Ovarian pain – symptoms, causes and treatment

Pain in the ovaries

There are some complaints that only the female gender has to deal with. The most common symptom here is pain in the lower abdomen. Many women experience these pain symptoms as a complaint that occurs around the middle of the cycle and can indicate impending ovulation.

However, not all pain in the female abdomen has such harmless causes. Especially if the pain occurs unilaterally on one of the ovaries outside of the regular cycle, serious illnesses can also be hidden behind the symptom. Here it is important to clarify the pain in the ovary in a timely manner in order to avoid serious health consequences.

Table of Contents

• Pain in the ovaries
• How do ovarian pains develop?
• Harmless causes of ovarian pain
  • Pain in the ovaries from moderate pain
  • Ovarian pain when it reaches sexual maturity
  • Painful ovaries from menopause
  • Ovarian pain from fertility treatment
  • Pain in the ovary during pregnancy
• Pregnancy and cycle complications as the cause
• Inflammation of the ovaries
• Tissue abnormalities as the cause
• Painful ovaries in vascular diseases
• Other causes of ovarian pain
• Speaking of nerves
• Concomitant symptoms
• diagnosis
• therapy
• Medication
• surgery
• Medicinal herbs
• nutrition
• Possible diseases with ovarian pain:

How do ovarian pains develop?

The woman’s ovaries (ovaries) are essential for the emergence of new life in the female abdomen. Pain arising there can therefore have harmless causes, but sometimes serious illnesses can also be hidden behind it. They belong to the primary genital organs and are therefore the counterpart to the male testicles.

Ovarian pain can occur in the middle of the cycle and indicate impending ovulation, but not all abdominal pain has such harmless causes. (Image: Erica Smit / fotolia.com)

As is well known, an egg follicle matures in the ovaries to form an unfertilized egg . The hormone estrogen is responsible for the maturation of this egg (ovum). After the maturation process, it also provides for ovulation, during which a protective sheath of endocrine cells first forms around the egg follicle. This envelope is also known as the so-called corpus luteum and is created by stimulating the corpus luteum, better known as progesterone.

It can be seen that estrogen and progesterone as sex hormones are essential for the cycle and its trouble-free process. It is therefore not surprising that a mere imbalance of the two hormones in the body can lead to pain in the ovaries in addition to fertility problems.

After ovulation, the egg cell enters one of the two fallopian tubes (oviduct or tuba uterina). The left and right fallopian tubes alternate continuously, provided there are no malfunctions. Since the fallopian tube length is ten to eighteen centimeters, it takes about four to five days before the egg cell finally reaches the uterus.

On the way, there can be a number of reasons for pain that radiates down to the ovaries. Apart from the natural pulling that can occur due to the movement of the egg cells, serious complications such as ectopic pregnancy can also be considered here. An extremely serious matter, which can endanger the life of the patient if left untreated and must therefore be treated early.

The uterus can also be the cause of pain symptoms that involve the ovaries. This is typical, for example, in cases where a fertilized egg has successfully implanted itself in the endometrium. As the volume of the resulting embryo increases, it demands more and more space in the lower abdomen. Especially in the last half of pregnancy, the unborn child is often so large that it hits the ovaries and thus causes pregnancy-related pain.

As shown, the causes of ovarian pain can be very complex. And there is not always a tangible source of pain. The reasons for pain in or on the ovaries can be roughly defined in the following categories:

• Inflammatory diseases,
• Vascular diseases,
• Tissue abnormalities,
• hormonal disorders,
• psychosomatic causes,
• cycle-related causes.

Harmless causes of ovarian pain

The female body is subject to a number of special phases in the course of its life, which only occur in women and do not always run entirely without pain.

Ovarian pain can occur during menopause, but the cause is usually harmless. (Image: gballgiggs / fotolia.com)

Above all, this means cycle events, pregnancy and menopause. In the course of these purely female body processes, the abdomen undergoes numerous changes, which sometimes involve enormous strain on the abdominal tissue and the nerves, vessels and organs located therein. Since the ovaries are the central starting point of female fertility, pain in this area is not that unusual. Rarely, however, there is cause for concern, even if the pain can sometimes be very painful.

