Women’s health is a complex and vital aspect of healthcare, and within this, ovarian cysts are a common occurrence that can impact the lives of many. These small fluid-filled sacs can form within or on the ovaries, and while they are often benign, they can pose significant health concerns if left untreated.

In this comprehensive guide, we will navigate the intricacies of this medical anomaly, shedding light on their various aspects: from understanding what ovarian cysts are and the different types that exist, to exploring the underlying causes and the ovarian cyst symptoms that may manifest.

What is an Ovarian Cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a common gynecological condition characterized by the development of fluid-filled sacs or pockets within or on the surface of one or both ovaries. These cysts can vary in size, ranging from as small as a pea to as large as a grapefruit. While most ovarian cysts are benign (non-cancerous) and do not typically cause significant health issues, understanding their nature and potential impact on women’s health is crucial.

Anatomy of the Ovaries

To comprehend ovarian cysts fully, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of the female reproductive system. The ovaries are a pair of almond-sized organs situated on each side of the uterus. Their primary function is to produce eggs (ova) and female hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. During the menstrual cycle, the ovaries release an egg in a process known as ovulation. Ovarian cysts can develop during the natural menstrual cycle and may form for various reasons. 

What are the Types of Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts can manifest in various forms, each with its distinct characteristics, causes, and potential implications for a woman’s health. Understanding the different types of ovarian cysts is crucial for accurate diagnosis and appropriate ovarian cyst treatment. 

1. Functional Ovarian Cysts

Functional cysts are the most common type of ovarian cysts, and they typically arise as a result of the normal menstrual cycle. They are usually benign and often resolve on their own without medical intervention. There are two main subtypes of functional ovarian cysts:

A. Follicular Cysts:

Follicular cysts develop when a mature follicle in the ovary fails to release an egg during ovulation. Instead of rupturing to release the egg, the follicle continues to grow, filling with fluid and forming a cyst.

B. Corpus Luteum Cysts:

Corpus luteum cysts form after the release of an egg during ovulation. Once the egg is released, the follicle transforms into a structure called the corpus luteum, which produces hormones to support a potential pregnancy. In some instances, the corpus luteum may not regress as it should, and it can fill with fluid, becoming a cyst.

2. Pathological Ovarian Cysts

Pathological cysts, unlike functional cysts, are less common and often require medical attention due to their potential for complications. Two main types of pathological ovarian cysts are:

A. Dermoid Cysts (Teratomas):

Dermoid cysts are unique among ovarian cysts because they contain various types of tissues, including hair, skin, teeth, and even bone. These cysts develop from cells capable of producing human eggs.

B. Endometriomas:

Endometriomas are associated with endometriosis, a condition where tissue resembling the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside the uterus. When endometrial tissue attaches to the ovaries, it can form cysts known as endometriomas.

3. Cystadenomas

Cystadenomas are another type of ovarian cyst that can grow quite large. They are typically benign and arise from the surface of the ovary. There are two main subtypes of cystadenomas:

A. Mucinous Cystadenomas:

Mucinous cystadenomas are filled with a thick, gel-like substance called mucin. They tend to be larger than other cysts and can cause abdominal discomfort or pain as they grow.

B. Serous Cystadenomas:

Serous cystadenomas are filled with a watery fluid and are usually smaller than mucinous cystadenomas. They are often benign but may require surgical removal if they cause ovarian cyst symptoms or if they appear suspicious on imaging.

4. Hemorrhagic Cysts (Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cysts)

Hemorrhagic cysts, also known as hemorrhagic ovarian cysts, occur when a functional cyst, such as a follicular or corpus luteum cyst, starts bleeding into itself. This can happen when a blood vessel within the cyst ruptures or leaks blood into the cyst cavity.

5. Pregnancy-Related Cysts

Some cysts can develop during pregnancy. These include:

A. Corpus Luteum Cysts in Pregnancy:

During pregnancy, the corpus luteum plays a crucial role in supporting the early stages of gestation by producing hormones. Occasionally, a corpus luteum cyst can form on the ovary during pregnancy and persist for several weeks.

6. Ovarian Tumors

While most ovarian cysts are benign, some can be malignant (cancerous). Ovarian tumors can develop from the cells of the ovary and may initially present as cystic structures.

What Causes an Ovarian Cyst?

Understanding the underlying causes of ovarian cysts is essential for both prevention and effective management. Ovarian cysts can develop for various reasons, and the cause often determines the type of cyst that forms. 

