Ovarian cancer is the most critical of all ovarian problems because this disease can cause death. It is a cancer that grows within or at the surface of the ovaries and then spreads to other organs of the body if not treated early.
There is at least 45% chance of survival when ovarian cancer is discovered at Stage 3. The possibility is higher if uncovered during the first two stages. This type of ovarian problem has 4 Stages:
Stage 1 – The cancer is inside the ovary or both the ovaries.
Stage 2 – The cancer is on the surface of the ovary or the ovaries and has spread into the pelvic area.
Stage 3 – The cancer has enveloped up to the abdominal cavity into the surface of the liver.
Stage 4- the cancer has spread into all the other parts of the body such as insides of the liver and lungs.
Ovarian cysts occur during ovulation. At best, it is not cancerous and may shrink or dissolve anytime after menstruation, which is approximately 60-90 days. They form when cysts don’t “pop” and continue to grow inside the ovaries causing great discomfort on the abdomen or worst, torsion (twisting) and bleeding.
At times surgery is needed to take out the cysts. There are modern studies that show these can be treated naturally. Drinking rehmannia and cinnamon bark, in tea or a capsule, aids in the shrinking of the cysts.
Ovarian hypofunction or premature ovarian failure is the failure of the ovary to produce hormones. This is one of the things attributed to infertility. This causes genetic abnormalities and autoimmune problems that disturb normal ovarian functions. Estrogen therapy is one of the procedures used in the treatment of this condition.
Ovarian overproduction of male hormones is another type of ovarian problem which causes a woman to develop physical characteristics of a man such as hyperandrogenism and virilization.
Hyperandrogenism occurs when a woman suddenly loses her menstrual period, even if she is not yet menopausal. There is an increase in body hair, like that of a man’s, and femininity diminishes since there is a reduction in breast size and her body shape.
Virilization causes clitoral enlargement. A woman can also experience her voice getting deeper and the formation of extra muscle, as well as, excessive hair growth. Treatment varies depending on what symptoms the person is experiencing.
PCOS arises when there are numerous small cysts inside the ovary and causes a woman to be infertile. These cysts are not hazardous to a woman’s health, however, it creates hormonal disparity. This can be treated without the need for surgery most of the time, because these types of cysts are caused by an imbalance of hormones.
This happens to 1 out of 15 women. Common treatments include regular exercise, proper diet and a weight loss regimen.
Most women will have to deal with one or more of these issues at one point in their lives. Be responsible and schedule regular check-ups with your physician and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Also, be sure to study all options before deciding on a course of treatment.