Ovarian cysts

Progesterone and ovarian cysts are linked by the action of estrogen. What's a cyst? Its an abnormal sac filled with liquid or semi-solid matter. They can manifest as polycystic ovarian disease (PCO), polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), Stein-Leventhal syndrome

Ovarian cysts are caused by a failed ovulation and can grow to 5cm before detection. Although most are not malignant, they may grow to a very large size causing severe abdominal discomfort and occasionally pain. When detected at this stage they are removed by surgery.

Luteinizing hormone normally stimulates ovulation, corpus luteum formation and the synthesis of progesterone. However, in the case of a cyst, luteinizing hormone merely makes it grow larger. Because the corpus luteum does not form and therefore progesterone is not made, there is a severe hormonal imbalance, with estrogen dominating. Hence the earlier statement that progesterone and ovarian cysts are linked by the action of estrogen.

To rectify this use a progesterone cream. Within one to six months the cyst can be reabsorbed and normal cycles (including ovulation) begin.

PCO is a similar but more complex problem. The symptoms include many small cysts on the ovaries, usually about 4-9 mm in diameter, irregular or no periods, obesity, acne, facial hair and occasionally infertility.

PCO is associated with insulin resistance, high insulin levels, coronary artery disease (CAD) and excess androgens. It is the most common endocrine disorder of women of reproductive age worldwide, and has been associated with elevated plasma homocysteine.

The drug metformin hydrochloride, which is an oral anti-hyperglycaemic drug used in the management of type 2 diabetes, is used to treat PCO. However, metformin causes a decrease in vitamin B12 and folic acid and an increase in homocysteine levels. Low levels of folic acid in turn cause neural tube defects (spina bifida) in the foetus. No data are available regarding the safety of metformin in long term use in young women and only limited data on its safety in early pregnancy.

Another drug, clomiphene citrate, is used to force ovulation. Research has indicated PCO may be due to a deficiency of D-chiro-inositol (a member of the vitamin B complex). Of a group of 22 women receiving it 19 ovulated, compared with six out of 22 in the placebo group. It also significantly lowered their triglyceride levels. One of the functions of progesterone is to regulate blood sugar and as women with PCO make little or no progesterone its absence is commonly the cause of their blood sugar problems.

Prevention...

Progesterone and ovarian cysts... 2-5ml of progesterone cream (of a concentration of no less than 3%) per day for breast and ovarian cysts. At least 5ml per day will be needed for PCO. Both breast and ovarian cysts can disappear within a month to six weeks. In the case of PCO, to give the ovaries a rest and to prevent ovulation, the progesterone should be used continuously for at least three to six months. A return to the normal menstrual cycle should then be resumed, still using the progesterone cream. The ovarian cysts can be reabsorbed within 6 months, depending on the size.

Nutrients and ovarian cysts... The following are of help in stabilising blood sugar levels. Take daily:

• 200mcg chromium picolinate
• 100mg niacin (vitamin B3)
• 15 to 50mg zinc
• 1000 to 5000 mg L-glutamine
• 2000mg vitamin C
• 5mg manganese
• 5-10ml EPA/DHA fish oil
• 15 to 60ml Omega 3 flax oil
• 750mg magnesium
• 1500 mg calcium
• 100 to 300 mg ALA (alpha lipoic acid)

The following have also been found to help:

• 500mg inositol
• 500mg L-carnitine and L-cysteine
• 100 mg Co enzyme Q10; 1 to 10g MSM
• 750mg HCA (hydroxy citric acid)

The B vitamins are essential for any stressful situation. Take daily a complex containing all of them, but especially pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), known as the anti-stress vitamin. Take an extra 100-300mg of this. Also take 1-3 capsules daily of the probiotics Lactobacilus acidophilus and Bifidobacteria bifidum.

In addition take the following anti-oxidants daily:

• 5000-20000 IU vitamin A
• 100-1000 IU vitamin E as d-alpha tocopherol (mixed)
• 100-200mcg selenium selenomethionine/cysteine
• flavanoid complex (as per instructions with the product)
• glutathione (studies suggest it is best to take it's precursor amino acids: L-cysteine, N-acetylcysteine and L-methionine - 500mg of each)

Green tea and gingko biloba are also powerful anti-oxidants, they can be taken in capsule or tea form. The soluble fibres such as apple pectin, guar and ground linseed are beneficial too, add them to drinks or food.

Note: If pregnant or breastfeeding take no more than 10,000IU of vitamin A.