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal fluctuations play a significant role in the formation of ovarian cysts, particularly functional cysts. These fluctuations can disrupt the normal menstrual cycle and ovulation process. Key hormonal imbalances associated with ovarian cysts include:

A. Estrogen Dominance:

Estrogen is a female sex hormone responsible for regulating the growth and development of the uterine lining. An excess of estrogen can stimulate the overgrowth of cells in the ovarian follicles, leading to the formation of follicular cysts.

B. Progesterone Deficiency:

Progesterone is another hormone involved in the regulation of the menstrual cycle. A deficiency in progesterone can disrupt the balance between estrogen and progesterone, potentially causing the development of cysts, particularly corpus luteum cysts.

2. Menstrual Irregularities

Women with irregular menstrual cycles or infrequent ovulation are more prone to ovarian cysts. Ovulatory disorders can disrupt the natural process of follicle development and release, increasing the likelihood of cyst formation.

3. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can lead to the formation of multiple small cysts on the ovaries. PCOS is characterized by an imbalance in sex hormones, particularly an excess of androgens (male hormones). These cysts are typically small and do not cause the same symptoms as larger cysts. PCOS is often associated with irregular menstrual cycles, weight gain, and fertility issues.

4. Pelvic Infections

Infections of the reproductive organs, such as pelvic inflammatory disease (PID), can sometimes lead to the development of ovarian cysts. Inflammation and scarring from these infections can disrupt the normal ovarian function and increase the risk of cyst formation.

5. Tumors

In rare cases, ovarian tumors, both benign and malignant, can present as cystic structures on the ovaries. Tumors can originate from different cell types within the ovary and may require careful evaluation and management by a healthcare provider.

6. Genetic Predisposition

Some individuals may have a genetic predisposition to developing ovarian cysts. Family history and genetic factors can contribute to an increased risk, although the exact genes involved are not always clear.

7. Iatrogenic Factors

Certain medical treatments and interventions can inadvertently lead to the formation of ovarian cysts. For example, fertility medications that stimulate ovulation may increase the risk of developing cysts, especially multiple functional cysts.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of an Ovarian Cyst?

Ovarian cysts are often asymptomatic and go unnoticed, but they can also cause a range of signs and symptoms, particularly when they grow larger or lead to complications. Recognizing these ovarian cyst symptoms is essential for early diagnosis and appropriate medical intervention. 

1. Pelvic Pain

Pelvic pain is one of the most common symptoms of ovarian cysts. The location and intensity of the pain can vary, but it is typically felt on the side of the affected ovary. The pain may be:

• Dull and aching: Some women describe the pain as a persistent, low-level discomfort that may come and go.
• Sharp and sudden: In cases of cyst rupture or torsion (twisting), the pain can be intense and sudden.

2. Abdominal Bloating

Women with ovarian cysts may experience a feeling of abdominal fullness or bloating. This sensation is often described as the abdomen feeling swollen or distended. Bloating can be persistent or intermittent and is usually more noticeable after meals or at the end of the day.

3. Changes in Menstruation

Ovarian cysts, especially functional cysts, can affect the menstrual cycle. Common menstrual changes associated with ovarian cysts include:

• Irregular periods: Cysts can disrupt the normal hormonal balance, leading to irregular or unpredictable menstrual cycles.
• Heavier or lighter bleeding: Some women may experience changes in the flow of their menstrual periods.
• Spotting: Ovarian cysts can occasionally cause spotting or bleeding between periods.

4. Frequent Urination

Larger ovarian cysts can exert pressure on the bladder, leading to a frequent urge to urinate. This symptom may be more pronounced when the cyst presses against the bladder during physical activity or when lying down.

5. Pain During Intercourse (Dyspareunia)

Ovarian cysts, particularly larger ones, can cause discomfort or pain during sexual intercourse. The pain may be localized to the pelvic region and may vary in intensity.

6. Backache or Thigh Pain

In some cases, ovarian cysts can cause referred pain, which means the pain is felt in areas other than the pelvis. Women with cysts may experience backaches or pain in the thighs or lower back.

7. Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Ovarian cysts can sometimes cause gastrointestinal symptoms that may be mistaken for digestive issues. These symptoms can include:

• Nausea and vomiting: Large cysts or those that rupture may trigger nausea and vomiting.
• Constipation or diarrhea: Cysts pressing on the intestines can lead to changes in bowel habits.

8. Difficulty Emptying the Bladder or Bowels

In rare cases, very large ovarian cysts can compress nearby structures, causing difficulty in emptying the bladder or bowels. This can lead to urinary retention or constipation.

