What You Need to Know about Ovarian Cysts & PCOS

Hey there, sister. Let’s talk about something many of us experience but few of us fully understand—pain during ovulation, irregular cycles, bloating that seems to come out of nowhere. Ever paused mid-month and thought, What is my body trying to tell me?

Maybe you’ve heard of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), or even been told you might have it. Maybe you've experienced ovarian cysts but didn’t know what they were or why they formed. These are common reproductive health issues—but they’re often misunderstood, underdiagnosed, and surrounded by silence.

So let’s break that silence. Let’s open a dialogue that not only talks about hormones and ovaries, but also dares to ask deeper questions: What if our bodies are trying to tell us something? What if pain and imbalance are not just symptoms to fix, but messages to listen to?

When the Body Speaks Through Ovulation Pain

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the ovaries—often during the ovulation phase of your cycle. In many cases, they’re harmless and go away on their own. But sometimes, they rupture or grow larger, causing sharp pain, pressure, or bloating.

Research shows that most women will develop at least one ovarian cyst in their lifetime—and many won’t even know it. But for some, they become a recurring issue (Bottomley & Bourne, 2009).

If you've ever had stabbing pelvic pain mid-cycle, or discomfort after intimacy or exercise, it could be your body flagging an ovarian cyst.

And yes, it’s important to understand biology. But also—what if your body is doing more than just reacting to hormonal shifts? What if this is a call to slow down, pay attention, and connect with what’s happening inside?

PCOS Is More Than Just a Hormonal Disorder

PCOS affects an estimated 1 in 10 women of reproductive age (CDC, 2023). It's often diagnosed when someone experiences irregular periods, excess hair growth, acne, weight challenges, or difficulty getting pregnant. But here’s the thing: many women go undiagnosed for years because the symptoms can vary so widely.

At its root, PCOS is a hormonal and metabolic condition. But is that the whole story?

There’s growing recognition of the mind-body connection in conditions like PCOS. Chronic stress, unresolved trauma, or even the pressure of constantly pushing through life without rest—all of these can affect our endocrine system, our nervous system, and yes, even our ovaries (The PCOS Foundation, 2023).

Have you ever noticed flare-ups of symptoms during emotionally challenging periods? It’s not your imagination. The body holds memory. The body communicates.

When we begin to view a PCOS diagnosis not as a dead-end, but as a wake-up call—a call for deeper care, holistic healing, and lifestyle recalibration—everything changes.

The Mind-Body Connection & How Science Meets Self-Awareness

Let’s pause for a moment here.

The concept of the mind-body connection isn’t just woo-woo wellness talk—it’s grounded in science. Researchers have shown that chronic stress affects cortisol levels, which in turn can disrupt insulin sensitivity and hormone balance—both key factors in PCOS.

Trauma, especially unresolved or unprocessed, can influence how our reproductive systems function. It can even affect the brain’s communication with the ovaries. This is why emotional healing, therapy, somatic practices, and mindfulness are increasingly being embraced as part of the PCOS toolkit.

Listening to your body means more than just tracking symptoms. It means asking: What do I need right now? What have I been holding on to? What would it feel like to care for myself differently?

You’re Not Alone When It Comes To The Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts & PCOS

This is exactly the kind of conversation we want to invite you into at our Ovarian Cysts & PCOS class at the library, where Dr. Francis will lead an empowering and clarifying discussion.

We know this stuff can feel overwhelming, especially if you've just been diagnosed—or if you suspect something’s off and haven’t gotten answers yet. But you’re not alone. Our library classes are designed to empower you with knowledge, connect you with others, and help you build a more compassionate, holistic relationship with your body.

And don't worry—Dr. Francis has also prepared comprehensive handouts to take home, offering deeper insights and tools for understanding both ovarian cysts and PCOS on your own terms.

So, don’t feel like you’re alone. Join the WiseWomb Library and start your knowledge journey.