Functional ovarian cysts often develop and grow in relation to hormonal shifts. Hormonal imbalance issues can cause these cysts to grow much larger and even painfully rupture. Ovarian cysts can shrink and disappear without surgery or drugs, simply by you creating an internal hormonal environment that keeps their development in check and under control.
Any woman who is experiencing estrogen overload or estrogen dominance – one of the most common hormonal imbalance situations – is at risk of developing ovarian cysts that become symptomatic. The symptoms of ovarian cysts range from bloating to frequent urination. Oftentimes, a woman who experiences a ruptured ovarian cyst will go to the ER with a lot of pain and a fever and, due to a lack of women’s health awareness, will be treated for appendicitis instead. The best way forward is to take control now for yourself, so you are not dependent on receiving emergency treatment down the line.
How to shrink ovarian cysts naturally
Natural remedies from a functional nutrition standpoint are highly effective as preventing cysts and shrinking those cysts you may already have. Here at FLO Living I have seen, time and time again, women reverse their diagnosis of ovarian cysts, shocking their doctors and themselves by how elegantly and effectively their body is capable of resolving this issue, when given the tools it needs to do so.
Any woman with a hormonal imbalance can take these actions with her diet as a preventative care measure, even if you currently do not know if you have ovarian cysts. Here I will outline the 5 strategies you can take to combat ovarian cysts.
Release excess estrogen – green vegetables like brussel sprouts, kale, collards, broccoli, cabbage contain DIM (Di-Indolyl Methane) which is very effective at helping the body process and eliminate excess estrogen. Try to have a side of these veggies at every meal – whether that’s sauted collard greens with your eggs at breakfast or broccoli with your bison burger for dinner.
Detox your liver – while so many products are marketed to us as detoxifying, the truth is quite simple – you need to eat to support your liver function and the best way to do this directly is with foods. So forget the detox teas and fancy supplements and instead eat more eggs for essential bio-available protein, glutathione-heavy veggies like avocados and asparagus, and selenium super foods like brazil nuts and oatmeal.
Fiber up – a diet high in fiber has been shown to decrease the reabsorption of estrogen in the body, lowering the incidence of estrogen-related health issues including cysts and breast cancer. Fruits and veggies are the best sources of fiber for this purpose. Add fiber-rich flax seeds to your salads, soups, and smoothies. Chomp on a fiber-full pear every day in your fruit salad.
Be good to your gut – fermented foods, be that sauerkraut, kimchi, or pickles help your body manage estrogen levels. The estrobolome (a set of gut bacteria or gut genes) produces an essential enzyme that helps metabolize your excess estrogen. Giving your gut what it wants and needs to process estrogen and maintain hormonal balance is vital.
Cycle-Sync your nutrients – there are 2 peak estrogen surges during your cycle that need to be responded to and controlled with your food choices. The Cycle-Syncing method of eating targets these surges with foods and supplements that contain the micronutrients your body wants in order to benefit from the estrogen it does need, while processing the excess it doesn’t need. This ensures these surges stay as spikes in estrogen and do not become long term estrogen dominance. You simply frontload your fridge and pantry with foods specific to each phase of your hormone cycle to address this common hormonal problem.
Always remember, that once you have the right information about how your body really works, you can start making health choices that finally start to work for you! You can do this – the science of your body is on your side!
To your FLO,
Alisa
We believe that no woman should suffer simply because she has a period.
And we also know that it’s not always possible to get access to functional and holistic healthcare solutions — sometimes they’re too far away and most of the time they are way too expensive.
That’s why we offer phone and Skype consultation sessions with our FLO coaches.
All of our expert FLO coaches have been trained by Alisa on top of being certified health coaches and licensed acupuncturists. And they are all qualified to help you find the right next step for you in getting out of hormonal chaos and into your FLO. Work with a FLO Coach and find your customized plan to solve your period symptoms.
Cycle syncing sounds interesting – I suffer from painful ovulation, but fairly normal periods. Been checked out for cysts and nothing is there, nor is endometriosis. I’ve had two children and don’t plan on having any more. I have been to a naturopath and learned about these wonderful foods you list above, but wasn’t sure what cycle syncing is. Can you point me to more information.
Hi Megan,
Absolutely! I write all about it and give detailed info in my book, WomanCode!
Alisa
Wonderful article! I took detailed notes and will definitely be referring back to them as reminders throughout the month.
Can you really shrink a 6.4 cm cyst? I have surgery scheduled but am looking for a better answer. I have NO side effects to the cyst. It’s grown almost 2 cm since Dec, which is why dr. Suggested surgery. I’ve had 3 cysts rupture over the last 8 years.
That’s a great question. I was just told that I have a cyst on my right ovary size of a grapefruit with no pain symptoms but want to do a MRI to be certain and surgery is in the plans. I have done my research on natural ways to shrink but not sure if it applies to a cyst my size. Any advice would be appreciated.