Finding out that you have an ovarian cyst can be concerning, but most ovarian cysts are benign, and many disappear naturally wi…September 29, 2026

The important point is that not all ovarian cysts are the same. The appropriate approach depends on what type of cyst is present, its size and appearance, whether it is causing symptoms, and what underlying hormonal, metabolic, nutritional, or other factors may be contributing.

Important Points to Know

• Many ovarian cysts are associated with normal ovulation and resolve naturally.
• Some cysts require follow-up with ultrasound or additional medical evaluation.
• Sudden severe pelvic pain, especially with nausea or vomiting, can indicate rupture or ovarian torsion and requires prompt medical attention.
• PCOS involves hormonal and metabolic disturbances and is not simply the presence of one ovarian cyst.
• Insulin resistance, nutrition, stress, activity level, and hormonal balance may all influence ovarian health.
• At Keefe Clinic, we approach problems such as ovarian cysts on multiple levels rather than relying on one treatment alone.
• Depending on the individual, care may involve diet, targeted nutritional support, homeopathy, acupuncture, chiropractic care, stress management, and other appropriate natural approaches.

What Is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops either within or on the surface of an ovary.

Many cysts are associated with normal ovulation. These are called functional cysts and commonly disappear within a few menstrual cycles.

Other ovarian growths include:

• Dermoid cysts – Also called mature cystic teratomas, these develop from germ cells, the cells capable of forming different types of body tissue. Because of that, dermoid cysts may contain material such as fat, hair, skin, or even calcified tissue. They are usually benign, but larger dermoid cysts can increase the risk of ovarian torsion and may require surgical evaluation.
• Cystadenomas – These are cystic growths that develop from tissue on the surface of the ovary. They may be filled with thin, watery fluid or thicker mucinous material. Many are benign, but some can become quite large, so their size and ultrasound appearance are important in deciding whether observation or removal is appropriate.
• Endometriomas associated with endometriosis – An endometrioma forms when endometriosis involves the ovary. Tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows in or on the ovary and can repeatedly bleed into a cyst. The old blood gives these cysts their characteristic thick, dark contents, which is why they are sometimes called “chocolate cysts.” Endometriomas may be associated with pelvic pain, painful menstrual periods, pain during intercourse, and fertility problems.
• Cysts or follicular abnormalities associated with hormonal disorders – Hormonal disruption can interfere with normal follicle development and ovulation. In conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), numerous small follicles may remain in the ovaries because normal ovulation does not occur consistently. These follicles are not the same as a single large ovarian cyst, but their presence can reflect an underlying hormonal and metabolic disorder that may include irregular periods, elevated androgens, and insulin resistance.

Because these conditions behave differently, identifying the type of cyst is important.

Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst

Many ovarian cysts produce no symptoms and are discovered during an examination or ultrasound.

When symptoms occur, they can include:

• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain
• Pelvic pressure or fullness
• Bloating
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Pain during intercourse
• Low-back discomfort
• Increased urinary frequency
• Changes in bowel habits

Symptoms alone cannot determine what type of cyst is present.

When an Ovarian Cyst Requires Immediate Attention

Most cysts are not medical emergencies, but complications can occur.

A cyst can rupture, and an ovary can sometimes twist around its supporting structures. This is called ovarian torsion, and it can reduce or interrupt blood flow to the ovary.

Seek prompt medical attention for:

• Sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain
• Severe pain with nausea or vomiting
• Faintness or marked dizziness
• Rapidly worsening abdominal symptoms
• Fever associated with severe pelvic pain

These symptoms should not be managed solely with home treatment.

Ultrasound Helps Determine What Happens Next

Transvaginal ultrasound is an important tool for evaluating an ovarian cyst.

Doctors may evaluate:

• Size
• Shape
• Fluid content
• Solid components
• Septations or internal projections
• Blood-flow patterns
• Whether the cyst is stable, shrinking, or growing

A small, simple, fluid-filled cyst generally has a different risk profile from a complex cyst containing solid tissue.

Depending upon age, symptoms, ultrasound findings, and other risk factors, medical management may involve:

• Observation
• Repeat ultrasound
• Blood testing
• Gynecologic consultation
• Surgical evaluation when appropriate

Objective follow-up is particularly important because functional cysts, endometriomas, dermoid cysts, and other ovarian masses may require very different management.

Looking Beyond the Cyst

At Keefe Clinic, when we are dealing with a health problem such as an ovarian cyst, we do not look only at the cyst itself.

We ask a broader question:

What factors in this individual's overall physiology may need attention?

