An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sack that is in or on an ovary.  A cyst can occur when ovarian tissue starts to develop abnormally. These ovarian cysts can range from being harmless and benign to cancerous. They can be painless or painful. They could be one of several different types. Women want to know the types of ovarian cysts and what the next step they can take to get help.

Personal Story

Ovarian cysts a condition that I have not experienced myself. I am not an expert in this subject. Let’s learn together!

Endometrial Cell Grading of Cysts

The three levels are simple, complex and atypical.

• Simple: Cystic hyperplasia is an expression used to describe the simplest form of endometrial hyperplasia. It is a mild form of endometriosis. This is when sacks filled with fluid are in or on an ovary.
• Complex: Complex cysts are made up of fluid and solid matter or blood-filled sacs on or in an ovary that are not part of a normal menstrual cycle.
• Atypical: These cells are abnormal, but are not inevitably cancerous.

Causes of Ovarian Cysts

The causes of ovarian cysts include:

• hypothyroidism
• irregular menstrual cycles
• hormonal imbalance
• cigarette smoking
• increased upper body fat
• infertility treatment with gonadotropins,
• use of Clomid or Serophene, which specifically increases the risk of corpus luteum cysts

Therapy Options

Blood-filled cysts associated with endometriosis tend to grow with each period and are prone to rupture, even when quite small. These are usually left alone.

Growing or large ovarian cysts are removed because they can destroy normal ovarian tissue, sometimes so severely that the entire ovary atrophies and becomes incapable of ovulation or hormone production.

Note: Trying to shrink an ovarian cyst without knowledge of the type of cyst is “asking for trouble.” A qualified medical professional should be consulted.

It is important to consider three things before deciding treatment for ovarian cysts.

• Severity of endometrial changes
• Age of the woman
• Whether she wants to become pregnant or not

A health professional must be consulted to identify underlying causes, such as:

• Adrenal tumors
• Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
• Ovarian tumors
• Thyroid disease

Risk factors for ovarian cysts include:

• Diabetes
• Early menarche
• Late menopause
• Obesity
• Never being pregnant

There are reasons for NOT choosing natural remedies:

• Over 40 years old
• Obesity
• Having a more severe type of endometrial hyperplasia

There are many times when the best solution is to follow the doctor’s advice and not choose to try a natural method.

How do ovarian cysts differ from PCOS?

A simple ovarian cyst differs from PCOS in that it represents a deviation of the way an ovary functions and not an abnormal cell growth due to hormones.

• In PCOS, the follicles where eggs usually mature do not open as they should and form cysts.
• The cysts in PCOS are benign.
• PCOS is usually associated with irregularities in ovulation and hormonal abnormalities. I
• It is also associated with insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.

Action

We barely started our quest for knowledge about ovarian cysts, so let’s keep learning and seek professional help, if needed.

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. What is your experience with ovarian cysts? Please take a moment to share.

Resources:

Women, Hormones and the Menstrual Cycle, by Ruth Trickey

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/expert-answers/atypical-cells/faq-20058493