Causes of Ovarian Cysts

By Jay Tyler


The causes of ovarian cysts are many. Each month during the menstrual cycle the ovaries normally develop follicles, which are cysts like in structure. Estrogen and progesterone hormones are produced by these follicles, which are necessary for pregnancy. If the follicles stay and continue to grow over a length of time an ovarian cyst can develop.

Follicular cysts are the most common type of cysts. They are usually harmless, rarely cause any symptoms and usually disappear on their own. Normal causes of ovarian cysts affecting the follicles take place when the pituitary gland releases hormones to trigger the release of an egg which in fact does not occur. Instead, the follicle continues to grow and develops into a cyst.

When you body is having luteinizing hormone surges during your monthly cycle, this is when an egg is released. The follicle that developed ruptures and an egg is released, producing estrogen and progesterone preparing your body for the possible conception. At this stage the follicle is known as a Corpus Luteum. If the Corpus luteum seals off and starts collecting fluid inside a cyst is formed.

Most times a Corpus luteum cyst will usually disappear on it's own without any treatment within a few weeks. Although in just a few weeks time, it can grow quite quickly and increase in size to up to 4 inches in diameter. When the cysts becomes this large, hemorrhaging and twisting of the ovary can potentially occur. Resulting in sever pelvic pain and abdominal pain. If the corpus luetum cysts hemorrhages it can rupture, causing very severe pain and internal bleeding.

Clomiphene citrate, a commonly prescribed fertility drug to induce ovulation, might be a cause of ovarian cysts. Usage of this drug may result in an increased risk that a corpus luteum cyst might develop. Corpus luteum cysts by themselves do not pose a risk to pregnancy.

Ovarian cysts containing blood, known as hemorrhagic or endometrioid cysts form in the same way. The presence of blood might have been the result of an injury or from leakage of surrounding blood vessels through to the egg sac. When causes of ovarian cysts from bleeding and shedding of endometrial tissue occurs in the ovaries, painful cysts may form. If left to continue, the pooling blood may rupture causing pelvic pain.

While you can't prevent the actual causes of ovarian cysts from occurring, certain steps can be taken to improve your overall health. Increasing exercise, controlling stress, improving your diet, and regular checkups with your gynecologist can all help reduce the chances of developing ovarian cysts.

About the Author:
You can minimize the development of ovarian cysts by knowing what are the causes of ovarian cysts. Read more about the causes of ovarian cysts along with many other ovarian cyst articles at http://ovariancystfacts.com/

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