7 Natural Home Remedies For Dissolving Ovarian Cysts

I frequently see patients in my telehealth clinic struggling with pain and other symptoms of ovarian cysts. Underlying health conditions may cause these cysts, most often polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis.

Over time, cysts can lead to severe pain and significant health impacts like infertility. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies that can shrink or dissolve ovarian cysts without the need for medication or surgery.

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs or pockets inside or on the surface of an ovary. Women have 2 ovaries, and cysts can appear on one or both simultaneously.

Cysts may be simple (which typically resolve on their own) or complex (generally requiring medical treatment, including over-the-counter remedies). Most people with ovarian cysts don’t experience any symptoms.

For some, cysts cause symptoms that may become chronic if not addressed, such as:

• Bloating
• Abdominal pain

With complex cysts, especially in the case of health problems like PCOS and endometriosis, minor symptoms can be coupled with chronic symptoms such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Changes to bowel movements or urination
• Fatigue
• Painful, heavy periods
• Pelvic pain
• Pain during sex
• Anovulation (failure to ovulate regularly), leading to infertility (1)
• Frequent urination
• Digestive distress
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Increased ovarian cancer risk/tumors (complex cysts only) (2)

Cysts can also cause sudden pain if they burst. If you experience severe pain in your lower abdomen, immediately follow up with a doctor. You may need immediate medical treatment plus IV therapy if you have a cyst rupture or experience ovarian torsion. This is a complication where the ovary becomes twisted because of a large cyst.

Simple Versus Complex

There are 2 types of ovarian cysts: simple and complex. Simple cysts are also known as functional ovarian cysts, which are the most common form. There are 2 types of functional cysts:

Certain supplements can help manage ovarian cysts by supporting hormonal balance, reducing inflammation, and improving insulin sensitivity, all of which contribute to cyst formation. Here are a few of my favorite supplements for hormone support:

• Chasteberry: Chasteberry, or Vitex Agnus-castus, is a Mediterranean plant that supports healthy progesterone production. In one study, chasteberry supplementation led to a reduction in the number of ovarian cysts and the size of the remaining cysts. (12)
• Curcumin: Curcumin, the active ingredient in the turmeric spice, is well-known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Multiple studies show that curcumin dissolves ovarian cysts caused by PCOS and prevents some new ones from forming. (13)
• Inositol: Both D-chiro-inositol and Myo-inositol are compounds that effectively treat symptoms of PCOS, including cyst formation. (14) Inositol is also linked to improved insulin sensitivity in women with hormone-related conditions.
• Korean red ginseng: Supplementing with Korean red ginseng may shrink or dissolve ovarian cysts. (15) When combined with contraceptives like hormonal birth control, it may reduce high levels of testosterone and NF-κB responsible for many cysts. (16)
• Sanjie Zhentong: Research shows that this Chinese herbal blend supports cyst reduction, improves fertility, and combats inflammation. (17) Its antioxidant properties make it a common treatment for endometriosis, another source of ovarian cysts.
• Triphala Guggulu: This Ayurvedic remedy combines the detoxifying effects of Triphala with the anti-inflammatory properties of Guggulu. It supports digestion, reduces inflammation, and shows promise in cyst reduction in small studies. (18)
• Zinc: The role of zinc in reproductive health disorders is well-researched. The essential mineral supports hormone regulation and can reduce excess androgens in women with PCOS, potentially lowering the risk of cysts. (19)

Supplements that include ingredients like slippery elm and sea moss may also support better hormone balance less directly. Both are anti-inflammatories linked to better gut health.

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Add In Some Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar is often used as a natural remedy for PCOS, thanks to evidence that it may improve hormonal balance and reduce inflammation. It may also help regulate blood sugar levels, a common issue in PCOS patients. (20)

According to some small studies in women with PCOS, apple cider vinegar supplementation over 3+ months could support healthier ovulation. (21) While there aren’t any large-scale studies on ovarian cyst reduction, all of the known benefits are supportive of better hormonal health overall.

Tips For Managing Ovarian Pain

Several over-the-counter and at-home treatments can help reduce pain caused when a cyst ruptures or grows larger (a cyst over 4 cm is generally considered dangerously large).

Natural pain relievers for ovarian cysts include:

• Heating pads
• Massage, especially of the lower back, abdomen, and thighs
• TENS therapy (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
• Mindfulness meditation
• Acupuncture (22)

Painkillers like ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), and aspirin can also provide some relief as you heal, but monitor for any potential drug interactions or side effects. I don’t recommend using these kinds of medications chronically as they can disrupt your gut microbiome and they’re really just a band-aid to mask symptoms (rather than addressing the root cause).

Root Causes And Diagnosis

Ovarian cysts are ultimately caused by a hormonal imbalance between estrogen and progesterone that can interfere with the proper development of tissue. Depending on the person, what triggers this imbalance may be different.

People with ovarian cysts are more likely to be estrogen-dominant, causing your body to hold onto too much estrogen and not enough progesterone. Certain health problems like PCOS and endometriosis can contribute to the development of both simple and complex cysts.

Ovarian cysts are identified by an intravaginal ultrasound as part of a pelvic exam. Your doctor can see the size of the cyst this way, too.

Functional medicine providers may perform additional tests to identify the root causes of ovarian cysts and a more complete picture of ovarian health. These labs may include:

• Hormone testing like serum hCG, thyroid hormone panel, and sex hormone tests
• Sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening
• Blood glucose, insulin, and HbA1c panels
• CA-125 protein testing, especially for postmenopausal women or premenopausal women with large cysts

Finding The Right Plan For You

There’s no cure-all for ovarian cysts, and the best plan of action for you depends on your symptoms and overall health. As a functional medicine provider, my approach is always a holistic one to address any and all potential obstacles to better hormonal balance.

If you’re ready to start healing from the inside out and shrink ovarian cysts naturally, book a telehealth consultation to learn more about finding long-term, holistic symptom relief.

Read Next: How Holistic Health Is Empowering Women To Reclaim Their Wellness

FAQ

Can you get rid of a cyst without surgery?

A cyst can resolve without surgery using a combination of natural methods like dietary changes, exercise, and supplements. In conventional medicine, most people are treated with hormonal birth control to limit the development of cysts and reduce the associated symptoms.

If you are experiencing symptoms associated with complex cysts, your doctor can determine whether more complex treatment options or surgical intervention is needed. Only a small percentage of women require surgery (likely a laparoscopy) to remove ovarian cysts.

How serious is a cyst on your ovaries?

Ovarian cysts often resolve on their own, but large, persistent cysts can turn into a ruptured ovarian cyst or lead to ovarian torsion. See a doctor immediately if you’re feeling sudden pain in your lower abdomen.

How long does it take to shrink an ovarian cyst?

Simple cysts can heal themselves after a few menstrual cycles. Most complex cysts do not go away without treatment, whether that means pharmaceuticals, surgery, or home remedies.

For my patients, I find that anywhere between 12-24 months is needed to see long-term changes to ovarian cyst symptoms when using diet and lifestyle changes as treatment. Some people experience relief within as few as 3 months.

Since everyone’s biochemistry and health case is different, it’s difficult to put a definitive timeline on how long it will take to shrink an ovarian cyst. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan for you with regular hormone labs to track your progress.

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

PCOS is a hormonal disorder and chronic condition affecting women characterized by irregular periods, excess androgen (male hormone) levels, and ovarian cysts. It can cause symptoms like weight gain, acne, infertility, and insulin resistance.

PCOS requires ongoing management. As far as how to reverse PCOS, there is no cure, but you can manage PCOS naturally with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management. PCOS supplements targeting hormonal balance may help.

Sources

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