Irregular periods? This could be a warning sign for an ovarian cyst- know the 5 symptoms
Painful or irregular periods may signal something beyond PCOS or PCOD. Experts reveal some signs and symptoms of ovarian cysts.
A fluid-filled sac in the ovary is called an ovarian cyst. They are highly prevalent and usually asymptomatic. Most ovarian cysts disappear spontaneously within a few months and do not require medical intervention. It usually appears in the reproductive age group between the ages of 15 and 44, usually detected during a routine ultrasound.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts can be benign or malignant. Milder types include follicular cysts, which are caused by fluid filling in a non-pulmonary follicle; Hemorrhagic cysts, which result in bleeding into the cyst and are often associated with follicular or corpus luteal cysts; and corpus luteal cysts, which develop after ovulation when the follicle sac retains fluid. Endometriotic cysts, also known as chocolate cysts, arise from endometriosis outside the uterus. Dermoid cysts contain hair, skin or teeth due to their embryonic origin. Malignant cysts are ovarian tumors that require medical evaluation. Each type has specific causes and effects, requiring specific diagnosis and management. Some of the warning signs of ovarian cyst are mentioned below. India.com Dr. Contacted Ramya KS, Consultant – Obstetrics, Gynecology and Laparoscopic Surgeon, Rainbow Hospital, Bannerghatta, who explained about early warning symptoms of ovarian cysts.
5 Warning Signs of Ovarian Cyst
- Abdominal pain and discomfort: Abdominal pain or discomfort may be caused by growth or rupture or torsion of these cysts. Depending on the size of the cyst and how it affects the surrounding tissue, the pain can range in intensity and be either subtle or severe.
- Nausea or vomiting: It is usually seen when torsion occurs in an ovarian cyst, usually seen in a dermoid cyst. This is usually an emergency and requires immediate treatment in the form of surgery
- Changes in bowel or urinary habits: Sometimes changes in bowel or urinary habits can be used as early warning signs of ovarian cysts. Changes in stool consistency or increased frequency of bowel movements are symptoms that women with ovarian cysts may experience. Ovarian cysts may also be accompanied by urinary symptoms such as increased urgency, discomfort while urinating, or changes in urination patterns. These changes should be followed by consultation with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis. Timely care after early detection can help reduce symptoms and prevent possible consequences associated with ovarian cysts.
- Painful Menstruation: An important warning indicator of an ovarian cyst is severe pain during menstruation. This pain, which often presents as severe cramping or sharp discomfort, can radiate to the thighs or lower back and can occur before, during or after menstruation. Pain from an ovarian cyst can be more intense than regular menstrual cramps for women, and over-the-counter pain relievers may not help. Chronic menstrual pain should always be discussed with a healthcare professional, as ovarian cysts can often be a symptom of endometriotic cysts or other underlying gynecological conditions that need to be evaluated and treated appropriately. In addition to ensuring the best possible reproductive health, early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce discomfort.
- Irregular Menstruation: Irregular periods are a warning sign of ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts are a hormonal imbalance that disrupts the menstrual cycle. Sometimes periods are unusually heavy or cycles are irregular. If a woman notices a sudden change in her menstrual cycle, it is recommended that she take the necessary steps and undergo further investigation.
Ovarian cysts vary in severity based on type and symptoms. Simple cysts often resolve on their own, while endometriotic and dermoid cysts require close monitoring. Immediate medical attention is required if an abscess grows rapidly, causes severe pain, or develops symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or elevated tumor markers, which may indicate serious complications such as rupture or infection.
Surgery is recommended for cysts larger than 5 cm, causing symptoms or elevated tumor markers, complex cysts, infertility-related cases, persistent problems unresponsive to treatment, or suspected malignancy. Laparoscopic surgery is preferred for minimal scarring and rapid recovery, although open surgery may be necessary in some cases. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important for effective management and prevention of complications.