9. Pain Radiating to the Lower Extremities

In cases of large or complex cysts, the pain may radiate down the legs, particularly if the cyst compresses nerves in the pelvic area.

What are the Complications of an Ovarian Cyst?

While many ovarian cysts are benign and resolve on their own, they can sometimes lead to complications that require medical attention. Understanding these potential complications is essential for prompt diagnosis and appropriate management. 

1. Ruptured Ovarian Cyst

One of the most common complications of ovarian cysts is the rupture or bursting of the cyst. This can occur when the cyst wall weakens or becomes too thin to contain the fluid or tissue inside. A ruptured ovarian cyst can lead to several complications:

• Sudden and Severe Pain: Rupture of an ovarian cyst often causes intense, sharp, and sudden pelvic or abdominal pain. The pain can be on the side where the cyst ruptured and may radiate to the lower back or thighs.
• Internal Bleeding: If the cyst contains blood or if blood vessels surrounding the cyst rupture, it can result in internal bleeding. This can lead to symptoms such as lightheadedness, weakness, and a drop in blood pressure. Severe bleeding may require emergency medical intervention.
• Peritonitis: In some cases, the contents of a ruptured cyst can irritate the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), leading to peritonitis, an inflammation of the peritoneum. Peritonitis can cause fever, severe abdominal pain, and abdominal tenderness.

2. Ovarian Torsion (Twisting):

Ovarian torsion is a rare but serious complication that occurs when an ovarian cyst becomes large or heavy enough to cause the ovary to twist on its blood supply. This can lead to compromised blood flow to the ovary, which requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms of ovarian torsion include:

• Severe Pelvic Pain: Ovarian torsion typically causes severe, sudden pelvic pain that may be intermittent but becomes increasingly severe.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some women with ovarian torsion experience nausea and vomiting.
• Abdominal Swelling and Tenderness: The abdomen may become distended, and there may be tenderness when the doctor examines it.

Ovarian torsion is a medical emergency, and prompt surgical intervention is necessary to untwist the ovary and restore blood flow.

3. Infection (Pyogenic Ovarian Abscess):

While uncommon, ovarian cysts can become infected, leading to the formation of a pyogenic ovarian abscess. This is a pocket of pus within or around the cyst. Symptoms of an infected ovarian cyst can include:

• Fever: An elevated body temperature is a common sign of infection.
• Severe Pelvic Pain: The pain associated with an infected cyst is often intense and localized to the pelvis.
• Vaginal Discharge: Some women with an infected ovarian cyst may have abnormal vaginal discharge, which can be purulent (pus-filled) or have an unpleasant odor.
• General Malaise: Infection-related symptoms can also include fatigue, weakness, and a general feeling of illness.

4. Infertility

While not a direct symptom, ovarian cysts, especially those related to conditions like endometriosis or PCOS, can contribute to infertility by affecting ovulation and the normal functioning of the ovaries.

5. Ascites

In rare instances, ovarian cysts can lead to the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, a condition called ascites. This can result in abdominal distention and discomfort.

Ovarian Cyst Treatment 

The ovarian cyst treatment approach for ovarian cysts depends on various factors, including the type of cyst, its size, and the symptoms it causes. Here are some common treatment options:

• Watchful Waiting: If the cyst is small, painless, and appears to be a functional cyst, your doctor may recommend monitoring it with regular ultrasounds.
• Medication: Birth control pills can help prevent new cysts and reduce the risk of existing ones growing larger.
• Surgery: If the cyst is large, doesn’t resolve on its own, or appears suspicious, surgical removal may be necessary.
• Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove cysts while preserving the ovary.
• Hysterectomy: In severe cases or when cancer is suspected, removal of the uterus and ovaries may be recommended.

The Bottom Line

Ovarian cysts are a common occurrence in women, often benign and asymptomatic. However, understanding their potential impact on your health is crucial. While ovarian cysts cannot always be prevented, maintaining regular gynecological check-ups and addressing underlying conditions like endometriosis or PCOS can help minimize the risk.

Every month, your menstrual cycle burdens you with cramps, bloating, and whatnot. While it’s a natural process, sometimes you wish you didn’t have to go through it every month. After a certain age, you no longer menstruate, and the medical term for it is called menopause. Scroll through this article to learn about menopause symptoms, age, and more. 

What Is Menopause?

Menopause is described as the time when a woman passes 12 consecutive months without menstruating. As the female body starts reaching the end of its reproductive years, several hormonal changes contribute to menopause. Every woman faces unique consequences while undergoing menopausal transition. 

