causes of ovarian cyst

February 23, 2010

What Causes Ovarian Cysts – Causes And Symptoms Of An Ovarian Cyst

Ovarian cysts are usually harmless and women don’t need to get overly worried if cysts are found because it’s a very common occurrence in women of all ages. Functional ovarian cysts are the type of cysts that most women develop, and are not associated with pain or cancer. There are other types of cysts which can develop, including malignant cysts which can continue to grow and even result in ovarian cancer. This article will cover what causes Ovarian cysts and what can be done about them.

There are a few possible causes of ovarian cysts. One of the main reasons women develop cysts is because of their genetics, or their family history. If your mother or grandmother had a problem with cysts, chances are that you will too. Women with irregular menstrual cycles are also at much greater risk of developing cysts and not only that but they tend to take longer to detect them because their cycle is irregular and they don’t notice the symptoms.

It’s most difficult for women with irregular cycles because the symptoms of ovarian cysts can easily be confused with those of the onset of a woman’s menstrual cycle. In fact, one of the reasons younger women have a problem becoming pregnant is because they have had ovarian cysts for a long period of time without realizing it. Tamoxifen therapy for breast cancer has also shown to be a cause of ovarian cysts. It’s helpful for women to know whether any of the risk factors apply to them and whether they should be on the lookout more for ovarian cysts than others.

All women should get in to see their doctor for routine pelvic exams, as this is the only way to keep up on your health and determine whether any cysts have developed. Breast tenderness, pain in the pelvic and abdominal area and nausea are all very general symptoms which could be confused with pregnancy, anemia and other health conditions. Any woman who notices she’s feeling dizzy, faint, or experiencing increased facial hair should get in to see her doctor. Even if they’re experiencing the more generalized symptoms and are just not sure what they’re a sign of, their doctor will be able to perform a few standard tests to determine what’s wrong.

Treatment will be determined on a case to case basis, as all women are different. For most cysts, doctors will just leave and monitor to ensure they’re not causing any pain. A cystectomy is often seen as a last resort as it an require invasive surgery to remove the cysts.

Learn more about Ovarian cysts and how you can treat and prevent them in a holistic and natural way…read Ovarian Cysts No More Review for more details or check out the Ovarian Cysts No More fact sheet for a quick overview.

Filed under Ovarian Cysts by Rebecca

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October 14, 2008

What Causes Ovarian Cysts ?

There are a variety of causes of ovarian cysts.  Under the normal menstrual cycle, ovaries develop cyst-like structures called follicles each month. These follicles are responsible for producing hormones necessary for pregnancy such as estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cysts can form when a normal follicle continues to grow for an abnormal period of time.

Follicular cysts are among the most usual to occur. These cysts will have no obvious symptoms. They are generally considered to be harmless and disappear of their own accord. Ovarian cysts affecting the follicle are caused by the release of hormones from the pituitary gland that is supposed to initiate the release of an egg. A failure to release an egg makes the follicle continue to grow and develop into a cyst.

When luteinizing hormone surges during the monthly cycle and an egg is released a corpus luteum cyst is created. Once the egg is released the body then begins to prepare for possible conception through the ruptured follicle producing estrogen and progesterone. At this stage, the follicle is known as corpus luteum. A cyst is formed when the corpus luteum seals off and fluid collects inside it.

Corpus luteum cysts usually disappear on their own without treatment within a few weeks. In the meantime, however, it can grow to nearly 4 inches in diameter. It can also bleed into itself or twist the ovary.  This can cause severe pelvic and abdominal pain. Moreover, if the corpus luteum cyst fills with blood, the cyst may rupture. This can cause internal bleeding and sudden, sharp pain.

It is important to note that the fertility drug clomiphene citrate, which is commonly used to induce ovulation, might be one of the causes of ovarian cysts, since it can often increase the risk of the development of a corpus luteum cyst. Corpus luteum cysts do not prevent or threaten pregnancy.

Hemorrhagic or endometrioid cysts are cysts that contain blood and develop like the other ovarian cysts. The blood composition of the cyst comes from an injury or from blood vessel leakage into the egg sac.  Some causes of ovarian cysts can be attributed to the bleeding and shedding endometrial tissue that imbeds itself in the ovaries. This build up will eventually rupture and cause pelvic pain.

While you can’t prevent the actual causes of ovarian cysts from occurring as they are part of the normal functioning of the body, you can limit the impact that ovarian cysts can have on your health. Certain common sense steps should be followed to improve your general health. Things like increasing exercise, controlling stress, improving your diet, and regular checkups with your gynecologist can all help reduce the chances of developing ovarian cysts.

Filed under Ovarian Cysts by Rebecca

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