Ovarian Cysts Introduction: Ovarian
cysts are common due to the fact that a woman in the reproductive phase of her
life goes through cyclical hormone changes where in the first 2 weeks of the menstrual
cycle a follicle (=a mini-cyst) develops. This ruptures midway between two periods
during ovulation when the egg is released. In the second half of the hormone
cycle (in the 2 weeks before the menstrual period) progesterone type hormones
are produced in the former cyst where the egg had matured (corpus luteum). Variations
of this normal situation lead to ovarian cysts or persistent follicles, which
are quite common. With persistent follicles (where no ovulation has taken place)
there is a lack of progesterone production as the corpus luteum has not developed.
Pain relief: There is an FDA approved non-drug method available,
IceWave patches from Lifewave,
which will control pain. This is mentioned in the book "Breakthrough"
by Suzanne Somers (Ref. 9) where newer insights of antiaging medicine are also
reviewed. Although the patches are placed over acupuncture points, there are no
needles involved. Nanotechnology, a newer technology, was used in the manufacturing
of these patches and infrared (heat) waves from body heat are utilized to stimulate
an acupuncture point, which modifies pain perception and reduces pain to half
or less. Medically this would be considered an excellent pain reliever. For more
info on the patches see the IceWave patches from Lifewave link above (click "products").
In the US a 5 pack of the IceWave spray is available that can be directly sprayed
onto the skin in the area where the pain is located.
Polycystic
Ovary Syndrome Polycystic ovary syndrome
is associated with a more profound change of the entire metabolism. There is now
evidence that polycystic ovary syndrome is often associated with the syndrome
of insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome (Ref.1). About 7% of women in the
reproductive age have this syndrome. There is a subtle change in the ratio
of LH/FSH hormone. These patients have a changed metabolism with insulin and testosterone
overproduction. They are usually also overweight and the body appearance is different.
They have smaller breasts, a male pattern hair distribution (hirsutism) and are
missing their periods or are completely anovulatory and infertile. One of the
symptoms is ovarian fullness due to a multitude of cysts, which come from the
luteinizing hormone (LH) overproduction. These cysts can rupture and produce a
clinical picture similar to a single ruptured ovarian cyst. However, the other
physical findings would help with the diagnosis. Also, blood tests would help
the physician, where a lipid profile, testosterone level and an increased LH/FSH
ratio would confirm the diagnosis of polycystic ovaries (for more info on insulin
resistance asssociated with polycystic ovary syndrome,
click on this link). Treatment: In the
case of polycystic ovary syndrome a comprehensive treatment protocol is required.
A referral to an endocrinologist would be desirable. The endocrinologist will
likely suggest some weight loss to help the syndrome of insulin resistance. This
has recently also been treated successfully with Metformin, an oral hypoglycemic
agent. Progesterone and Spironolactone are also used for this condition.
Ovarian
cysts There is a big difference between single
ovarian cysts or polycystic ovary syndrome. The former is usually a follicle that
persisted, in other words it did not burst at the time of ovulation. It can produce
hormones and lead to irregular periods. It also can rupture and discharge
some blood into the abdominal cavity. Symptoms:
This would cause abdominal pain, which would come on suddenly. It is located
in the right or left lower abdomen depending from which ovary the symptoms arose.
As there is pelvic irritation all of the symptoms described for PID or for appendicitis
could be there (pain followed by vomiting). Treatment: A
single ovarian cyst often can be treated conservatively. However, the treating
physician must rule out any other more serious cause of abdominal pain such as
appendicitis or an ovarian tumor. Often a diagnostic laparoscopy has to be done
by a surgeon or gynecologist. Dr. John Lee (Ref. 10) notes that women who
develop ovarian cysts often benefit from progesterone treatment. It is best to
give 15 to 20 mg natural progesterone as a cream once per day on day 5 to 26 of
her cycle. It usually takes 2 to 3 cycles for the cysts to disappear. Blood tests
of FSH and LH will normalize and estrogen production will go down and be balanced
by the progesterone. When saliva tests are done (which is the most trustworthy
test for progesterone and estrogen tissue levels) the progesterone/estradiol ratio
(P/E2 ratio) needs to be above 200.
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