Ovarian Cyst Causes - Risk Factors & When to Seek Medical Help

Ovarian Cyst Causes: The Most Common Reasons

Ovarian cysts are a common condition among women, mostly harmless, but, rarely, these cysts can grow bigger to cause trouble in nearby organs or hinder the fertility of a woman. The causes of cyst formation can determine whether it is going to be a long-term problem or just a short-term issue. So let’s understand these common causes of the formation of these cysts:

1. Functional Cysts:

These are the most common causes of cyst formation. It can be divided into two types:

• Follicular cysts : They develop when the follicle, which releases the egg, does not open, eventually causing fluid to build up in it.
• Corpus luteum cysts : It is formed when the follicle releases the egg, but closes again and fills with fluid like blood.

2. Hormonal Imbalance:

Abnormal production of estrogen and progesterone interferes with the normal cycle of ovulation, leading to the formation of these cysts. This condition is known as a hormonal imbalance, which can be caused by lifestyle changes, food habits, or underlying health conditions.

3. Pregnancy-Related Cysts:

During the early stages of pregnancy, the corpus luteum forms a cyst to support the nutrition of the growing fetus and also releases progesterone until the placenta is formed.

4. Endometriosis:

These are the painful cysts formed when the inner lining of the uterus starts to grow outwards into the ovaries. These are known as endometriomas, filled with old brown blood, earning them their nickname of ‘chocolate cysts’. These cysts are completely different from the functional ones and do not go away on their own.

5. Pelvic Infections:

Sometimes, untreated pelvic infections can form cyst-like sacs filled with pus that can spread to the ovaries.

Age-Related Causes of Ovarian Cysts

Age is a contributing factor when discussing the causes of ovarian cysts. The age of a woman can determine whether a cyst is a part of the normal menstrual cycle or requires serious medical attention. For example:

1. In Adolescents & Young Women:

• Functional cysts are very common during the start of the ovulatory cycle, as the body adjusts to this new normal.
• In the early menstrual cycles, the hormonal variability in teenagers contributes to irregular ovulation, resulting in cysts, mostly temporary.
• During adolescence, an immature hypothalamic pituitary-ovarian axis, which controls the menstrual cycle, can also cause Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
• Lifestyle patterns and stress during this age can also cause hormonal imbalances, eventually contributing to the formation of cysts.
• Note that most cysts formed at this age are temporary and do not require any medical intervention.

2. In Reproductive-Age Adults:

• In adults, cysts due to endometriosis are quite common. Such cysts are very painful and require medical intervention, too.
• Adult women undergoing fertility treatments like IVF can also experience these cysts due to powerful ovarian stimulation medications.
• Women with irregular menstrual cycles experience recurrent functional cysts at this age, as well.

3. During Perimenopause:

• For women approaching their menopause, hormonal shifts and irregular periods are quite common, which eventually trigger the formation of cysts in the ovaries.
• Unlike hormonal imbalance cysts in young women, these cysts require close monitoring as they have a higher chance of becoming non-benign ones.

Risk Factors for Ovarian Cysts

From the start of your first period, the menarche, to the end of it, the perimenopause, ovarian cysts can occur at any age. But there are some risk factors that can increase the chances of cyst formation even more. Some of them are:

• Early Menarche & Irregular Cycles : Girls who start menstruating earlier than the age of menstruation are more likely to experience the formation of cysts. Or the girls with irregular periods can also have cysts due to inconsistent ovulation.
• Obesity & Insulin Resistance : Occasionally, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) might also cause obesity or excessive weight and insulin resistance, which can significantly affect the hormonal balance, ultimately inducing cyst formation.
• Fertility Treatments : Fertility treatments like IVF require medications for the stimulation of the ovaries. These medications are used to produce multiple follicles at once. These could increase the chances of follicles developing into cysts if not done under specialised care.
• Family History : Genetic transfer of gynaecological diseases like PCOD or endometriosis is quite common. Hence, women with such a family history have a higher chance of developing ovarian cysts.

Note that although these risk factors are inevitable, awareness and careful monitoring of them can help in timely intervention.

When Should You Worry About an Ovarian Cyst?

Again, most cysts are usually harmless and do not require medical intervention, but seek immediate medical help if you experience any of these:

Conclusion

Finally, it can be said that ovarian cysts can develop for any reason, ranging from normal ovulation to more specific medical issues. For young women, functional cysts are common and disappear without causing any harm, but if it is still causing trouble, medical intervention is necessary.

And for adult and older women, understand the cause and symptoms of your ovarian cysts to avoid the possibilities of much worse conditions. Lastly, the point is to recognise the cause of it to understand when to take it seriously and when to just relax and let your body do its job.