Pain in the ovaries from moderate pain

The comparatively harmless causes of ovarian pain are the cycle-related median pain and pain in the context of natural pregnancy. In this regard, middle pain is the ovarian pain already described at the beginning, which can occur in the middle of a woman’s cycle and heralds impending ovulation. The middle pain is mainly triggered by two mechanisms:

• Size increase of the ovary: Towards the middle of the cycle, usually two to three follicles, in which there are eggs ready for fertilization, increase noticeably in size, which also causes the whole ovary to swell up. This increase in size can irritate the peritoneum, which spans the abdominal organs like a net, and ultimately lead to pain. The reason for this are the numerous nerves that are located in the peritoneum and always react with a slight to moderate irritation to the increase in volume of organs. The peritoneum nerves often respond to these stimuli with pain.
• Leakage of tissue water:In the woman’s egg cell follicles there is tissue water that pours into the abdomen after ovulation has taken place. This tissue fluid can also lead to slight local irritation to the surrounding tissue or to the nerves in the area of ​​the ovaries and thus trigger pain.

Ovarian pain can also occur again in the course of the second half of the cycle, i.e. after ovulation has taken place. In this case, they are triggered by the luteal body, which, as explained, develops from the follicular sheath after ovulation and produces hormones that are intended to prepare the body for a possible pregnancy. Pain of this type is also harmless in nature and usually does not require further treatment unless the woman suffers too much.

Young girls in puberty are also affected by ovarian pain, the pain can occur even before the first menstruation. (Image: DoraZett / fotolia.com)

Ovarian pain when it reaches sexual maturity

Especially violent cycle are pain in the ovaries often in young girls in puberty . Here, the pain symptoms can appear well before the onset of the first menstruation and cause great suffering, although the pain itself is rather harmless. The reason for the complaints are the young woman’s preparatory steps for sexual maturity. Partially painful nerve stimuli due to appropriate remodeling processes in the female abdomen are completely normal. So there is no need to worry for the young women concerned, although with particularly severe symptoms, caution by a doctor cannot hurt.

Painful ovaries from menopause

The same applies to women in the menopause, because here, too, remodeling processes in preparation for the menopause can cause mild to moderate pain in the lower abdomen. Especially the ovaries, which gradually cease their hormonally controlled fertility function during menopause, are particularly involved in the process, so ovarian pain is not uncommon due to the falling hormone level. However, menopausal women should keep in mind that prolonged pain in this area can also indicate disorders within tissue remodeling. In connection with the drop in performance, weight loss and bleeding in between, it is therefore advisable during the menopause to have complications diagnosed at an early stage.

Ovarian pain from fertility treatment

Women undergoing fertility treatment often need to take additional hormones, either in the form of tablets or via injections. Such hormone therapy is used with the aim of stimulating the ovaries of women so that these follicles can mature with more fertile eggs than usual. Just by manipulating the hormonal balance, painful pain in the ovaries can occur during the treatment cycle. The additional number of egg cells is also able to cause ovarian pain, as the stimulated ovaries intentionally increase in size.

Such fertility therapy should always be closely monitored by the treating gynecologist in order to identify complications at an early stage. Because even in the context of unwanted events such as overstimulation syndrome (Ovarian Hyper Stimulation Syndrome, OHSS for short), pain in the ovaries is conceivable. Ultimately, such overstimulation of the ovaries for the benefit of the patient can only be remedied by stopping the current treatment. Otherwise, in addition to the massive ovarian pain, OHSS can also trigger other serious and extremely painful symptoms for the affected patient, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting,
• Diarrheaand changes in urine output,
• Pain spreading to the entire abdomen,
• Peritoneal and diaphragmatic irritation up to inflammatory processes,
• Abdominal water retention (ascites),
• Difficulty breathing.

