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An A-Z Woman's Guide to Vibrant Health
Ovarian Cysts, Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome and Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cysts
Ovarian cysts are very common and often exist without symptoms. In a normal
cycle, every month several follicles, each containing an egg, develop. A
surge of luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone helps release
the egg, and progesterone increases. If the egg is not fertilized, the cycle
starts all over again. Sometimes, however, no egg is released. Then no
progesterone is secreted and more estrogen is released, thus maturing the
follicles into fluid-filled sacs or cysts that will grow larger every month until
progesterone is secreted.
Cysts can appear in a very short time and disappear just as quickly. Cysts
can be alone or in groups, small or large (even as big as a lemon!). Often
when cysts are a few centimeters in size, doctors will recommend surgery.
However, if a diet and supplementation program is followed, those cysts will
usually reduce and disappear. The risk of cancer increases when cysts
become solid. Ovarian cancer is rare, but it is difficult to diagnose and
remission rates with conventional medicine are poor.
Sometimes a follicle is able to grow tissue or skin cells within the cyst.
These types of cysts will not dissipate and must be surgically removed.
Symptoms
Often ovarian cysts are not noticed until a pelvic examination is performed
by the doctor or by an ultrasound scan. This is why it is so important to go
for your annual PAP test because doctors perform a pelvic exam at the same
time. For those with symptoms, the most obvious symptom is pain, either
tenderness to the touch or a constant sore or burning sensation in the
abdomen, located in the lower abdomen off to the right or left. Pain may
occur during ovulation or intercourse. If a cyst erupts in the pelvic cavity,
blood and fluid will discharge, possibly causing pain.
Causes
Ovarian cysts occur when there is a hormone imbalance. Estrogen
dominance brought on by poor elimination of waste by the lymphatic
system, colon, liver and kidneys is a factor. Emotional or physical trauma,
prolonged stress, and even heavy exercise can cause increased estrogen.
A diet rich in meat and dairy products is also responsible for elevating
estrogen. Cysts that occur after menopause should be looked at by a
physician, as there is a greater risk of them being cancerous. The risk of
ovarian cancer is increased with the use of fertility drugs or birth control
pills, or if you have never been pregnant.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a disorder where many fluid-filled
cysts are present and male hormones are excessively high. In this disorder,
excess luteinizing hormone increases the production of male hormones that
can cause acne and coarse hair growth.
Affecting up to 10 percent of the U.S. population, Polycystic Ovary
Syndrome is the most common hormone dysfunction among women in
their reproductive years. Because eggs are frequently not released, fertility is
a problem. If pregnancy does occur, it often ends with first trimester
miscarriage or is associated with gestational diabetes. The condition seems
to run in families, with 20 percent of mothers and 40 percent of sisters of
those with PCOS also demonstrating varying degrees of the syndrome.
With the approach of menopause, androgen production declines, and there
is a more normal pattern of menstruation. If left untreated, PCOS can
lead to cancer of the uterine lining. Women with PCOS also are at
increased risk for development of Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease
and hypertension.
Symptoms
PCOS usually shows with coarse hair growth on the face and chest, and
higher levels of male androgenic hormones, caused when the pituitary
gland releases an excess of luteinizing hormone. Acne and oily skin are also
evident. Ovaries are typically enlarged and contain multiple cysts.
Symptoms often become apparent in puberty when menstruation is to
begin: irregular menstrual periods with copious bleeding may occur, or
PCOS can cause a lack of periods altogether. Infertility is a major concern
of women with PCOS.
Causes
Although historically considered a gynecological problem, research now
shows that PCOS is associated with hyperinsulinemia (production of too
much of the insulin hormone) and impaired glucose metabolism. Perhaps
not surprisingly, more than 65 percent of women who suffer from PCOS are
obese. Reports indicate that early pubarche (breast budding and pubic hair
growth) is linked to ovarian hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance,
suggesting another hormonal trigger. Doctors typically try to determine if a
tumor is responsible for the production of male hormones. Thyroid and
prolactin abnormalities should also be investigated as possible causes of
amenorrhea (lack of period).
