst grows when the follicle doesn’t break open to release the egg, but instead continues to grow.
In a perfect world, after a follicle breaks open to release an egg, the follicle will begin to shrink and make hormones that are needed for conception. When this happens, the follicle becomes the corpus luteum. However, sometimes the hole in your ovary where the egg was released from becomes obstructed and fluid begins to build up inside, creating a cyst. This is called a corpus luteum cyst.
There are other ovarian cysts that are less common and aren’t associated with your menstrual cycle or made from follicular tissue. Cysts can form from the germ cells that produce eggs, cells from the surface of your ovary, or from endometrial cells. Bottom line is that a cyst can interfere with ovulation.
So, are ovarian cysts the same thing as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)?
No. While the two conditions may sound the same, they are actually quite different. Ovarian cysts usually develop one at a time, often don’t cause symptoms and frequently go away on their own. While they’re associated with the function of your menstrual cycle, they aren’t typically caused by a hormonal imbalance.
In contrast, PCOS usually involves several small cysts in your ovaries that are a result of follicles not completing their cycle of maturation and release. This is caused by a hormonal imbalance and is associated with a number of symptoms. Women with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, excessive hair growth and fertility issues. In addition, PCOS usually needs to be managed, often requiring hormonal treatment and lifestyle modifications.
Are there factors that increase my risk of developing an ovarian cyst?
Actually, yes. Your risk can be higher if you:
- Experience hormonal imbalances or are taking fertility meds to help you ovulate.
- Are pregnant.
- Have had a severe pelvic infection, especially if it spread to your ovaries.
- Have endometriosis or PCOS
- Have insulin resistance
How is an ovarian cyst diagnosed?
If you’re experiencing symptoms that might suggest an ovarian cyst, your health care provider has a number of ways to determine not only the presence of a cyst, but also its size and the nature. Some tests include a pelvic exam, a pelvic ultrasound, tumor marker tests, and a laparoscopy, which is a surgical procedure.
Ultrasound image of an ovarian cyst
What are the available treatments for ovarian cysts?
As with any medical condition, treatment will depend on a number of factors, such as your symptoms, the size and type of the cyst and your age. If you’re not having severe symptoms, your doctor may recommend waiting for a few months to see if the cyst resolves on its own. Hormones, such as birth control pills, may be recommended to keep you from ovulating and developing more cysts. For very large cysts, those that are causing a great deal of pain or those that don’t appear to be functional cysts, surgery can be an option.
What About Acupuncture? Is It Helpful in Treating Ovarian Cysts?
Yes, acupuncture can help women who are experiencing ovarian cysts in a number of ways. It can:
- Provide pain relief. Scientists have found that acupuncture increases the circulation of neurotransmitters that help with pain relief and mood regulation.
- Help balance your hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, which can regulate your menstrual cycle.
- Promote the flow of blood throughout your pelvic area to support healing and normal ovarian function.
- Relieve stress and tension that aggravate pain and uncomfortable symptoms. A great deal of research supports the use of acupuncture for the relief of stress and anxiety.
If you experience frequent ovarian cysts or are having painful symptoms from one or more cysts, acupuncture can be helpful on several levels. For more information on acupuncture for the treatment of ovarian cysts, please contact me.
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Dr. Jeda Boughton is a Doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Registered Acupuncturist in Vancouver. She is also a Registered Herbologist and the founder of BodaHealth.
