Corpus luteum not going away, should I be worried?

Question

A few months ago, I had some lower abdominal pain, mostly on my right side. It wasn’t anything crazy, but it felt like a dull ache that wouldn’t go away. At first, I thought it was just normal period cramps or maybe something I ate, but then I started feeling bloated too. When I finally went to the doctor, they did an ultrasound and told me I have a corpus luteum cyst on my right ovary. They said it’s normal and should go away on its own after a few cycles.

Fast forward two cycles later, and I’m still having discomfort in the same area. It’s not severe pain, but it’s annoying and makes me feel heavy. My period has been a little off too—like, one month it was longer, and the next it came late. The doctor said the corpus luteum can sometimes mess with hormones, but they didn’t seem too worried. They just told me to wait it out.

I started looking into Ayurveda because I don’t really want to take any hormonal medicines unless I absolutely have to. From what I understand, the corpus luteum forms after ovulation and is supposed to dissolve if pregnancy doesn’t happen, right? So why is mine still there? Could it be a hormonal imbalance? Maybe too much Pitta or Kapha? I don’t know much about this, but I read that Ayurveda has ways to help with ovarian health.

Are there any Ayurvedic herbs or treatments that could help the corpus luteum go away naturally? Would castor oil packs or massage help? Also, are there specific foods I should eat or avoid? I’ve heard that dairy and sugar can make cysts worse—should I cut those out?

Also, should I be worried that this corpus luteum cyst is still there? I don’t have severe pain, just discomfort and bloating. My periods are irregular but not completely out of control. Has anyone tried Ayurveda for something like this, and did it actually help?

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

A corpus luteum cyst forms after ovulation and usually dissolves on its own, but if it persists, it may indicate a hormonal imbalance or excess Kapha and Pitta accumulation in Ayurveda. Symptoms like bloating, irregular periods, and a heavy feeling suggest that your body might not be fully breaking down and eliminating the cyst. Ayurveda focuses on balancing hormones, improving circulation, and reducing inflammation to help the body naturally resolve ovarian cysts.

To support ovarian health, include herbs like Shatavari (balances hormones and nourishes the reproductive system), Ashoka (regulates menstrual cycles), and Triphala (helps detoxify and balance digestion). Castor oil packs on the lower abdomen may help improve blood flow, reduce congestion, and support cyst resolution. Gentle abhyanga (oil massage with warm sesame oil) can also help balance hormones and reduce stress, which plays a role in cyst formation.

Diet plays a big role in managing cysts. Avoid dairy, refined sugar, and processed foods, as they increase Kapha and hormonal imbalances. Instead, eat warm, cooked foods, leafy greens, flaxseeds (rich in phytoestrogens), and turmeric (anti-inflammatory). Drinking cinnamon and ginger tea can help boost circulation and regulate periods. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule and reducing stress is also important for hormone balance.

Since your cyst isn’t causing severe pain, you may not need immediate medical intervention, but keeping an eye on symptoms is essential. If it persists for several more cycles, consider Ayurvedic therapies like Nasya (nasal oil therapy) and Panchakarma detox under expert guidance. Have you noticed any patterns in your diet or stress levels that might be affecting your cycle? Let me know if you’d like a more personalized Ayurvedic routine!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Answer

In Ayurveda, a corpus luteum cyst that persists beyond the usual time frame may indicate a hormonal imbalance, often due to an excess of Pitta or Kapha dosha, which can disrupt the natural cycle of the reproductive system. Herbs like Shatavari and Ashwagandha can help balance hormones and support ovarian health. Castor oil packs, applied over the abdomen, may help improve circulation and support the cyst's absorption. In terms of diet, it’s beneficial to avoid excessive dairy, sugar, and processed foods, as they can contribute to excess Kapha, which may exacerbate cyst formation. Emphasizing warm, light, and easily digestible foods, along with anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric, can support overall balance. While mild discomfort is common, continued monitoring of the cyst is important, and Ayurveda may offer gentle support to encourage its resolution over time. If you’re concerned, it's always advisable to consult with a healthcare provider while incorporating Ayurvedic practices for holistic support.

Corpus luteum not going away, should I be worried? - #16516

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