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.