Soma Naturopathic

Ovarian Cysts

In Brief

Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar at Soma Naturopathic in Kirkland, WA helps women distinguish ordinary functional cysts — which resolve on their own — from cysts that need gynaecological attention, and addresses the hormonal and inflammatory patterns behind recurrent cysts rather than treating each one as an isolated event.

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or within an ovary. Most are functional — follicular or corpus luteum cysts that form as a normal part of ovulation and resolve on their own within one to three cycles. These are so common that they are better understood as a feature of a working reproductive system than as a disease. A smaller number are pathological: endometriomas from endometriosis, dermoid cysts, cystadenomas, or, rarely, malignant lesions. The clinically useful question is almost never "do I have a cyst" but "what kind is it, and does it need anything done".

Symptoms

  • •Often none at all — many cysts are found incidentally on imaging
  • •Dull ache or pressure on one side of the lower abdomen
  • •Sharp, sudden pelvic pain, which can indicate rupture
  • •Bloating, abdominal fullness or a sensation of heaviness
  • •Pain during intercourse, particularly on one side
  • •Irregular cycles, or pain at mid-cycle around ovulation
  • •Severe sudden pain with nausea and vomiting — possible ovarian torsion, a medical emergency

Causes & Risk Factors

  • •Normal ovulation, where a follicle fails to rupture or the corpus luteum fills with fluid
  • •Polycystic ovary syndrome, producing multiple small follicles rather than true cysts
  • •Endometriosis, causing endometriomas or so-called chocolate cysts
  • •Hormonal imbalance affecting the LH surge and ovulatory signalling
  • •Pregnancy, which can sustain a corpus luteum cyst into the first trimester
  • •Prior pelvic infection or inflammation

Naturopathic Approach

The first job is proportionate assessment. Functional cysts are extremely common and the overwhelming majority resolve without intervention within one to three cycles, so Dr. Sanika’s approach begins by establishing which category a cyst falls into rather than treating every finding as a problem. Characteristics on ultrasound — size, whether it is simple or complex, whether it has solid components or septations — determine whether watchful waiting with repeat imaging is appropriate or whether gynaecological referral is warranted. She refers promptly for complex, large or persistent cysts, for any concerning imaging features, and for post-menopausal cysts, where the threshold for investigation is appropriately lower. Sudden severe pain with nausea and vomiting is treated as a possible torsion and directed to emergency care rather than managed in clinic. Where cysts are functional and recurrent, the useful work is on the pattern rather than the individual cyst: functional lab testing evaluates the hormonal picture including androgens, LH and FSH, insulin and thyroid function, since PCOS and thyroid dysfunction both disrupt ovulation and are frequently the reason cysts keep forming. Clinical nutrition supports insulin sensitivity and healthy estrogen metabolism through fibre, cruciferous vegetables and blood-sugar-stable eating. Botanical medicine and nutraceuticals support regular ovulatory cycles, since consistent, clean ovulation is what reduces functional cyst formation. Where endometriomas are present, care is coordinated with the endometriosis management plan and framed as supportive rather than curative.

Related Modalities

functional-lab-testing

clinical-nutrition

botanical-medicine

nutraceuticals

lifestyle-medicine

Ovarian Cysts Care by City

Bellevue, WABothell, WAIssaquah, WAKenmore, WAKirkland, WARedmond, WASammamish, WAWoodinville, WA

Frequently Asked Questions

I was told I have an ovarian cyst. Should I be worried?

Usually not. Most ovarian cysts are functional — a normal by-product of ovulation — and resolve on their own within one to three cycles. What matters is the type. Simple, fluid-filled cysts under about five centimetres in a premenopausal woman are typically watched with repeat imaging. Complex cysts, large cysts, cysts with solid components, or any cyst after menopause warrant gynaecological evaluation. The finding itself is far less informative than its characteristics.

When is ovarian cyst pain an emergency?

Sudden, severe one-sided pelvic pain — particularly with nausea, vomiting, fever, dizziness or fainting — needs immediate emergency care. This can indicate ovarian torsion, where the ovary twists and loses its blood supply, or a significant haemorrhagic rupture. Torsion is time-critical: the ovary can be lost if it is not addressed quickly. Do not wait for a scheduled appointment for pain of that character.

Are ovarian cysts the same as PCOS?

No, despite the name. Polycystic ovary syndrome is not a condition of true cysts — the "cysts" on imaging are actually multiple small follicles that have arrested partway through development because ovulation is not completing. PCOS is a metabolic and endocrine syndrome involving insulin resistance, elevated androgens and irregular ovulation. A woman can have a single functional ovarian cyst with entirely normal ovaries otherwise, and that has nothing to do with PCOS.

Can I stop cysts from coming back?

Sometimes, if there is an identifiable pattern driving them. Recurrent functional cysts often reflect disordered ovulation, which can stem from insulin resistance, thyroid dysfunction, PCOS or high stress load. Addressing those underlying drivers so that ovulation happens cleanly and consistently tends to reduce recurrence. Isolated functional cysts in an otherwise regular cycle usually need no prevention at all — they are simply evidence that your ovaries are working.

References

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Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar

Dr. Sanika Kshirsagar, ND

Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine (ND)

Bastyr University, Kenmore, WA

Last reviewed:byDr. Sanika Kshirsagar, ND