During pregnancy, harmless remodeling processes cause ovarian pain, which prepare the female abdomen to accommodate the embryo. (Image: pressmaster / fotolia.com)

Pain in the ovary during pregnancy

Pregnant women report pain in the lower abdomen or in the ovaries just at the beginning and later towards the end of pregnancy. At the beginning of pregnancy, the mild complaints are symptoms of harmless remodeling processes in the uterus and the surrounding tissue. The reconstruction must take place so that the female abdomen is optimally prepared for pregnancy and for the embryo to be accommodated.

At the end of pregnancy, or with the progressive growth of the unborn child, the space in the mother’s womb eventually becomes less and less. The space-consuming growth of the unborn child puts more pressure on the surrounding organs and thus also on the ovaries. Pressure-related pain is therefore not uncommon.

Pregnancy and cycle complications as the cause

Although a certain amount of pain during the cycle and pregnancy is not uncommon, there are still some complications that can make the initially harmless pain a serious matter.

With regard to pain during pregnancy, there is, for example, the risk of an ectopic pregnancy (tubal pregnancy). Here, a fertilized egg remains stuck in the fallopian tubes instead of migrating into the uterus, which in addition to enormous pain also means life-threatening for the woman concerned. Because with increasing size of the egg cell, there is a risk of a fallopian tube tear (oviduct rupture), which can lead to a fatal shock.

A miscarriage (abortion) is also not to be excluded as a complication of pregnancy with pain in the area of ​​the ovaries. The rejection of an embryo in the uterus inevitably also results in nerve stimuli, which can manifest themselves as pain and can radiate into the ovaries.

The same applies to an abortion. Here too, in addition to heavy bleeding, diffuse pain in the lower abdomen can temporarily occur after medical treatment.

Inflammation of the ovaries

The most common cause of inflammation for pain in the ovaries is, of course, inflammation of the ovary (adnexitis). It can occur on one or both sides and sometimes causes very severe pain in the lower abdomen, which can also be accompanied by fever. In most cases, inflammation of the ovaries is caused by infectious agents such as:

• Chlamydia,
• Enterococci,
• Escherichia coli bacteria,
• Klebsial,
• Staphylococci (especially Staphylococcus aureus)
• or streptococci

triggered, for example, in the uterus during intercourse and later on from there into the ovaries. Such inflammation requires the fastest possible treatment, because if left untreated it can cause permanent damage to the ovaries, which can lead to infertility. Young women between the ages of 15 and 20 are most often affected by inflammation of the ovaries.

Warning: Even healed ovarian infections can cause problems later, because inflammation in the abdominal cavity always carries the risk of adhesions of the previously inflamed organ tissue with the abdominal wall or other surrounding tissue structures. These adhesions can always lead to pain in the further course, especially during special hormonal phases of the female body.

Women who complain of ovarian inflammation particularly often also show a greater tendency towards infertility or problems during pregnancy in general.

In addition to adnexitis, there are a number of other inflammatory diseases in the abdomen, the disease-related pain of which can radiate into the ovaries. Which includes:

• Appendicitis (apendicitis),
• Inflammation of the intestine(colitis or Crohn’s disease),
• Inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis),
• Inflammation of the cervix (cervicitis),
• Inflammation of the uterus (endrometritis)
• Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis),
• Inflammation of the kidneys(nephritis),
• Inflammation of the kidney(pyelonephritis).

Tissue abnormalities as the cause

The sensitive tissue of the female genital organs is sometimes very susceptible to tissue growth and anomalies, which, if present, also have great pain potential. In the area of ​​the ovaries, for example, ovarian cysts (ovarian cysts) are very common, which mostly arise during the cycle.

Normally, the egg cell follicle bursts to ovulate and then re-forms as a yellow body within the ovaries during the second half of the cycle. However, hormonal fluctuations can also prevent ovulation, which means that the mature follicle remains as a cyst in the ovary. In most cases, this also resolves with the onset of the next menstrual bleeding and does not cause any symptoms. Occasionally, however, the cyst persists and can cause a variety of complaints, including ovarian pain.

