By:Pieternel Van Giersbergen What are ovarian cysts? A cyst is a little balloon filled with air or fluid on one of the ovaries, which then exerts pressure on the right or left side of the lower abdomen. These cysts can be painful. Besides the pain in the lower abdomen, some other symptoms are: erratic, painful periods, often with much uterine bleeding as a result of elevated estrogen levels, painful intercourse, heel pain, and excessive hair growth. When the ovarian cyst bursts the pain is relieved, though in some cases the cyst may reappear. The incidence of ovarian cysts is on the rise, particularly among women between 14 and 55. Let's look at some of the main factors that contribute to the development of cysts, and then the main things we can do to prevent them. Causes of ovarian cysts: Increased use of birth control pills, especially depo provera. Increased consumption of hormone-infused foods such as most commercial meat and milk, to which growth hormone has been added. Stressful, frantic lifestyle. Imbalanced, not natural diet. Obesity. A toxic, overburdened liver. How can we diminish the likelihood of ovarian cysts? Consume healthy, that is, organic meats and milks. Eat lots of fresh vegetables and drink abundant water. Use a natural progesterone hormone cream. Increase your liver metabolism and detoxify. Your allies here are the natural tinctures of olive leaf, dandelion, milk thistle seed, and artichoke. Check your thyroid. Stop smoking. Loose weight. When all is said and done though, it really comes down to a healthy lifestyle. This means to be true to yourself, not wishing yourself to be different. The hard part, oddly enough, may not be acts of “heroism”. Rather, it can be dropping parts of ourselves which are not worth holding on to, but we cling to from sheer habit. Your health is in your hands. So take excellent care of yourself - you are WORTH it! Warmly Pieternel van Giersbergen. Article Source: http://www.dailynewarticles.com Pieternel has been an R.N for over 25 years. She develops natural products for preventive health and is an expert on natural health issues. Her site www.pieternel.com has over 120 articles about healing yourself and staying healthy. © 2005 Pieternel van Giersbergen. www.pieternel.com More Articles from Womens Category: Why Can't Thrush Just Spare The Nipples! Airbrush Tanning Systems What Is A Brow Lift? I Have A Dream Abnormal Mammogram - What Now? Understanding Ectopic Pregnancy How To Make Your Own Body Scrubs The Popularity Of The Laser Hair Removal Machine What To Expect From A Home Pregnancy Test Alzheimer's - The Women's Disease Female Hair Loss Treatment And Information A Guide To Tanning Bed Bulbs And Lamps Sun Tanning And Anti-Aging How Changing Your Diet Can Influence The Sex Of Your Baby Does Laser Hair Removal Hurt?