Depending on the patient, that may include:

• Hormonal balance
• Blood-sugar regulation
• Insulin resistance
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Dietary patterns
• Digestive function
• Stress and nervous-system function
• Physical activity
• Musculoskeletal and neurological stress
• Acupuncture meridian patterns
• Homeopathic findings
• Other factors identified during examination and testing

The objective is an individualized, multi-level approach rather than assuming that every patient with an ovarian cyst needs the same treatment.

PCOS, Insulin Resistance, and Ovarian Health

Polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, is a hormonal and metabolic condition.

It can be associated with:

• Irregular or absent ovulation
• Irregular menstrual periods
• Increased androgen activity
• Acne
• Excess facial or body hair
• Difficulty becoming pregnant
• Insulin resistance

Despite its name, PCOS is not simply the presence of a single ovarian cyst. The multiple small follicles typically seen with PCOS are different from a large isolated ovarian cyst.

Insulin resistance is especially important because it can influence ovarian hormone production even before fasting glucose becomes obviously abnormal.

Possible laboratory evaluation may include:

• Fasting glucose
• Fasting insulin
• Hemoglobin A1c
• Lipid levels
• Appropriate hormone testing

A calculation called HOMA-IR, based on fasting glucose and insulin, may also provide information about insulin sensitivity when interpreted in the proper clinical context.

Diet and Ovarian Health

Diet can influence metabolic and hormonal function, particularly when insulin resistance is present.

A sound nutritional foundation generally emphasizes:

• Whole, minimally processed foods
• Adequate protein
• Fresh vegetables
• Appropriate fruit intake
• Healthy dietary fats
• Adequate fiber
• Foods that help maintain stable blood sugar

Reducing heavily processed foods can simultaneously decrease excessive refined carbohydrates, excess calories, and heavily processed oils.

What About Vegetable Oils and Linoleic Acid?

There is interest in whether high intake of linoleic acid and certain polyunsaturated vegetable oils may influence oxidative stress, inflammation, and hormone metabolism.

Animal research has reported ovarian changes in rats exposed to certain oils, including canola, maize, and sunflower oils.

However, animal studies cannot by themselves establish that these oils cause ovarian cysts in women.

A reasonable nutritional approach is to reduce dependence on highly processed foods and obtain fats primarily from minimally processed sources.

These may include:

• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Avocado
• Nuts and seeds
• Eggs
• Fish
• Butter or ghee when appropriate
• Naturally occurring fats in meat and dairy products

Overall dietary quality is more important than focusing exclusively on a single food.

Movement and Exercise

Regular physical activity supports insulin sensitivity, circulation, metabolic health, and overall hormonal regulation.

Useful activities can include:

• Walking
• Strength training
• Stretching
• Yoga
• Cycling
• Swimming

You do not necessarily need strenuous exercise.

Consistency is usually more important than intensity.

Stress Handling Is Part of the Treatment Picture

Chronic stress influences far more than mood.

Stress can affect:

• Sleep
• Appetite
• Blood-sugar regulation
• Muscle tension
• Pain perception
• Digestive function
• Autonomic nervous-system balance

For this reason, when appropriate, stress handling becomes another part of our overall approach.

Strategies may include:

• Breathing exercises
• Relaxation techniques
• Gentle exercise
• Adequate sleep
• Acupuncture
• Chiropractic care when indicated
• Other methods aimed at improving nervous-system balance

Natural Ways to Reduce Discomfort

Home measures do not necessarily eliminate an ovarian cyst, but they may help reduce secondary discomfort.

Heat

A warm compress or heating pad over the lower abdomen or lower back may relax tense muscles.

Gentle Movement

Walking and light stretching can help decrease stiffness and muscular guarding.

Massage

Gentle massage of the lower back, hips, and surrounding muscles may reduce secondary tension.

Avoid aggressive pressure directly over an area of severe abdominal or pelvic pain.

Ginger and Chamomile

Ginger and chamomile have traditionally been used for menstrual discomfort, digestive symptoms, and relaxation.

They may be useful as supportive measures but should not be represented as treatments that directly eliminate an ovarian cyst.

Targeted Nutritional Support

Rather than giving every patient the same group of supplements, nutritional support should be based on individual needs.

Depending upon examination, history, diet, and testing, nutritional support might address:

• Blood-sugar regulation
• Insulin sensitivity
• Vitamin and mineral status
• Essential fatty-acid balance
• Antioxidant status
• Digestive function
• Hormonal nutritional support
• Stress-related nutritional requirements

The purpose of supplementation is not simply to take more products.

It is to determine what the individual appears to need and target support accordingly.

Professional-Grade Supplements

Keefe Clinic uses professional-quality nutritional products when supplementation is indicated.

Our Fullscript dispensary is available at:

An Individualized Homeopathic Approach to Ovarian Cysts

Homeopathy is another tool that may be incorporated into the broader approach used at Keefe Clinic.