In addition to pain, a cyst also carries the risk of twisting. One speaks here of the so-called stem rotation, which in an unfavorable position in the ovaries or the fallopian tubes can even cause the ovaries and fallopian tubes to be constricted from the supplying blood vessels. Corresponding processes can cause an undersupply of the ovaries with blood and in the later course even a death of the tissue, which is why appropriate ovarian cysts should always be removed promptly. In the case of cysts, there is also a risk of an abscess, i.e. an accumulation of pus within the tissue anomaly.

With endometriosis, there is sometimes severe pain in the ovaries and lower abdomen, which should be treated in comparison to normal cycle complaints. (Image: Henrie / fotolia.com)

Endometriosis is another tissue anomaly that can lead to very severe pain in the ovaries and lower abdomen. Here, uterine lining, the so-called endometrium, settles outside the uterus in other organs. Neighboring organs of the uterus are usually affected, i.e. the urinary bladder, kidneys, intestines and just the ovaries. The problem with this is that the displaced uterine tissue is influenced by sex hormones as well as the mucous membranes that are still in the uterus. This means that it can also start to bleed and cause pain during the expected menstrual period.

Caution: Endometriosis is a serious health complaint and, unlike normal cycle complaints, is in need of treatment!

The most feared of all forms of tissue abnormalities in the area of ​​the ovaries is ovarian cancer (ovarian tumor). A cancer that occurs relatively frequently, especially in older women, and is therefore associated with the hormone-related restructuring processes in the ovaries during menopause. Basically, ovarian cancer can occur at any age, even in childhood. The causative factors for corresponding degeneration of the ovarian tissue are still being discussed and researched in medicine. However, a multifactorial event with hormonal causes and a genetic disposition is suspected.

Ovarian tumors are often only discovered by chance, for example during routine screening tests, because they usually only cause symptoms when they have reached a certain size. And even then the symptoms are very non-specific, in addition to unclear pelvic complaints

• a foreign body sensation in the small pelvis,
• Pain and problems with urination,
• Indigestion and bowel pain

possible symptoms. In some cases, however, growth can go undetected until the picture of an acute abdomen in a ruptured tumor identifies the cancer. Preventive check-ups with the gynecologist are therefore always advisable.

Painful ovaries in vascular diseases

The ovaries are also supplied with blood and nutrients by blood vessels. In the context of circulatory and coagulation disorders such as arteriosclerosis, vascular occlusions can occur due to a thrombus, which in turn leads to acute anemia in the ovaries. Characteristic is a sudden, usually colic-like and one-sided pain in the lower abdomen.

This clinical picture can very often occur a few days after birth if the abdominal vessels are severely weakened by the space-consuming pregnancy processes. For this reason, women in the puerperium should take sudden pain in the lower abdomen very seriously.

Another, vessel-related trigger for the pain is the extremely dangerous blood poisoning (sepsis). It can arise for a variety of reasons, for example in the course of an untreated infectious disease, poisoning or serious metabolic diseases. Since blood poisoning is fundamentally life-threatening, quick action is required if there is a specific suspicion.

Other causes of ovarian pain

The ovaries are in the immediate vicinity of other organs, which is why it can happen that pain in this area is mistakenly perceived as gynecological problems. Far from the already mentioned inflammatory diseases in surrounding organs, the following diseases are considered to be typical for radiation pain in the ovaries:

• Bulges of the intestinal mucosa (diverticulum),
• Kidney and urinary tract disorders (e.g. renal failure),
• Problems in the lumbar spine (e.g. vertebral fractures).

Also worth mentioning are diseases of the nervous system, which generally have a high pain potential and can also cause very unspecific pain. For example, pinched nerves (nerve compression) or nerve inflammation (neuritis) are conceivable here. Furthermore, nerve injuries, for example as a result of an accident or surgical complications, can be considered as triggers of ovarian pain.