Stages of Menopause

The menopausal transition is gradu

al and occurs in three stages:

• Perimenopause

The perimenopause stage usually begins 8 to 10 years before your last period. During this stage, the ovaries gradually start producing less estrogen. Typically beginning in the 40s, the perimenopause stage continues till menopause. 

The amount of estrogen production reduces significantly during the last two years of perimenopause. Several menopause symptoms start showing up at the perimenopause stage. But since you still get your period during this stage, you can still conceive. 

• Menopause

At this stage, a woman stops getting her menstrual periods. By the time a woman reaches the menopausal stage, the ovaries stop producing most of the estrogen. The ovaries also stop releasing eggs at this point. 

• Postmenopause

This stage basically describes the rest of your life after menopause. Usually, menopausal symptoms like hot flashes will get better. But some women continue to experience the symptoms even after a decade or an even longer period after menopausal transition. Due to the low estrogen level, women in the postmenopause phase are at a high risk of health conditions like heart disease and osteoporosis. 

Normal Age for Menopause

The typical menopause age for women all over the globe is around 45 to 55 years. Women can experience the effects of menopausal transition for up to 7 years or even longer. The women’s menopause age is influenced by a wide range of lifestyle factors. 

For instance, women who smoke will get their menopause earlier than those who don’t. Stress is another factor that largely influences the menopause age. Women with extreme stress often experience the signs of menopause at 40.  

In some cases, women also experience late-onset menopause. A few reasons behind delayed menopause include obesity and thyroid disorders. Late pregnancy can also cause delayed menopause. 

Signs or Symptoms of Menopause

Some of the prominent signs of menopause visible in women are as follows:

• Changes in the Menstrual Cycle

Usually, a primary sign of menopause is changes in your menstrual cycle. You might notice irregularity in your periods. The duration and intensity of bleeding during your cycles will either increase or decrease. 

• Hot Flashes

Hot flashes are one of the signs of early menopause and can last for many years. The changing levels of estrogen in the body are highly likely to cause a sudden feeling of heat in the upper part of the body. At times, hot flashes are so intense that they wake you up in the middle of the night. Usually, hot flashes last for 30 seconds to 10 minutes and can occur multiple times in a day. 

• Sleeping Trouble

Sleeping issues are a major concern among women nearing menopause. Facing challenges in falling asleep or waking up too early are also symptoms of menopause. Women also experience night sweats that wake them up, and they find it extremely challenging to fall back asleep. 

• Mood Changes

Feeling moody or irritable frequently can be one of the major early menopause symptoms. Mood fluctuations during menopause can be a result of stress, a history of depression, or a feeling of exhaustion.  

• Loss of Bladder Control

Once a woman starts nearing menopause, she loses bladder control. Moreover, urinary tract infections become highly common around the time of menopause. 

• Vaginal Dryness

A woman nearing menopause is highly likely to experience vaginal dryness. It can make sexual intercourse really uncomfortable and even painful.

Change in feelings about sexual activities: Menopause can make you less or more interested in sexual activities. But the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases remains even after menopause. 

• Multiple Physical Changes

Menopause can cause several physical changes in your body. For instance, it can make you gain fat and lose muscle. On the other hand, menopause might also cause you to lose weight. 

Memory problems and difficulty in focusing on something are also commonly associated with menopause. Additionally, women start experiencing stiffy and achy joints and muscles during menopause. 

Some women also experience symptoms like aches and pains in the whole body. Heart palpitations, dry skin, dry mouth, and dry eyes are also linked to menopause. Additionally, breast tenderness and hair thinning or loss can be some symptoms of menopause. 

Why Does Menopause Happen?

Menopause is usually a natural cause of aging. It is the medical term for a woman going one year without menstruating. After menopause, a woman never gets her period again.

At times, surgery, birth control pills, or radiation can temporarily prevent a woman from menstruating. That’s not what can be described as menopause. 

The reproductive cycle starts functioning continuously once a woman hits puberty. But the reproductive cycle starts slowing down and begins to stop with growing age. 

With menopause knocking at the door, the ovaries reduce their production of the estrogen hormone. Due to this reduction in estrogen levels, your menstrual cycle will undergo a lot of changes. It will stop being regular and eventually come to a halt. 

As your body starts adjusting to the varying levels of hormones, several physical changes show up. All menopause symptoms are a result of the body trying to adjust to the different levels of hormones. 

How Is Menopause Diagnosed?

