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Ovarian cyst with menopause
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Against the background of a decrease in the activity of the ovaries during the transition of the female organism to the state of menopause, the ovarian cyst with a menopause is quite common. Typically, this formation is benign, however, since the greatest risk factor for ovarian cancer is the mature age of a woman, any cyst should be taken seriously.
Risk factors
Specialists see certain cause-effect relationships of the process of cyst formation:
- with severe infections of the pelvic organs and sexually transmitted diseases in history;
- with inflammation of the appendages;
- with the syndrome of polycystic ovaries (the appearance of a number of cysts due to a violation of the synthesis of androgens in the ovaries of a woman);
- with the presence in the anamnesis of endometriosis (in women with endometriosis such a type of ovarian cyst as an endometrioma can form);
- with genital papillomatosis (HPV infection);
- with the advent of cystoaden (benign growths on the surface of the ovaries);
- with ascites in the pelvic or abdominal cavity after diagnostic manipulations or surgical interventions;
- with hypothyroidism (a deficiency of thyroid hormones);
- with idiopathic disorders of the pituitary (secreting gonadotropic hormones) or adrenal cortex (producing estrogens and androgens).
Pathogenesis
Synthesis of sex hormones in menopause is reduced, so doctors believe that the key causes of ovarian cysts in menopause are found in age-related hormonal imbalances, as, as is known, the tissues of all organs of the female reproductive system, controlled by hormones, are extremely sensitive to any changes in their ratio.
The pathogenesis of the formation of ovarian cysts, which are the result of long-term metabolic imbalance, remains an unexplored area of gynecology.
Symptoms of the ovarian cysts with menopause
In most cases, cysts are painless and do not cause any symptoms, so that women do not suspect their existence. As gynecologists note, the first signs some women can feel in the form of discomfort in the pelvic area.
Nevertheless, education can be quite large, and then there are such symptoms of ovarian cysts with menopause, like:
- periodic or persistent pain in the lower abdomen (if there is a cyst of the left ovary in menopause, the pain is localized on the left, and if a right ovarian cyst is formed in the menopause - on the right side);
- aching pain in the pelvic area and lower back;
- swelling of the abdominal cavity;
- a feeling of pressure on the bladder and the increased frequency of urging to emptying it.
Where does it hurt?
Complications and consequences
There may be complications of the cyst in the form of its twisting (if the cyst is movable) and perforation (rupture). Twisting the cyst leads to intense pain in the lower abdomen, fever, nausea and vomiting, as well as vaginal bloody discharge.
If the cyst ruptures, the pain is sudden and sharp and inevitably the internal bleeding. According to statistics, to eliminate the consequences of the rupture, ovarian cysts account for almost 3% of all urgent gynecological operations. The frequent consequences of a cyst rupture are the formation of scar tissue and ovarian adhesions with nearby organs.
Diagnostics of the ovarian cysts with menopause
To date, the diagnosis of ovarian cysts with menopause includes blood tests: general, to the level of hormones and to the CA125 antigen.
The blood test for the cancer marker CA-125 is necessary for screening ovarian cancer to help the doctor determine the risk of oncology. At the same time, the elevated CA125 index is non-specific and can be with many common benign tumors, as well as non-ovarian tumors (stomach, liver or colon cancer).
But, according to oncologists, in women after 50 years the accuracy of predicting a malignant tumor of the ovaries increases significantly: in half of the patients, an increase in the level of CA125 indicates that the ovarian cyst was malignant with climax.
Instrumental diagnosis of ovarian cysts is performed by ultrasound of pelvic organs, and with uncertain ultrasound sonography, CT or MRI is used. Preference is given to transvaginal ultrasound, which provides more detailed information in comparison with transabdominal.
Aspiration biopsy is not recommended for ovarian cysts in women during menopause. First of all, because the cytological study of fluid ovarian cysts does not provide a basis for differentiation of benign and malignant tumors. In addition, there is a risk of rupture of the cyst during manipulation.
What do need to examine?
Differential diagnosis
To distinguish the ovarian cyst from acute appendicitis, endometriosis and other diseases with similar signs, differential diagnosis is carried out.
Who to contact?
Treatment of the ovarian cysts with menopause
Three factors determine the treatment of ovarian cysts in menopause: the results of ultrasound, a blood test for oncomarker and the intensity of symptoms.