Hormone supplements such as the pill can also cause pain in the ovaries. (Image: Wolfilser / fotolia.com)

By the way: With a view to hormonal causes, hormone preparations should not be neglected as possible causes. Both the pill and preparations such as clomiphene, which are used medically to promote ovulation and for therapy in the event of menstrual disorders, are known to influence the hormone balance in such a way that painful stimuli occur in the ovaries.

Speaking of nerves

Psychosomatic causes of painful ovaries are often underestimated. Again and again it happens that women are faced with recurring and therapy-resistant ovarian pain, for which no organic cause can be found despite thorough studies.

In these cases, it could be psychosomatic complaints that are caused by psychological imbalances. It is not uncommon for the women concerned to be trauma patients or victims of abuse. But even women without such traumatic experiences in their biography can experience psychosomatic ovarian problems. This is the case, for example, after abortions or pregnancies that are very complicated, but also in the case of enormous stress, depression , anxiety disorders or the unfulfilled desire to have children.

Concomitant symptoms

The accompanying symptoms of ovarian pain are very different and depend on the cause of the pain. If hormonal factors are the reason for the pain, accompanying complaints such as mood swings, tiredness, hot flashes or cravings often occur. In the case of organic diseases, on the other hand, symptoms such as indigestion, foreign body feelings or general malaise are more likely to be observed. Overall, the following accompanying symptoms can occur together with painful ovaries:

• Exhaustion,
• Movement pain,
• Bleeding (e.g. spotting),
• purulent discharge,
• Fever,
• Mood swings,
• Cravings,
• Hot flashes,
• Fatigue,
• Pain during sexual intercourse,
• Painful urination,
• sexual reluctance,
• Nausea and vomiting,
• Indigestion (diarrhea or constipation),
• Tension in the abdominal muscles,
• Cycle disorders (e.g. disturbed menstrual period).

diagnosis

In the case of ovarian pain, the examinations must of course first be carried out by a gynecologist. In the course of a first anamnesis consultation, it is important for patients to provide detailed information about existing accompanying complaints and possible previous illnesses. Existing menstrual disorders, pregnancies and drug treatment measures should also be addressed.

In the case of ovarian pain, the gynecologist first feels through physical examination, pain stimuli and changes in the lower abdomen, and then imaging measures are used. (Image: Africa Studio / fotolia.com)

During a physical examination, certain pain stimuli and changes in the abdomen are felt. Subsequently, visual or imaging measures are used, such as the speculum for examining the cervix and uterus or sonography for imaging the genital organs. It is also conceivable to take a urine sample, for example to determine pregnancy, or to take a vaginal smear so that, for example, infectious agents can be examined in the laboratory.

If the gynecological examinations mentioned do not show any concrete results, general medical diagnostic measures are still available. Bowel infections or internal bleeding can be detected using stool samples.

The blood count in turn provides information about poisoning and infections circulating outside the genital organs. Otherwise, diseases in adjacent organs can be detected in addition to ultrasound by X-ray or an MRI image.

therapy

In view of the diverse causes of pain, the possible treatment steps for ovarian pain are relatively extensive. Help is available from various areas of conventional and alternative medicine. Finally, a brief overview.

Medication

If hormone preparations are responsible for ovarian pain, appropriate medication may need to be adapted and a change of preparation considered. If there are no alternative options, the last resort is only to stop taking the medication. On the other hand, hormone preparations can also be necessary for treatment. What is meant here is not just natural hormone imbalances, which require the additional administration of progestogen, estrogen or progesterone to balance the hormonal balance. Diseases such as endometriosis sometimes respond well to hormone administration. Corresponding preparations include:

• Buserelin,
• Cyproterone acetate,
• Chloromadino acetate,
• Danazol,
• Dienogest,
• Goserelin,
• Leuprorelin,
• Levonorgestrel,
• Medroxyprogesterone acetate.

