So What Causes Cysts on Ovaries?

Ovarian cysts are common. A large percentage of women who are in their childbearing years get “afflicted” with this condition. So if they are so common, what causes cysts on ovaries?

There is no definite answer to this question as until today, the causes of ovarian cysts are not yet that established. There are theories, though.

The Normal Menstrual Cycle

A type of cyst called functional cysts develops as a result of disordered ovulation. You can say then that sometimes – most of the time actually – the normal menstrual cycle causes cysts on ovaries. How does this happen exactly?

Every month, the ovaries form cyst-like membranes called follicles. This is where the egg develops. When the egg matures, it is released to the uterus and the remaining sac disintegrates. However, if the follicle does not disintegrate, it causes cysts on ovaries.

On another note, there are also instances when as the egg is released, the follicle closes up once again. Substances then grow inside that follicle and the corpus luteum is not formed. Once again, this phenomenon causes cysts on ovaries.

Hormonal Imbalance

Many doctors believe that hormonal imbalance causes cysts on ovaries. During ovulation, and when the egg is released to the uterus, your brain, through the luteinizing hormone (LH) tells your reproductive system to prepare itself for conception. In this seemingly straightforward process, two things can go wrong.

First, there is insufficient production of LH and the follicle does not release the egg. This causes cysts on ovaries – the follicular cysts. Conversely, when the brain fails to signal the cessation of the production of estrogen, the ovaries may continue to produce substances which may grow into corpus lueteum cysts.

This means then that if hormones are not produced at the right time and with the correct quantities, such a condition causes cysts on ovaries. With this phenomenon come other manifestations such as excessive bleeding or no bleeding during your menstrual period.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis also causes cysts on ovaries – these are called endometrial or chocolate cysts. Endometriosis is a condition wherein endometrial tissues – those that are supposed to grow inside the uterus – develop elsewhere. Usually, these tissues grow outside the uterus or inside or outside the ovaries. In a matter of time, these tissues develop into cysts.

This type of cysts is dangerous as they have the tendency to rupture. The nature of the endometrium is that it bleeds during menstruation. Even if it’s not in the uterus – even if it’s inside a cyst – it still bleeds. Thus, this type of ovarian cyst is called chocolate cyst as it is composed of brown blood.

As blood accumulates, the cyst gets bigger. It is only a matter of time before it ruptures. In such a case, immediate medical attention is needed as the blood from the cyst may cause an infection.

Whatever it is that causes cysts on ovaries may not be relevant anymore once you are diagnosed of having one. Understanding what causes cysts on ovaries is important but it is backward-thinking. Your next course of action would be in knowing what to do with the condition. Who knows, your doctor may just say that you don’t need to do anything as what you have is the type of cyst that goes away with time. Otherwise, there are always medications and treatment procedures available for you.