The thought of being diagnosed with an ovarian cyst can be very frightening. But, did you know that during each normal menstrual cycle your body naturally develops small ovarian cysts? Most of the time ovarian cysts that develop during your menstrual cycle disappear and are harmless to your health. Ovarian cysts are not all cancerous or life threatening, but it is very important to know why ovarian cysts form and what can put you at a higher risk for developing them.
The cysts that develop during a normal menstrual cycle are called functional cysts. Functional cysts are fluid filled, sac-like structures that hold and allow the eggs to mature during ovulation that dissolve after the egg is released. In some cases the sac will not break and the egg will continue to grow on the ovary developing into a follicular cyst. According to The National Women’s Health Information Center, follicular cysts are most common for women ages twenty to forty and will naturally disappear in one to three months.
Most women will not experience symptoms with follicular cysts. If symptoms appear it could mean that the cyst has grown to four centimeters or larger and will need to be monitored on a monthly basis. Symptoms can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Menstrual period changes
- Abnormal bleeding
- Weight gain
If you are experiencing more serious symptoms surgery might be required. Serious symptoms can include:
- Sudden, severe abdominal pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sudden faintness, dizziness, and weakness
- Internal bleeding (hemorrhaging)
These symptoms may mean that you have a cyst that is very large, twisted, abnormal or ruptured and will need treatment immediately.
The only way that ovarian cysts are discovered is in your routine pelvic exam. When a cyst is discovered it is very important to make sure that your physician knows your age and family history of ovarian cysts.
Women with a history of ovarian cancer in their family or are over the age of forty are at a higher risk for developing cancerous ovarian cysts. The good news is that with early detection of ovarian cancer there is an 85 to 95 percent survival rate. If you suspect an ovarian cyst of any kind contact your doctor right away.
Ovarian cysts cannot be avoided, but can be controlled by having routine pelvic exams. Please schedule your appointment today.
(Symptoms and facts are referenced from WebMD.com and NWHIC)
Sanford Clinic - OBGYN, Ltd.
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