Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptoms of Ovarian CystsCauses of Ovarian CystsAre There Medications That Cause Ovarian Cysts?DiagnosisHow to Treat Ovarian Cysts

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Are There Medications That Cause Ovarian Cysts?

Diagnosis

How to Treat Ovarian Cysts

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs, similar to blisters, that are common in women during their reproductive years. These cysts form on the ovaries, the almond-sized organs on each side of the uterus. Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment. However, there are some that can indicate other health issues or even lead to problems with fertility. This article discusses the symptoms, causes, treatments, and risks associated with ovarian cysts, and when to seek medical care.

Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms; however, when symptoms are present, you may notice:

If a cyst ruptures, it can cause sudden, severe pain. Pain can also be caused when a cyst is twisted (called torsion), which can block the flow of blood to the ovary.

Other possible symptoms of ovarian cysts include delayed, irregular or unusually painful periods. If you experience any of these symptoms, notify your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Types of Ovarian CystsThere are several different types of ovarian cysts:Functional Cysts. These cysts will often shrink and disappear within two or three menstrual cycles. Because this type of cyst is formed during ovulation, it rarely occurs inpostmenopausal womenas eggs are no longer being produced.Dermoid Cysts. These cysts are filled with various types of tissues, including hair and skin.Endometrioma Cysts. These cysts are also known as the “chocolate cysts” of endometriosis, and they form when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries.Cystadenoma Cysts. These cysts develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovaries.Polycystic Ovarian Disease. This disease, also commonly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), refers to cysts that form from a buildup of follicles. They cause the ovaries to enlarge and create a thick outer covering, which may prevent ovulation from occurring. They are often the cause of fertility problems.

Types of Ovarian Cysts

There are several different types of ovarian cysts:Functional Cysts. These cysts will often shrink and disappear within two or three menstrual cycles. Because this type of cyst is formed during ovulation, it rarely occurs inpostmenopausal womenas eggs are no longer being produced.Dermoid Cysts. These cysts are filled with various types of tissues, including hair and skin.Endometrioma Cysts. These cysts are also known as the “chocolate cysts” of endometriosis, and they form when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries.Cystadenoma Cysts. These cysts develop from cells on the outer surface of the ovaries.Polycystic Ovarian Disease. This disease, also commonly known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), refers to cysts that form from a buildup of follicles. They cause the ovaries to enlarge and create a thick outer covering, which may prevent ovulation from occurring. They are often the cause of fertility problems.

There are several different types of ovarian cysts:

The most common causes of ovarian cysts include:

Menstruation

The normal function of the ovaries is to produce an egg each month. During the process of ovulation, a cyst-like structure called afollicleis formed inside the ovary. The mature follicle ruptures when an egg is released during ovulation.

A corpus luteum forms from the empty follicle and, if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dissolves. Sometimes, however, this process does not conclude appropriately, causing the most common type of ovarian cyst: functional cysts.

Hormonal Imbalance

Abnormal ovarian cysts, such as polycystic ovarian disease, may also occur as the result of an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone).Polycystic (many cysts) ovarian syndrome (PCOS) may occur when estrogen and progesterone are out of balance because they fail to send a signal to the ovary to release the egg during menstruation.

Pregnancy

Ovarian cysts are common during early pregnancy even when menstruation has halted. These cysts are generally benign and harmless, and resolve as pregnancy goes on.If they persist, however, there’s a chance they can rupture or twist and cause problems during delivery. They can also increase the risk of conditions like gestational diabetes or pregnancy-related hypertension.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis can cause ovarian cysts when scar tissue and adhesions form around the ovaries. These cysts are called endometriomas. During these process, the thick tissue formed around the ovaries can bind the pelvic tissues and organs.

Unless symptoms are present, ovarian cysts may be diagnosed during an annual pelvic examination. Other diagnostic tests, such as an ultrasound or a hormone level test, may be done if your physician detects any abnormalities.

Treatment of ovarian cysts depends on several factors, including the size and type of cyst, the woman’s age and general health, her future pregnancy plans and her specific symptoms.

The type of treatment depends on the type of ovarian cyst that is found.

If a cyst appears benign, often women who are not experiencing symptoms are advised to wait two to three months to see if cysts dissolve on their own.In most cases, functional ovarian cysts will dissolve without any medical intervention or treatment.

Surgery is sometimes necessary to treat persistent ovarian cysts. You might need surgery if your cysts do not disappear after a few menstrual cycles, or if they are extremely large.

Post-Menopausal Women

Women who develop ovarian cysts aftermenopauseare more likely to have malignancies.For post-menopausal women experiencing bleeding and pain, surgery may be necessary. The procedures range from simply removing the cyst to removing the entire ovary.

If the cyst is suspected to be malignant, a hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) is recommended.

The specific surgical procedure required depends on a number of factors, including whether or not cancer is suspected and how early the cancer is found. Although your physician will discuss the planned procedure with you, you should keep in mind that the exact extent of the surgery may be unknown until the operation is in progress.

A Word From Verywell

Because ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms, women who have had cysts in the past should inform their doctor or healthcare provider so that they can be monitored. These women are at a greater risk of developing additional cysts.

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5 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian cysts. Updated April 1, 2019.

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Office on Women’s Health.Polycystic ovary syndrome. Updated April 01, 2019.

University of Kansas Health System.10 Symptoms of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.

NIH MedlinePlus.Ovarian Cysts.Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian Cysts. Updated April 1, 2019.

NIH MedlinePlus.Ovarian Cysts.

Office on Women’s Health.Ovarian Cysts. Updated April 1, 2019.

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