If the cyst is not cancerous (according to the CA125 analysis), it is monitored with repeated examinations every three to four months for one year.
If CA125 levels are elevated or the cyst grows (or there are external changes), and the patient has a risk of oncology, surgical treatment is strongly recommended - removal of the cyst or the entire ovary (oophorectomy) by laparoscopy. But if you suspect a malignant cyst, laparotomy and general abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral removal of the uterine appendages are more common.
Also, surgical treatment may be necessary when the cyst causes constant pain or pressure, or can lead to rupture, and also if the size of the formation exceeds 5 cm.
It should be borne in mind that the ovarian cyst is not treated with climacteric hormones (as practiced in younger women), and there are no medications for "resorption" of the cysts.
Therefore, drugs can be limited to the appointment of systemic enzymes that have immunostimulating, fibrinolytic and analgesic properties, in particular, the drug Wobenzym. This product is available in tablets that are taken orally 5-10 pieces (whole) - three times a day, half an hour before meals, with a glass of water. Among its side effects, there is a possibility of an individual reaction in the form of rashes on the skin, among the contraindications, only reduced blood clotting was noted.
Alternative treatment
Given the risks of malignancy, doctors do not recommend the use of any alternative treatment for ovarian cysts during menopause.
As alternative methods of treating this pathology, decoction of walnut partitions (which contain a significant amount of iodine) and decoction of leaves (containing ellagic acid, active against tumors) is used. Broth of partitions is prepared from the calculation of a tablespoon of raw material for 250 ml of water (cook for a quarter of an hour and insist in a closed dish for half an hour); drink several sips three times a day. A broth is also prepared and taken from fresh walnut leaves. With stomach problems, it is better not to use this remedy.
Beetroot juice (from raw beet) with aloe juice (1: 1) is recommended to be taken once a day - before breakfast.
Alternative treatment with castor oil is carried out in this way. In a few layers of folds cotton fabric (so that it covers the entire stomach); On the fabric, two tablespoons of castor oil pour out (so that the oil is evenly distributed, you have to fold the fabric in half, and then unwrap it). Lie on a large towel, put a cloth with butter belly, top cover with a foil, and on top - a towel. A hot hot water bottle is put on top, and then you need to wrap yourself in a warm blanket. Hold for 30 minutes; repeat the procedure three times a week for three months.
Herbal treatment includes:
- decoction of the root of the clopogon (Actaea racemosa, cymicifugi branched): 10 g per 200 ml of water.
- Helps with a hormonal imbalance of infusion from the roots of Angelica (Angelica Sinensis).
- infusion and alcohol tincture of milk thistle seeds (milk thistle) - supports the hormonal balance by improving liver function. Infusion is prepared based on one teaspoon of crushed seeds per 200 ml of water; It is recommended to take 80-100 ml (morning and evening).
- the ground part of the yarrow (Achillea millefolium): a tablespoon is poured into a glass of boiling water, boiled for 5-7 minutes and poured under the lid to room temperature. It takes two tablespoons three times a day.
Homeopathy
Common homeopathic medicines that are offered for the treatment of ovarian cysts are Arsenicum, Apis mellifica, Mercurius corrosivus and Belladonna (if the cyst causes pain).
With pain and swelling apply Hamamelis (in the form of hot compresses). If there is a cyst of the left ovary with menopause, homeopathic physicians recommend such drugs as Lachesis, Zincum, Graphites, Argentum metallicum (with a feeling of raspiraniya on the left), and also Thuja.
The cyst of the right ovary in menopause is an indication for the use of Podophyllum, Arsenicum, Colocynth. Dosage and the way of application are determined individually.
More information of the treatment
Prevention
Although there is no definite way to prevent the growth of ovarian cysts, a certain prevention of the pathological process can be carried out by eating vegetables of the cruciferous family (all kinds of cabbage) that contain indole-3-carbinol. According to Biochemical Pharmacology, this nutrient can shift the metabolism of estrogens towards less estrogen-active derivatives and balance the level of sex hormones in the body.
Forecast
Since, according to statistics, 1% of cases of the ovarian cyst in menopause becomes a hotbed of a malignant tumor, the prognosis of the disease depends on the timely application for qualified medical care.
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