5 Reasons That Lead To Ovarian Cyst

The ovaries are a pair of small-sized organs that are shaped like almonds and play a central role in the female reproductive system. Also referred to as the female gonads, these glands are responsible for releasing the ova, or egg, during the menstrual cycle as well as the production of the female sex hormones, namely, progesterone and estrogen.

With the onset of the menstrual period, a few eggs begin to grow. As the eggs grow, fluid accumulates in the egg and it begins to make estrogen.

It is normal for women to develop a small blister-like growth filled with fluid or semisolid tissue either inside the ovary or on its surface. This fluid filled space is called a cyst. The term “cyst” is descriptive, it is not a diagnosis. There are many causes for cysts on the ovary.

# Hormonal issues

Ovarian cysts can often be traced back to some kind of hormonal dysfunction or imbalance in the female body.

Women who face fertility problems and take hormone-based medicines to stimulate ovulation are particularly prone to this type of cyst formation.

# Pregnancy

It is normal for a woman to develop an ovarian cyst soon after conceiving, which serves the purpose of supporting the embryo until the placenta forms.

It is also common for childbearing women to retain the ovarian cyst formed during their last phase of ovulation throughout the course of their pregnancy.

# Endometriosis

It refers to a condition characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial cells that form the uterine lining in places outside the womb.

The ovaries are often affected by this kind of endometrial tissue growth, which results in the formation of cyst-like mass that is prone to bleeding.

This brown-colored cyst is known as endometrioma, or chocolate cyst in more general terms. Women with endometriosis are, therefore, at an increased risk of developing ovarian cysts.

# Pelvic infections

Pelvic infection can spread to the ovaries, resulting in the formation of cysts called ovarian abscesses, which are purulent, or pus-filled, cysts.

# Polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS is a common hormonal disorder afflicting up to 20% of women all over the world. This condition is characterized by the development of multiple tiny cysts in and on the ovaries. It is a common cause of female infertility.