Women usually understand that they are experiencing menopause due to symptoms like hot flashes. A woman rarely needs to seek medical consultation during menopause. But if you go to a doctor while experiencing menopause symptoms, they will ask you to get some diagnostic tests done. A few tests that will help confirm that you are experiencing menopause are as follows:

• The PicoAMH Elisa test is often used to determine whether a woman is experiencing menopause.
• Over-the-counter urine tests and saliva tests are also useful for determining whether a woman is experiencing menopause. 
• Blood tests to measure levels of estradiol and FSH are also used to diagnose menopause. Consistent blood levels of 30 mIU/mL or higher in a woman who hasn’t menstruated for a year usually confirm menopause. 

Your healthcare professional might also recommend some other tests depending on your menopause symptoms and overall health history. These additional tests help determine whether the symptoms are due to some other underlying health conditions. The prescribed tests usually include the following:

• Liver function tests
• Thyroid function tests
• Blood lipid profile
• Kidney function tests
• Some hormone tests

Don’t stay away from seeking medical attention if your menopause symptoms are preventing you from performing your day-to-day activities. 

Can Menopause Be Treated?

Menopause is a natural biological process affecting every woman at a certain age. Therefore, you don’t need treatment for menopause. But you might need to seek treatment to handle certain menopause signs and symptoms. 

Usually, the treatments required are as follows:

• Hormonal treatments for tackling hot flashes and other symptoms
• Any menopause medication or supplement to prevent osteoporosis
• Lubricants for vaginal dryness

At times, women start experiencing symptoms like hot flashes, sleeping trouble, and bone loss during perimenopause. Healthcare professionals often recommend perimenopause supplements to tackle these issues. 

Does Menopause Cause Weight Gain?

Increasing weight can be one of the side effects of menopause. The weight gain after menopause is primarily evident around the abdomen area. The declining estrogen levels and loss of muscle tissue due to increasing age can be largely attributed to weight gain after menopause. Food habits and an inactive lifestyle can also lead to weight gain after menopause. 

Premature Menopause

Premature menopause marks the end of menstrual cycles before age 40. Usually, women start experiencing premature menopause symptoms because of the following reasons:

• Radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat cancer
• Hysterectomy (surgical removal of the uterus)
• Surgical removal of the ovaries
• Chromosomal abnormalities like Turner’s syndrome or Fragile X
• Chronic fatigue syndrome or myalgic encephalomyelitis
• AIDS or HIV
• Autoimmune diseases like thyroid, Crohn’s disease, or rheumatoid arthritis
• Family history of early menopause
• Smoking cigarettes
• Getting the first period before the age of 11
• Mumps and similar infections

In a majority of cases, no particular cause exists behind premature menopause. 

What Are 4 Foods to Manage Menopause?

A proper diet is necessary to manage menopause symptoms. The top four food items that a menopausal woman must have in her diet are as follows:

• Yoghurt

Yoghurt is a probiotic with active cultures to improve your gut health. It helps with the better absorption of calcium and magnesium in the colon. The rich source of protein also contains calcium to support bone health. Since most menopausal women experience osteoporosis, foods to improve bone health are necessary. Moreover, incorporating the right amount of yoghurt and other dairy-based products in the diet can help menopausal women with sleeping issues. 

• Nuts

Nuts like pistachios, almonds, and walnuts are packed with healthy fats and plant-based proteins. Moreover, nuts can offer the right amount of fiber and antioxidants to postmenopausal women. These healthy snacks can satiate hunger pangs and help with weight management. While every nut offers a different benefit, walnuts are highly beneficial for women during this time. Women who consume walnuts regularly after menopause have a minimized risk of heart disease and depression. 

• Quinoa

All whole grains are ideal for women undergoing menopause. But quinoa is more beneficial because it contains protein, fiber, magnesium, and vitamin B. Moreover, the gluten-free grain comes with higher nutritional values than most other grains. The fiber and protein in quinoa can also give you a feeling of fullness for a prolonged period. 

• Lean Protein

If you want to prevent weight gain after menopause, incorporate more lean proteins into your diet. Fish, chicken, legumes, and beans are all fantastic sources of lean protein. With a high lean protein consumption, you will remain for a long time. It will help control your urge to overeat and reduce the risk of weight gain. 

Final Words

Menopause is natural in women as they begin to age. As the female body starts coping with hormonal changes during menopause, several symptoms start showing up. Combining a balanced diet with physical activities can help manage most of the symptoms of menopause. But if menopausal symptoms are affecting your quality of life, don’t refrain from seeking medical attention.