Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal birth control (pills, patches, or rings) is often prescribed to manage ovarian cysts, particularly for women prone to recurring functional cysts. The main benefit is prevention—by stopping ovulation, these contraceptives significantly reduce the formation of new cysts.

They also help regulate menstrual cycles and may ease symptoms like pelvic pain. For women who frequently develop cysts, this can be a convenient long-term solution.

However, birth control doesn’t shrink existing cysts—it only prevents new ones. Some women experience side effects like nausea, weight gain, or mood changes, making it a poor fit for those sensitive to hormones. More importantly, it’s not a solution for complex or suspicious cysts, which require closer evaluation.

If a cyst is large, persistent, or potentially cancerous, relying solely on birth control delays proper diagnosis and treatment, which can be risky.