Since the extra weight seems to be an important issue, those with PCOS
should work toward losing excess weight gradually, using proper nutrition
and exercise. Doing so will also lessen risks for diabetes and cardiovascular
disease.
Ovarian Cancer
Ovarian cancer is the fifth most diagnosed cancer, accounting for almost 5
percent of all cancer deaths. In fact, about one in 70 women will eventually
develop ovarian cancer. Known as the silent killer, vague symptoms make
this cancer difficult to detect and allow it to invade other tissues. Ovarian
cancer normally strikes between the ages of 50 and 70, and with an almost
60 percent death rate, women need to understand the symptoms so that
they can seek treatment early.
Symptoms
Symptoms of ovarian cancer can mimic common illness and are often vague.
According to the Canadian Cancer Society, symptoms of early stage ovarian
cancer include a mild discomfort in the lower part of the abdomen, a sense of
incomplete evacuation of stool, gas, a frequent need to urinate, indigestion,
feeling full after a light meal, low back pain and vaginal discharge. More
advanced symptoms include painful intercourse, abnormal bleeding, diarrhea
or constipation, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and fatigue. A build-up of
fluid in the abdomen makes clothes feel tight. At this point, a woman may
lose weight or become anemic.
Tests to diagnose ovarian cancer are simple and include a transvaginal ultrasound,
a CA-125 blood test and a pelvic exam. Many doctors believe that
the CA-125 blood test is not reliable, but the National Ovarian Cancer
Association recommends it be done on women with above-noted symptoms.
A 1983 Harvard University study found elevated levels in 80 percent of
women with stages three and four ovarian cancer. The test was not as reliable
with stage one and two cancer, and test results can also be high in women
with uterine fibroids and endometriosis. Despite its imperfections, it is the
best test that we have when combined with a transvaginal ultrasound.
Fortunately, in Canada the CA-125 is covered under provincial health
plans. Surgery is the only definitive method of detecting ovarian cancer.
PRESCRIPTION FOR WOMEN'S HEALTH
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Multivitamins with minerals; (contains no iron)
FemmEssentials or MultiEssentials for women |
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| As directed. See Appendix A for the complete listing of recommended nutrients and their actions. |
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| Provides all the nutrients a woman needs every day to support all functions |
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Take four capsules. Two at breakfast, two at dinner containing:
Milk Thistle 100 mg |
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Supports liver health, which is important for metabolism of hormones |
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Important for healthy metabolism of estrogen; supports normal cell growth |
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Turmeric 100 mg
(95% curcumin) |
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Prevents abnormal cell growth, detoxifies cancer-causing form of estrogen |
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Stops healthy estrogen from converting into the cancer-causing form. Has been shown to reverse abnormal PAP tests within 3 menstrual cycles |
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| Protects against abnormal cell growth, detoxifies excess estrogens |
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| Reduces tumor formation; is antioxidant |
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| Antioxidant; reduces risk of cancer |
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| | Sulforaphane 400 mcg daily |
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| Reduces risk of cancer; stops abnormal cell growth |
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| Natural
progesterone cream |
| | In Canada, progesterone cream is a prescription drug. Use 6% natural progesterone 1/4 to 1/2 tsp morning and night between day 5-28 (or whenever your normal cycle ends). In the U.S., ProgestaCare by Life Flo is niceas it delivers 20 mg in a pre-measured pump dose. |
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| Limits abnormal cell growth caused by too much estrogen. Aids ovulation |
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Evening Primrose Oil or Borage Oil |
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| 3000 mg per day of Evening Primrose or 2000 mg per day of Borage oil |
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| Anti-inflammatory; controls negative prostaglandins involved in pain and
inflammation |
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Chaste Tree (Vitex) berry |
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| Balances estrogen-to-progesterone ratio, important for proper cell function Normalizes ovulation and prolactin |
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HEALTH TIPS TO ENHANCE HEALING
- See health tips for Endometriosis.
- Weight loss is essential in those with polycystic ovarian syndrome. See Diabetes for tips on normalizing insulin and improving insulin resistance, which aids PCOS.
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