How to Shrink Ovarian Cysts

Co-authored by Megaera Lorenz, PhD | Medically reviewed by Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP

Last Updated: September 9, 2020 References

Ovarian cysts are pockets of fluid that sometimes develop in the ovaries. Fortunately, most cysts go away on their own and do not require medical intervention. There’s no scientific evidence that you can shrink ovarian cysts. However, some people believe that natural remedies like apple cider vinegar and potassium-rich foods can encourage the ovaries to heal. If you have symptoms such as pelvic pain, bloating, or a feeling of fullness in your abdomen, see your doctor for an evaluation. Large cysts can cause serious complications, and home remedies are not a replacement for appropriate medical care.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Using Natural Remedies

1
Eat a healthy diet rich in vegetables to help your body heal. Load up on organic fruits and vegetables. Dark leafy greens (such as spinach and kale), cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts), legumes (such as beans, peas, and lentils), and nuts and seeds (such as almonds, chia seeds, and flax seeds) are all healthy choices. Make sure to also incorporate sources of healthy fat, such as oily fish (like tuna and mackerel).^{[1]
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- A nutritious, well-balanced diet can promote healing, boost your immune system, and generally help your body function as well as possible. A plant-based diet, in particular, may help regulate the production of hormones that affect reproductive health.^{[2]
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  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source}
2
Incorporate potassium-rich foods into your diet. Some proponents of natural medicine believe that ovarian cysts can be a result of potassium deficiency and that eating more potassium may help heal and prevent cysts.^{[3]
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Research source} Good sources of dietary potassium include sweet potatoes, beet greens, yogurt, tomatoes, bananas, and many types of seafood (such as clams, tuna, and halibut).
- Most people can benefit from incorporating more potassium into their diet, but consuming too much potassium can also negatively affect your health.^{[4]
  X
  Research source} Talk to your doctor about whether you are getting a healthy amount of potassium from your diet.
- The average adult should get around 4,700 mg of potassium from their diet each day.^{[5]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  Harvard Medical School
  Harvard Medical School's Educational Site for the Public
  Go to source} Ask your doctor if this is an appropriate dietary goal for you.
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3
Drink a small amount of apple cider vinegar daily. Mix 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of apple cider vinegar with 7 fluid ounces (210 mL) of water and drink it each day after a meal. There are no evidence-based studies that show apple cider vinegar has an effect on ovarian cyst size. However, one small study showed that consuming a small amount of ACV each day may relieve some symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).^{[6]
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- Apple cider vinegar may provide some health benefits, such as helping to regulate blood sugar and facilitating weight loss. Like any dietary supplement, however, it can be harmful if you take too much of it. Too much ACV can damage your teeth, and it may also overwork your kidneys, especially if you have chronic kidney disease.^{[7]
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- Limit your intake of ACV to no more than 1 tablespoon (15 mL) to 2 tablespoons (30 mL) unless a doctor or dietitian advises you otherwise. Rinse your mouth with water after drinking ACV to minimize damage to your teeth.^{[8]
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4
Look into systemic enzyme therapy. Talk to your doctor about taking an enzyme supplement, such as Univase Forte or Wobenzym. Some alternative medicine specialists believe that systemic enzyme supplements may help reduce inflammation and promote the breakdown of excess or abnormal tissues, like those found in some types of ovarian cysts.^{[9]
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- There has been little scientific research on the effectiveness of oral systemic enzyme supplements for treating any type of medical condition. Systemic enzyme therapy is likely safe, but there is no strong evidence that it is actually helpful for shrinking ovarian cysts.^{[10]
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5
Put a castor oil pack over the affected ovary for 45-60 minutes daily. Soak a piece of clean cloth in castor oil and place it on your abdomen over the cyst. If you wish, you can gently warm the pack by placing a sheet of plastic over the cloth and placing a microwaveable heating pad on top of the plastic.^{[11]
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Research source} Some natural medicine proponents claim that castor oil applied to the skin may promote better blood circulation and healing of the organs in the area where the oil is applied, including the ovaries.^{[12]
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- Once you’re done using the pack, you can clean the castor oil off your skin with a mixture of water and baking soda.^{[13]
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- Do not use castor oil while you are pregnant or nursing, since it may not be safe for the fetus or baby. Some natural healthcare practitioners also caution against using castor oil packs during your period, since it is believed to increase blood flow.^{[14]
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- There is no scientific evidence to support castor oil as a remedy for ovarian cysts. However, even if the castor oil pack does not help shrink your cysts, it may still provide some comfort if you are experiencing pain.^{[15]
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6
Talk to your doctor about taking vitamin supplements. Some natural medicine practitioners advise using vitamin supplements, such as B-complex and D3 vitamins, to help treat and prevent ovarian cysts.^{[16]
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Research source} Before taking any new vitamins supplements, talk to your doctor about whether you are getting enough of these vitamins and minerals from your diet. They may order lab tests to find out if you have any vitamin or mineral deficiencies.^{[17]
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Trustworthy Source
US Office on Women's Health
U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health
Go to source}
- There is not much research on the effectiveness of vitamin supplements in the treatment of ovarian cysts, but it is possible that certain vitamins and minerals may improve your overall reproductive health.^{[18]
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  Trustworthy Source
  US Office on Women's Health
  U.S. government agency providing resources for women's health
  Go to source}
- Vitamin D, in particular, is important for keeping your immune system healthy, reducing inflammation in your cells, and helping your body absorb calcium. Vitamin D supplements may also help relieve some of the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).^{[19]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  PubMed Central
  Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health
  Go to source} However, the studies that looked at these effects were small and there is no evidence that taking vitamin D can treat or prevent any disease.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Getting Medical Treatment

