Reproductive Health Problems

PCOS / Ovarian Cysts

Q: I'm 23 and I have ovarian cysts. My doctor gave me two options: I can have surgery to remove my ovaries, or I can take a medication that'll put me in menopause for three months. Any suggestions?

A: First, please read chapters 1, 6 (especially pages 105-108 and 115-116), chapters 8, 10, 11, and 12 in my book, The Garden of Fertility. This'll take time, and it's a crucial first step to learning what happens during a typical menstrual cycle and what ovarian cysts are. To make informed decisions about our health care, we need to know how our bodies work!

Ovarian cysts are thought to be related to insulin resistance and estrogen dominance. Adjusting your diet could help direct your hormones toward more normal functioning. For examples, decreasing or eliminating sugar, white flour, soy, trans fats and caffeine and eating nutrient-dense foods like organic butter, free-range eggs, cod liver oil, and plenty of greens could help decrease estrogen levels. My chapter on food (chapter 11) describes this info in more detail. The best cookbook I know for a nutrient-dense kind of diet is Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon. Sally is also the president of the Weston A. Price Foundation. Their website, www.WestonAPrice.org, lists local chapters that can help you find nutrient-dense foods in your area.

Daily exercise is also important: exercise and a healthy diet can help get good circulation going to your ovaries. You might talk with your doctor about experimenting with a nutrient-dense diet and daily exercise for 3-6 months, then returning for a check-up to see how or if your situation improves.

Acupuncture may also be helpful.

Last, http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/PCONatural/ is a wonderful site for women who want to address poly-cystic ovarian syndrome naturally.