Causes of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs which are common with a woman in her reproductive years. This ovarian cyst generally resolves by itself and is harmless.
There are many different symptoms of ovarian cysts and many reasons that cause ovarian cysts.
The regular function of the ovaries is to produce an egg each month and they normally grow in a form of cyst-like structure called a follicle. During ovulation these follicles ruptures, releasing an egg and producing the hormones called estrogen and progesterone. Sometimes this follicle keeps on growing without rupturing. This causes the most common type of ovarian cyst called functional ovarian cysts. There are two types of functional ovarian cysts.
- Follicular cyst: At the middle of the menstrual cycle a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) is released by the brain's pituitary gland. This signals the follicles to release the eggs. Sometimes the brain's pituitary gland doesn't release LH and because of this follicle also doesn't release the egg. This results in growth of the follicle, which turns into a cyst called follicular cyst. These cysts don't cause pain and are harmless.
- Corpus luteum cyst: Sometimes brain's pituitary gland doesn't release a surge of LH but then to the egg is released. In such cases, the ruptured follicle produces large quantities of estrogen and progesterone. This follicle is now called the corpus luteum. Sometimes, the escape opening of the egg seals off resulting in the accumulation of fluid inside the follicle. This further results in expansion of corpus luteum into a cyst. If the pregnancy doesn't occur, this cyst usually disappears on its own in a few weeks. But it can grow about 4 inches in diameter and has the probability of bleeding into itself or twisting the ovary, which causes abdominal or pelvic pain. When the cyst fills with blood it results in rupturing of cyst, which causes internal bleeding. A sudden sharp pain is also experienced.
Dermoid cyst
Dermoid cyst is another type of ovarian cyst that develops from cells that produce eggs in the ovaries. Dermoid cyst generally appears in younger woman and can contain tissues like hair, skin or teeth.
Some other factors that causes ovarian cysts are:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Early menstrual periods that is before 11 years or younger than that
- Infertility
- Hormonal imbalance
- Previous history of ovarian cysts
- Increased upper body fat distribution
Some ovarian cysts are caused by endometriosis, a tissue from the uterus that grows in the ovaries. It is supposed that Xenoestrogens are also responsible for causing ovarian cysts.

