Symptoms of Ovarian Cyst
Indication of Ovarian Cyst
Although ovarian cysts are very common in themselves, the symptoms of ovarian cysts vary with each individual. Some women will have absolutely no symptoms and not even know that she has one while others experience very extreme symptoms. The symptoms of ovarian cysts might also be determined by what type of cyst she has. Below you will see the various types of ovarian cysts and the symptoms that accompany them.
Cystadenomas
This type of cyst usually manifests no symptoms. Yet this is one of the more serious types of ovarian cysts. The most obvious symptoms of the cystdenoma is an increase in abdomen size and sudden weight gain.
Dermoid Cysts
Women of any age can develop the dermoid cysts, although typically these are found in women who are 20-40 years of age. This is one of the more common types of ovarian cysts. Most of the time, there is no symptoms with these ovarian cysts. However, if it does grow, you will feel pressure in the rectum, intestines or bladder and this will result in pain. In fact, pain is sometimes the only symptom of this type of ovarian cysts.
Endometrial Cysts
The endometrial cyst also produces no symptoms. Sometimes, though, there can be very extreme pain with this type of cyst. Having a simple bowel movement may be very painful or there may be pain during intercourse. Severe menstrual cramps may also accompany this type of cyst. If this type of cyst grows too large or ruptures, there may also be internal bleeding.
Follicular Cysts
Usually there is no pain or any other type of symptom with the follicular cyst. However, they may rupture during sexual intercourse. This will result in very severe abdominal pain. Any type of exercise or other physical exertion can intensify this pain. This pain will seem to go away after a few days only to return.
Also, if oral contraceptives are being used, multiple follicular cysts may develop on the ovaries. This can cause a lot of abdominal discomfort.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
It is very important that this disorder is mentioned here. This medical disorder affects 1 in 20 women who are of childbearing age. Although a lot of women who have PCOS develop multiple cysts on their ovaries, some do not. But the ovaries of women who do suffer from PCOS usually have enlarged ovaries.
Other symptoms of PCOS are:
Irregular menstrual periods – Since PCOS affects the ovaries, the ability to ovulate is usually blocked or occurs sporadically. Periods can cease altogether or very irregular. When the period does occur, the flow may be extremely light or extremely heavy. PCOS can also cause a woman to start having periods later in life than is normal.
Infertility – Since ovulation isn’t regular with a woman who has PCOS, women may have difficulty in getting pregnant.
Pelvic pain – When the cyst becomes very large, pain is very common.
Excessive androgen – Elevated androgen (male) hormone levels are very common with PCOS. This may also result in male pattern baldness and excessive facial and body hair growth.
Obesity – Being overweight is also more common with this disorder
Type 2 diabetes – Those who have PCOS may have insulin elevations.
See your doctor if you suspect you might have PCOS and he will discuss treatment options. This concludes this article on symptoms of ovarian cysts.
