Ovarian cysts are not uncommon, but the symptoms of ovarian cyst can vary greatly. For some women there may be no symptoms while others may experience a few or several.
The types of symptoms experienced may also vary depending on the type of ovarian cyst. Following are several types and the symptoms of ovarian cyst which tend to be associated with them.
Cystadenomas
In many instances there are no particular symptoms, even with a cystadenoma which is serious. Generally the symptoms of ovarian cyst which tend to manifest with a cystadenoma are increases in the size of your abdomen, as well as weight gain. Although cystadenomas can turn into malignant growths, they are generally benign in nature.
Dermoid cysts
Women in all age ranges can get dermoid ovarian cysts, although they are typically found in women who are 20 to 40 years old. This type of cyst is fairly common. Quite often there are no symptoms of ovarian cyst with these. However, if it increases in size it will often start putting pressure on the rectum, intestines or bladder, resulting in pain.
Endometrial cysts
Endometrial cysts often cause no apparent symptoms. In some cases, however, the symptoms may be quite severe with this type. Pain may be experienced during sexual intercourse or while having a bowel movement. Intense menstrual cramps afflict some women who have endometrial cysts. Internal bleeding may also occur if this type of cyst becomes large and ruptures.
Follicular cysts
When a woman has follicular cysts, they typically do not cause any pain or other symptoms of ovarian cyst. However, they can burst during an activity such as sexual intercourse.
If this happens it can lead to significant pain in the abdominal area. This pain may intensify during any type of physical exertion and then subside for a short period of time, only to return in a couple of days.
Also, if you take drugs to increase fertility, it can cause multiple follicular cysts to grow on your ovaries. This often results in discomfort in your abdomen.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
It is worth mentioning this hormonal disorder when discussing symptoms of ovarian cyst. This medical condition afflicts approximately 1 out of 20 women who are of childbearing age. Although most women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have multiple cysts on their ovaries, not all women do. The ovaries are typically enlarged with this syndrome.
Other symptoms of PCOS include the following:
• Menstrual cycle irregularities – PCOS affects the follicles of the ovaries, which in turn often hinders the woman’s ability to ovulate. In some instances, ovulation may occur sporadically. Thus, periods may either be absent altogether or irregular. When they do occur, the flow may range from limited to very heavy. It is not unusual for women with PCOS to begin their menstrual cycle later then normal.
• Infertility – since ovulation is disrupted in PCOS, women who have it may have a hard time getting pregnant.
• Pelvic pain or discomfort – this is one of the symptoms of ovarian cyst which often occurs when cysts become large.
• Excessive androgen – An elevation in this male hormone may cause male-pattern baldness, hirsutism (facial hair) or acne.
• Obesity – being overweight or obese is much more common in women with PCOS.
• Type 2 diabetes – women with PCOS are more likely to have problems with high blood sugar or insulin resistance.
If you are concerned that you may be experiencing symptoms of ovarian cyst, it is a good idea to see your gynecologist for an examination. If a cyst or several cysts are detected, your doctor can determine the best course of action to take.
Get Healthy!
Charles
The types of symptoms experienced may also vary depending on the type of ovarian cyst. Following are several types and the symptoms of ovarian cyst which tend to be associated with them.
Cystadenomas
In many instances there are no particular symptoms, even with a cystadenoma which is serious. Generally the symptoms of ovarian cyst which tend to manifest with a cystadenoma are increases in the size of your abdomen, as well as weight gain. Although cystadenomas can turn into malignant growths, they are generally benign in nature.
Dermoid cysts
Women in all age ranges can get dermoid ovarian cysts, although they are typically found in women who are 20 to 40 years old. This type of cyst is fairly common. Quite often there are no symptoms of ovarian cyst with these. However, if it increases in size it will often start putting pressure on the rectum, intestines or bladder, resulting in pain.
Endometrial cysts
Endometrial cysts often cause no apparent symptoms. In some cases, however, the symptoms may be quite severe with this type. Pain may be experienced during sexual intercourse or while having a bowel movement. Intense menstrual cramps afflict some women who have endometrial cysts. Internal bleeding may also occur if this type of cyst becomes large and ruptures.
Follicular cysts
When a woman has follicular cysts, they typically do not cause any pain or other symptoms of ovarian cyst. However, they can burst during an activity such as sexual intercourse.
If this happens it can lead to significant pain in the abdominal area. This pain may intensify during any type of physical exertion and then subside for a short period of time, only to return in a couple of days.
Also, if you take drugs to increase fertility, it can cause multiple follicular cysts to grow on your ovaries. This often results in discomfort in your abdomen.
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
It is worth mentioning this hormonal disorder when discussing symptoms of ovarian cyst. This medical condition afflicts approximately 1 out of 20 women who are of childbearing age. Although most women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have multiple cysts on their ovaries, not all women do. The ovaries are typically enlarged with this syndrome.
Other symptoms of PCOS include the following:
• Menstrual cycle irregularities – PCOS affects the follicles of the ovaries, which in turn often hinders the woman’s ability to ovulate. In some instances, ovulation may occur sporadically. Thus, periods may either be absent altogether or irregular. When they do occur, the flow may range from limited to very heavy. It is not unusual for women with PCOS to begin their menstrual cycle later then normal.
• Infertility – since ovulation is disrupted in PCOS, women who have it may have a hard time getting pregnant.
• Pelvic pain or discomfort – this is one of the symptoms of ovarian cyst which often occurs when cysts become large.
• Excessive androgen – An elevation in this male hormone may cause male-pattern baldness, hirsutism (facial hair) or acne.
• Obesity – being overweight or obese is much more common in women with PCOS.
• Type 2 diabetes – women with PCOS are more likely to have problems with high blood sugar or insulin resistance.
If you are concerned that you may be experiencing symptoms of ovarian cyst, it is a good idea to see your gynecologist for an examination. If a cyst or several cysts are detected, your doctor can determine the best course of action to take.
Get Healthy!
Charles
