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PCOS Pain: Natural Remedies To Relieve Cyst Pain

Dr. Sreelekha Daruvuri

3 Min Read

Fast Check Fact Checked

PCOS is not just a gynecological disorder but an endocrinological disorder that affects one in 10 women. Most women are not aware of the condition and are undiagnosed. A woman can experience symptoms like irregular periods, excessive facial hair, acne and infertility. Apart from these symptom, PCOS pain may occur during the menstrual cycle or in between the cycles. Though this is for a few days it can be severe enough to actually disrupt the daily routine of the individual. It also leads to depression and anxiety. Today we will help you in understanding what causes the pain and what are the remedies to overcome the pain.

What causes PCOS pain?

PCOS pain or PCOS cyst pain is not very common but can happen in less than 20% of individuals. The hormonal disorder leads to excessive production of androgens and in more than one fourth patients develop cysts in ovaries – multiple cysts indicate immature follicles that are underdeveloped without ovulation. When a follicle bursts it leads to egg release but due to improper secretion of hormones, ovulation is disrupted and the follicles grow in size without getting ruptured. This can go on for many days and the cysts can increase in size and stretch the wall causing pain.

Another reason is menstruation is different when compared to a normal cycle. During period time, there are low levels of estrogen and progesterone which causes bleeding but in PCOS, the estrogen levels are altered very slightly and progesterone is not produced like in a normal cycle. This leads to what is called, withdrawal bleeding. And since there is excess estrogen leading to excessive stimulation of uterus, this leads to severe dysmenorrhea and pelvic pain or pain in lower abdomen along with excessive bleeding which can go on for prolonged periods.

How to tackle PCOS cyst pain?

(1) Medication: Over the counter medication like pain killers can be used to tackle the pain. But this is not a permanent solution and needs to be taken only if the pain is difficult to manage. Painkillers are not be used for prolonged periods continuously including paracetamol which can lead to adverse effects.

(2) OCP: On the advice of the doctor, one can take oral contraceptive pills to balance out the levels of hormones which will tackle PCOS period pain and bleeding. This OC pills also help in lowering androgens and hence can help in managing the resistant acne. But this does not help with the root cause of PCOS and so is a temporary solution.

(3) Heat pads: Applying heat pads over the lower abdominal area helps in relaxing the muscles and ease the pain. This can be done multiple times a day and also local massage can be done.

(4) Hot bath: Taking a hot water bath can help in improving circulation and flush out the pain causing chemical substances.

(5) Exercise: PCOS can be managed with exercise which will help with insulin resistance and managing the levels of androgens. Any aerobic exercise like brisk walking, jogging, cycling for 30-40 min a day can help.

(6) Diet: Junk foods and fatty foods increase the incidence of PCOS symptoms including lower abdominal pain. Whole grains, nuts and seeds, fresh vegetables and fruits help in managing PCOS.

(7) Foods like flax seeds, fenugreek seeds, honey, tulsi, cinnamon are thought to help due to their anti-inflammatory properties but there is no proper scientific evidence.

Pelvic pain is one of the symptoms of PCOS. But there are other conditions that can cause pelvic pain are:
– Endometriosis: Uterus tissue can be present elsewhere which can cause severe pain in the abdomen.
– Ovarian Cyst torsion: Cysts in ovaries can be caused due to other reasons and when the ovary is twisted due to the weight of the cyst, severe pain in the abdomen is caused. This is an emergency and surgery has to be done to avoid death of ovary
– Ectopic pregnancy: pregnancy happens in ovarian tubes and due to expansion of tube or rupture of tube, pain in the abdomen is caused along with spotting. Emergency surgery has to be done if there is a rupture to prevent complications.

Should you experience any symptoms of PCOS like pelvic pain or pain in the abdomen, a Gynecologist needs to be consulted to rule out other causes. If it is due to PCOS, it has to be dealt with appropriately as it can lead to long term metabolic complications like diabetes and cardiovascular risks.

Medicine isn’t always the answer to all conditions, some can be managed effectively through lifestyle changes. With MFine’s 3-Month PCOS Care Plan, you are treated with holistic care by experts. A gynecologist will plan a treatment personalized for you along with monthly consultations and wellness sessions weekly. Furthermore, symptoms such as those caused by hormonal imbalances are also addressed via an endocrinologist.