In the case of ovarian pain caused by infectious diseases, antibiotics are usually unavoidable. (Image: Robert Kneschke / fotolia.com)

In the case of existing infectious diseases, antibiotics are usually unavoidable. Especially in the case of infections in the digestive and genital organs, very careful healing must take place here in order to prevent the spread of germs. Infection-related ovarian infections are often treated with the following preparations:

• Cephalosporin,
• Fluoroquinolones,
• Metronidazole,

The individual choice of preparation depends on the type of infectious agent. Antibiotic therapy usually lasts about ten days. Anti-inflammatory drugs (anti-inflammatory drugs) such as diclofenac or pain relievers (analgesics) such as acetylsalicylic acid, ibuprofen or naproxen can also be used.

Chemotherapy drugs are used as standard in the case of ovarian pain if there is ovarian cancer. Corresponding drugs are, for example, carboplatin, paclitaxel or taxane. You can also try to treat the cancer with antibody therapy using monoclonal antibodies such as bevacizumab. If ovarian cancer recurs after initial treatment, cytostatics such as doxorubicin or gemcitabine are the first choice for so-called recurrence therapy.

Good to know: With early detection of ovarian cancer, the chances of survival are relatively good at 60 to 80 percent. Patients in the age-related risk group 40+ should therefore conscientiously take their preventive medical examinations and have ovarian pain after the menopause fundamentally clarified by a doctor in order to be able to initiate appropriate therapy in good time in an emergency.

surgery

While surgical measures for many other symptoms are often only considered when all other treatment measures (unsuccessful) have been exhausted, there are some causes of illness in terms of ovarian pain that suggest immediate emergency surgery. This is especially true for ectopic pregnancies and ovarian cysts, which must be removed immediately if pain occurs.

Even with advanced endometriosis, displaced mucosal tissue often has to be surgically removed before prophylactic treatment with hormone preparations can take place. In addition to traditional extirpation, i.e. cutting out the mucous membrane, heating techniques such as electrocautery or laser treatment are now also used.

Ovarian cancer also rarely does without surgery. In the initial stages of cancer, attempts are initially made to combat the tumor cells by means of chemotherapeutic measures, or at least to reduce them, but it is often safer to completely cut out the tumor tissue when it comes to preventing cancer from forming again. If the tumor is too large, the ovary sometimes even has to be completely removed (so-called ovariectomy), which fortunately is rarely the case.

There are a variety of medicinal herbs that offer reliable help for ovarian pain. (Image: Sonja Birkelbach / fotolia.com)

Medicinal herbs

In fact, there are a number of gynecological herbs that offer reliable help for ovarian pain, as well as certain diseases of the female genital organs. Painful inflammations can be relieved here, for example, with teas from various medicinal herbs:

• Arnica,
• Chamomile,
• Nasturtium,
• Peppermint,
• Rhombus,

Even with thromboses in the ovaries there is a medicinal plant helper, namely the stone clover also known as honey clover. For cramps and pain as part of natural menstrual cramps, the following also help:

• Field mint,
• Ackerhell herb,
• Alant,
• Valerian,
• Mugwort,
• Nettle,
• Verbena,
• Fennel,
• Lady’s coat,
• Galbanum,
• Lavender,
• Melissa,
• Clary sage,
• Feverfew,
• Marigold,
• Saffron,
• Snowball tree,
• Thyme,

For the treatment of ovarian pain in the menopause, there are also some tried and tested female herbs. Above all, the pain relieving and antispasmodic angelica, also known as angelica, is worth mentioning. Like all herbs, it can be taken as tea for specific symptoms, whereby two teaspoons of the herb are enough for a cup of tea. Also considered classic gynecological herbs for menopausal symptoms:

• Coloring broom,
• Hop,
• Pasque flower,
• Chaste tree,
• Evening primrose,
• Red clover,
• Black cohosh.

