Causes of Ovarian Cysts

There are many different causes of ovarian cysts. Under the normal menstrual cycle, ovaries grow cyst-like structures called follicles each month. These follicles produce hormones necessary for pregnancy such as estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cysts can form when a normal follicle continues to grow for an abnormal period of time.

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.

Some normal causes of ovarian cyst can be attributed to when the luteinizing hormone surges and an egg is released. Upon the release of the egg, the ruptured follicle produces estrogen and progesterone in order to prepare for possible conception. At this point, the follicle is now called the corpus luteum. What happens next is that the egg seals off and fluid accumulates inside the follicle causing the corpus luteum to expand and become a cyst.

Treatment is normally not needed for a corpus luteum cyst as it typically disappears. Before it does disappear it can grow to almost 4 inches in diameter. Hemorrhaging and twisting of the ovary can also potentially occur. Severe pelvic and abdominal pain can result. Corpus luteum cysts may rupture if filled with blood, this can cause sharp pain and internal bleeding.

The drug clomiphene citrate is a fertility drug that works to induce ovulation, and might in itself, be among the causes of ovarian cysts. Clomiphene citrate is in fact known to increase the risk of developing a corpus luteum cyst (which does not prevent or threaten pregnancy), and therefore probably causes other cysts as well.

A cyst that contains blood is classified as a hemorrhagic or endometrioid cyst. These cysts develop like other cysts, only that they contain blood. The presence of blood could be due to and injury or from the surrounding blood vessels leaking through into the egg sac. Endometrioid cysts are caused by the bleeding and shedding of endometrioid tissue embedding itself into the ovaries. The build up of blood will eventually rupture, causing severe pelvic pain.

The actual causes of ovarian cysts occurring can't be prevented, but there are certain steps you can take to decrease the possibility of them developing. The most important steps you can do, but not limited to, is to improve your overall health. Easting healthier, getting more exercise, controlling stress and remembering to take time out for yourself to relax. Plus regular checkups with your doctor call all help to reduce the chances of developing ovarian cysts.