How to Shrink Ovarian Cysts Naturally
By Dr (TCM) Attilio D'Alberto | Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner, Wokingham
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on or within the ovary. They are extremely common — many women develop functional cysts during the normal menstrual cycle that resolve spontaneously within one to three months. However, certain types of cysts, including endometriomas (chocolate cysts caused by endometriosis) and cysts associated with PCOS, can persist and affect fertility. Traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of treating ovarian cysts and the evidence base for the herbal approach is growing.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Functional cysts — the most common type. Follicular cysts form when a follicle fails to release its egg; corpus luteum cysts form when the corpus luteum fills with fluid after ovulation. Both usually resolve without treatment within two to three cycles.
Endometriomas — cysts caused by endometrial tissue growing on the ovary. These are dark in colour due to old blood accumulation and can significantly impair ovarian reserve and egg quality. They do not resolve spontaneously.
PCOS-related cysts — the multiple small follicles in PCOS are not true cysts but represent arrested follicle development. See our article on PCOS.
Dermoid cysts and cystadenomas — these require conventional medical assessment and may need surgical management.
When to See a Doctor
Any new ovarian cyst should be assessed by a gynaecologist — particularly if it is larger than 5cm, has solid components, or is accompanied by pain, bloating, or changes in bowel or bladder habit. TCM treatment is appropriate alongside conventional monitoring for functional cysts and endometriomas; it is not a substitute for surgical assessment where indicated.
TCM Understanding
In TCM, ovarian cysts are understood as accumulations of phlegm-dampness and blood stasis in the lower burner. The specific combination depends on the type — endometriomas predominantly involve blood stasis (old, congealed blood), while functional cysts and PCOS-related follicles more commonly reflect phlegm-dampness obstructing the ovaries due to kidney yang deficiency and spleen qi deficiency. Both patterns can coexist.
Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine
For endometriomas and blood stasis patterns, blood-moving formulas are the primary approach. Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan is the most widely researched classical formula for this indication — multiple clinical trials have demonstrated that it reduces endometrioma size and is comparable to conventional hormonal treatment in some studies, with fewer side effects. For phlegm-dampness patterns, formulas that resolve phlegm and warm the kidney yang are combined with gentle blood-moving herbs.
Acupuncture improves pelvic circulation, reduces inflammation, and supports the herbal treatment by regulating the underlying hormonal and energetic patterns. I treat patients weekly and reassess cyst size via ultrasound after three months of treatment.
Dietary Approach
Reducing phlegm- and dampness-producing foods — dairy, refined carbohydrates, alcohol, and cold or raw foods — reduces the inflammatory environment that sustains cysts. Anti-inflammatory foods including oily fish, turmeric, and dark berries support the treatment. For endometriomas, reducing dietary oestrogen exposure (conventional dairy, non-organic meat, plastics) is also beneficial.
To discuss ovarian cysts, contact me or book a consultation in Wokingham.