In the TCM, Dong Quai is often used for cycle complaints, taken twice a month as tea strengthens the ovaries. (Image: areeya_ann / fotolia.com)

In traditional Chinese medicine, we also use relatively unknown medicinal plants such as Dong Quai to strengthen the ovaries. The herb is also known as “women’s ginseng” or “women’s ginseng” and not without reason. Because on the one hand, Dong Quai can regulate the hormone activity in the ovaries and thus remedy cycle problems such as pulling ovarian pain, irregular cycles or reduced fertility. On the other hand, female ginseng also strengthens the immune system of the ovaries, which makes them less susceptible to inflammation and other diseases.

It is recommended to take Dong Quai twice a month for tea or as an ingredient in a chicken soup for specific symptoms. Care should be taken to plan the intake only after a period.

Warning: Gynecological herbs serve the well-being of women, but should never be taken by pregnant women without consulting a doctor. Some of the herbs can even be avoided entirely during pregnancy, so it is expressly advised not to treat them yourself!

nutrition

The health and freedom from pain of the ovaries is particularly determined by the daily diet. For example, being overweight increases the risk of illnesses and pain symptoms in the area of ​​the ovaries, which is why a balanced, low-fat and low-sugar diet is generally recommended.

Foods that are high in fat in particular can negatively affect estrogen levels, which, as has already been mentioned several times, impair the functionality of the ovaries and in this connection promote ovarian pain. Salt and white flour should also be used sparingly in this regard.

Instead, a sufficient hydration and a fruit and vegetable-rich diet is recommended to keep the ovaries healthy. In addition, there are again some culinary tips from traditional Chinese medicine ( TCM ), which we naturally do not want to withhold from you:

• Shu Di Huang (熟地黃)
  The roots of Rhemannia glutinosa are used in TCM to treat menstrual cramps. For this purpose, cut the roots into slices and steam them in wine.
• Bai Shao (芍藥)
  Numerous strengthening elixirs for the treatment of menstrual cramps are made from the roots of white and red peony. Their sour to bitter taste can also be used to refine soups and sauces.
• Dang Gui (当归)
  The Chinese angelica root proves that Western and Far Eastern medicine sometimes come to a common denominator. Because in both medical disciplines Angelika is used in the therapy of menstrual pains and menopausal symptoms. In TCM, the cut root of the Chinese angelica is often given in strengthening soups.
• Chuan Xiong (川芎)
  Western herb and traditional Chinese medicine also have a common representative in the field of medicinal plants with this herb. This is because the roots of the lovage herb, more precisely, the Szechuan lovage. It is also often used as a herb in Germany, whereas the TCM uses it especially in the treatment of cramps and pain in the female genital organs.
• Ban Xia (半夏)
  The tubers and roots of the pinella represent some other herbs or cooking ingredients from TCM. These are used for pain in the female abdomen. However, they need a certain pretreatment before consumption to neutralize the poison they contain. For this purpose, they are first soaked in vinegar and then cooked thoroughly. A special tip is to marinate Ban Xia with ginger, which gives the Chinese medicine Jiang Ban Xia.

Again, the strict instructions are given not to try the appropriate medicinal and aromatic herbs during pregnancy, since the active ingredients can lead to miscarriages and other pregnancy complications!

There are a variety of diseases that can be responsible for ovarian pain, such as stress. (Image: REDPIXEL / fotolia.com)

Possible diseases with ovarian pain:

• Anxiety disorders
• arteriosclerosis
• Appendicitis
• Blood poisoning
• depressions
• Diverticulum
• Ovarian abscesses
• Inflammation of the ovaries
• Ovarian cancer
• Ovarian thrombosis
• Ovarian cysts
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Fallopian tube rupture
• Endometriosis
• Endometritis
• Miscarriage
• hepatitis
• Colitis
• Lumbar spine damage
• Crohn’s disease
• Nerve compression
• Inflammation of the nerves
• nephritis
• Renal failure
• Peritonitis
• Pyelonephritis
• psychological trauma (especially after abuse)
• Stalk rotation of the ovaries or fallopian tubes
• Stress
• Over stimulation syndrome
• Cervicitis