Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Reason for Ovarian Cysts
Since all ovarian cysts are different, there are also many different causes of ovarian cysts as well. Monthly development of cysts is normal. Ovarian follicles produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and this causes the egg to be released when you are ovulating. These follicles normally dissolve once the ovulation process is complete but in some cases they keep growing. The overgrown follicles become ovarian cysts. These are called functional cysts since they formed during the ovulation process. Sometimes when the cyst is too large, it has to be surgically removed.
Although the cause of these cysts is the same, there are two different types. Follicular cysts mostly form around the middle of the woman’s cycle. When the pituitary gland releases the luteinizing hormone signals the follicle to release the egg and the follicle fails to do this, the follicle then continues to grow and turns into a cyst. This type of cyst isn’t painful and is benign. It usually shrinks with the next menstrual cycle.
The corpus luteum cyst forms when the luteinizing hormone signals the follicle to release the egg and it is released through a rupture. The follicle becomes the corpus luteum yet the escape opening where the egg ruptured when released seals shut and retains fluid. The corpus luteum becomes a cyst. Although both of these causes result in ovarian cysts and happen at the same time, the symptoms of each are very different. The corpus luteum cyst normally dissolves on its own but can grow to four centimeters before this happens. It also has the potential of bleeding internally or can convolute the ovary. If it ruptures, it can cause bleeding into other organs and will cause sharp, unexpected pain. The fertility drug clomiphene is the cause of this type of ovarian cyst.
While this gives the reasons that these types of ovarian cysts form, the exact causes aren’t known. Some think that it has to do with the woman’s general health, weight, lifestyle and diet. Others believe that the amount of stress and anxiety in a woman’s life can be the cause of these cysts. Stress management and medications can help with this and it could prevent other illnesses as well.
Some cysts produce no symptoms at all. Others produce bleeding, swelling, aching and sharp pain. These will vary a lot from woman to woman. Each will have different levels of pain. Some women will become constipated, experience frequent urination, irregular periods or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. Many times this abdominal fullness is mistaken for a bladder infection.
Since no cause has been as yet discovered for the cause of ovarian cysts, there is also no way to prevent these cysts from forming. Any instances of severe pain or other symptoms should be reported immediately to your doctor. If an ovarian cyst ruptures, it can cause a serious infection. Never assume that symptoms will just go away. Research is being done to discover the cause of ovarian cysts.
