Ovarian cysts are solid or fluid- filled sacs that develops on or inside one or both ovaries. The ovaries are tiny organs located in the pelvis that contain egg cells and produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone. The majority of ovarian cysts are benign and do not cause any discomfort.

Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst
Smaller cysts may not cause any symptoms. Larger cysts may cause:

• Pelvic pain or dull aches in the back
• Bloating
• Pain during intercourse
• Pain during menstrual cycle
• Increased frequency of urinating
• Heavy or irregular periods
• Difficult to empty bowels

Causes of Ovarian Cyst
Ovarian cysts form during menstrual cycle. Other causes of ovarian cysts include atypical cell reproduction, endometriosis, and pelvic inflammatory disease.

Understanding Ovarian Cyst in Ayurveda
Ayurveda attributes ovarian cysts to imbalances in the body’s doshas, particularly Vata and Kapha. The accumulation of toxins (ama) and the imbalanced doshas can disrupt hormonal regulation and lead to cyst formation. Poor dietary habits, stress, and sedentary lifestyles are considered to be other contributing factors.

Treatment and Management
Treatment includes pain management (NSAIDs), hormonal therapies (birth control pills, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists), and surgery (laparoscopy) to remove ovarian cysts.
Palliative care by SPG’s PSA for ovarian cysts aims to provide symptomatic relief through a combination of hormonal therapies. It also focuses on emotional support, counselling, and education to help individuals manage the emotional and psychological impact of the disease.

FAQs about Ovarian Cyst

1. Can an ovarian cyst cause weight gain?

   Ovarian cysts can lead to bloating, which can contribute to weight gain. Additionally, certain cysts secrete hormones that can cause weight gain.

2. Do all women with ovarian cysts require surgery?

   No, surgery is not always necessary for ovarian cysts. Many cysts resolve on their own or can be managed with medication or watchful waiting depending on the cause.

3. Are all ovarian cysts visible on an ultrasound?

   No, not all ovarian cysts are visible on ultrasound. Some may be too small to detect, while others may require other imaging techniques like MRI or CT

4. What foods should I avoid if I have ovarian cysts? 

   It is recommended that individuals with ovarian cysts avoid full fat dairy products, red meats, refined sugar, alcohol, fried foods, and caffeine.

5. What happens if ovarian cysts are left untreated?

   If left untreated, ovarian cysts continue to grow leading to pelvic pain, infections, and infertility. In rare instances, it can turn into cancer. So, it is necessary to get treated for ovarian cysts at the earlier stages.