An ovarian cyst is
a fluid-filled sac located on or inside the ovaries.
Cysts can occur anywhere in the body and are normally
non-cancerous and harmless when left to heal themselves.
However, a ruptured ovarian cyst can potentially be very
harmful and can produce life threatening symptoms.
Strenuous exercises such as running or
jogging can increase the torsion risk of largest cysts.
In some women, activity makes the discomfort of an
ovarian cyst worse. The cysts may rupture, twist, bleed
or become infected, all of which are likely to cause
severe pain, nausea, and vomiting. Exercises which
suddenly raise the blood pressure (such as lifting heavy
weights, sprinting etc) are more likely to cause the
cysts to rupture than endurance-related sports like running. Also, while any cyst
can rupture the chances of a partially or completely
solid cyst rupturing are extremely slight.
On the
other hand, moderate exercise like running can increases
the amount of circulating hormones which may help women
who are unable to take hormone replacement therapy and
reduce some of those unpleasant effects of aging. Increases in
levels of estrogen and testosterone aid calcium
absorption which is vital for healthy bones.
Women with
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome or PCOS can lower their risk
of developing diabetes and heart disease by exercising
and eating a healthy diet. Exercise can help use glucose
in the bloodstream for energy and thereby help reduce
blood glucose levels. It also helps the body use insulin
more efficiently and will result in gradual reduction of
insulin levels. It also improves circulation, builds
muscles, and may aid weight loss. But before starting on
any exercise regimen, it is wise to consult with a
physician. He will chart out the type of exercises and
duration. It helps to start slowly and build up a
routine depending on one’s endurance. A weight decrease
of only 5% of total body weight is associated with
decreased insulin levels, increased fertility, reduced
hirsutism and acne, and lower free testosterone
levels.
One can
choose and alternate between different activities like
walking, running, swimming, aerobics, skiing, dancing
etc. to prevent boredom. A warm-up and a cool down are
essential part of each exercise session. Keeping to a
schedule is essential but allow for some flexibility.
A healthy diet and weight management through exercises like running are part of holistic medicine protocol. Since the cause of ovarian cysts is not clear, prevention is the best defense. The holistic medicine expert will help you do just that. The body is a composite of many parts including the physical, emotional, mental as well as spiritual and a balance of all these parts will result in health.