1
See your doctor if you have symptoms of an ovarian cyst. Schedule an appointment with your doctor if you experience symptoms such as dull or sharp pelvic pain, persistent feelings of fullness or heaviness in your lower abdomen, or abdominal bloating.^{[20]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Your doctor can determine whether or not these symptoms are being caused by ovarian cysts and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan. The etiology, or cause, of the symptoms is especially important since this can indicate whether or not you have a medical condition that requires urgent medical care or a benign cyst.
- Go to the emergency room if you have serious symptoms such as severe abdominal or pelvic pain that comes on suddenly, or pain accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting. These can be signs of a serious complication, such as a twisted ovary or a ruptured cyst.
- Your doctor may perform a variety of diagnostic tests, such as ultrasounds and blood tests.^{[21]
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  Trustworthy Source
  Mayo Clinic
  Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
  Go to source}
2
Discuss surgery to remove large, painful, or complicated cysts. If tests show that your cysts are small and benign, your doctor will probably recommend “watchful waiting,” with regular checkups to see if the cysts go away on their own. In some situations, however, they may recommend more aggressive treatments, such as surgery to remove the cysts or the affected ovary. This may be necessary if you have 1 or more cysts that:^{[22]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Are large or growing
- Do not resolve on their own after 2-3 menstrual cycles
- Cause pain or other symptoms
- Show signs of being cancerous
3
Ask about using hormone treatments to prevent future cysts. Hormonal medications such as birth control pills can help keep cysts from forming by preventing ovulation. If you are prone to developing ovarian cysts during ovulation, this may be a good option for you.^{[23]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
- Ovarian cysts form as a result of your ovaries' activity. When you're taking birth control, it shuts down that activity, so new cysts can't form.^{[24]
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  Expert Source
  
  Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP
  Nurse Practitioner
  Expert Interview. 28 August 2020.}
- While the pill can help prevent new cysts from forming, it can’t shrink or dissolve cysts that are already present.

Expert Q&A
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Question

How can I prevent ovarian cysts?

Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP
Women's Healthcare Practitioner
Susannah Kerwin is a board certified Adult Nurse Practitioner in New York, New York. With over 10 years of experience, Susannah specializes in adult primary care, holistic medicine, and women’s healthcare. Susannah holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of San Francisco. She obtained her MSN from New York University’s (NYU) unique dual degree program combining integrative and allopathic disciplines. Prior to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, Susannah worked for more than ten years as a Registered Nurse in psychiatric and surgical settings. Susannah also serves as an adjunct faculty member for NYU.

Susannah Kerwin, ANP-BC, HNP

Women's Healthcare Practitioner

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

The main treatment for ovarian cysts is birth control. Birth control shuts down the activity of the ovaries, so new cysts aren't able to form.

Warnings

The symptoms of ovarian cysts can be similar to those of a variety of other conditions, such as ovarian cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, or ectopic pregnancy. If you suspect you might have ovarian cysts, always see your doctor for a proper evaluation and treatment.

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