We do not assume that one homeopathic remedy is appropriate for every woman with an ovarian cyst.

Several remedies have traditionally been associated with ovarian, menstrual, and pelvic complaints.

They include:

• Natrum muriaticum – traditionally used for certain menstrual and ovarian disturbances.
• Graphites – historically associated with ovarian enlargement and cystic complaints.
• Pulsatilla – commonly associated with ovarian discomfort and menstrual irregularity.
• Sepia – traditionally used for pelvic and ovarian symptoms, including pressure and bearing-down sensations.
• Silicea (Silica) – historically used in homeopathy for chronic glandular, cystic, and reproductive complaints.

Published case reports and case series have described ultrasound-documented improvement or resolution of ovarian cysts during individualized homeopathic care, including cases in which Silicea was used.

How We Individualize Homeopathic Treatment

At Keefe Clinic, Vega testing may be used as part of determining which homeopathic preparation appears most appropriate for an individual patient.

Sometimes testing indicates a single remedy.

At other times, a combination appears more appropriate.

We may also use testing to help determine which potency appears most appropriate for that particular patient.

So rather than simply asking:

“What is the remedy for an ovarian cyst?”

we attempt to determine:

• Which remedy?
• One remedy or a combination?
• Which potency?
• What other nutritional or physiological factors need attention at the same time?

Vega testing for remedy selection and potency has not been established through controlled scientific research as a conventional diagnostic method. Its use at Keefe Clinic reflects our clinical approach and experience.

Acupuncture and Ovarian Health

Acupuncture may also be incorporated when indicated.

From a traditional acupuncture perspective, reproductive and menstrual complaints are evaluated according to the individual's overall pattern rather than simply treating the anatomical diagnosis.

Treatment may therefore vary depending upon the patient's:

• Menstrual pattern
• Pain characteristics
• Stress level
• Digestive symptoms
• Energy
• Sleep
• Other clinical findings

The purpose is to approach the patient's health pattern as a whole rather than treating the cyst in isolation.

Where Chiropractic Fits In

Chiropractic care does not mechanically remove an ovarian cyst.

However, chiropractic care may be appropriate when the patient also has musculoskeletal, spinal, pelvic, or nervous-system dysfunction that warrants treatment.

For example, a patient experiencing pelvic discomfort may simultaneously develop:

• Low-back muscle tension
• Pelvic muscular imbalance
• Altered movement
• Protective muscle guarding
• Increased spinal stress

These problems can be evaluated and addressed independently while the ovarian condition receives appropriate medical monitoring.

A Multi-Level Approach at Keefe Clinic

No single therapy should automatically be considered the answer for every ovarian cyst.

At Keefe Clinic, we may approach the individual on several levels at the same time:

1. Diet

Improving food quality, blood-sugar stability, and overall nutrient intake.

2. Targeted Nutritional Support

Identifying specific vitamins, minerals, digestive support, or other nutrients that may be appropriate.

3. Stress Handling

Addressing stress, sleep, nervous-system balance, and lifestyle factors.

4. Homeopathy

Individualizing remedy selection and potency rather than using one standard remedy for everyone.

5. Acupuncture

Using an individualized acupuncture approach when appropriate.

6. Chiropractic Care

Addressing associated spinal, musculoskeletal, and neurological dysfunction when indicated.

7. Other Appropriate Approaches

Additional therapies may be incorporated according to the patient's findings and needs.

And importantly:

8. Appropriate Medical Evaluation and Follow-Up

Ultrasound and gynecologic evaluation remain important when indicated so that changes in the cyst can be objectively monitored.

This allows natural and supportive care to be integrated with appropriate medical evaluation rather than treating the two approaches as mutually exclusive.

The Goal Is Individualized Care

Two women can both have an “ovarian cyst” and have entirely different underlying situations.

One may have a temporary functional cyst associated with ovulation.

Another may have PCOS and insulin resistance.

Another may have an endometrioma.

Another may have a complex mass requiring specialist evaluation.

That is why we believe the best approach begins with the individual rather than simply the name of the condition.

Our goal at Keefe Clinic is to evaluate the broader health picture, identify the factors that appear most relevant, provide individualized natural support, and encourage appropriate objective follow-up when necessary.

Keefe Clinic

John H. Keefe III, D.C., P.C.

5640 South Memorial Drive, Suite A

Tulsa, Oklahoma 74145-9001

At 57th & Memorial

Phone: (918) 663-1111

Fax: (918) 663-2129

Email: docjohn@keefeclinic.com

Website: KeefeClinic.com

Professional-Grade Nutritional Supplements

Keefe Clinic uses professional-quality nutritional products when supplementation is appropriate.

Fullscript: