{"id":1830,"date":"2018-05-08T07:14:29","date_gmt":"2018-05-08T07:14:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=1830"},"modified":"2021-03-16T21:35:18","modified_gmt":"2021-03-16T21:35:18","slug":"9-lesser-known-ovarian-cyst-causes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/9-lesser-known-ovarian-cyst-causes\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Lesser-Known Ovarian Cyst Causes"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Cysts are small bags of tissue that contain liquid inside of them. They can appear in many different places of our bodies, and most of them are harmless. They are caused by a variety of natural processes in our bodies and, in most cases, they disappear by themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Our body absorbs the liquid inside them and they go away on their own. On rare occasions, a cyst can become infected, mutate into a tumor or harm our bodies in any other way, but it is not very usual. Ovaries are among the many places where you can develop cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most women develop ovarian cysts during their lifetime, and they often go unnoticed because they don’t cause any pain or symptoms, and often go away on their own. In rare cases, ovarian cysts can cause complications and require surgery or any other form of treatment, but they can be easily diagnosed with basic medical tests. Here is a list of lesser-known causes of ovarian cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Hormonal imbalance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many ovarian cysts develop as a consequence of an interruption or abnormality in the ovulation cycle. Ovaries release eggs in a process that takes about two weeks. The egg is stored inside the ovary <\/a>from before birth and then matures during the month when it is going to be released into the oviducts. A follicle forms around it and the action of female hormones such as LH and FSH modulate and control the whole process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A hormonal imbalance could disturb this natural process, and the egg inside the follicle could be retained instead of released. As a result, the follicle remains inside the ovary and could fill up with fluids and become a cyst. Lack of ovulation in itself is not harmful to the body, and most follicular cysts \u2013 such is the name of this type of cyst \u2013 are painless and disappear after a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Excess of androgens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Androgens <\/a>are a group of sex hormones, quite mistakenly known as \u201cmale hormones\u201d. Even if they are more abundant in men than in women, both men and women have androgens in their bodies. The most widely known androgen is testosterone, which women have in small concentrations. As long as all sexual hormones stay at their normal level, they don’t cause any problems in the body. However, an abnormally high level of androgens in a woman’s body could disrupt her menstrual cycle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many causes of high androgen levels, not all of them fully understood. For example, an affection of the adrenal glands, which are located on top of our kidneys, can increase the levels of male hormones in our bodies. When the menstrual cycle is disrupted, there could be problems in the release of eggs or the maturation of follicles, which potentially may lead to the development of ovarian cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Polycystic ovarian syndrome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a condition that affects roughly ten million women around the world. Although the exact causes of the polycystic ovarian syndrome are yet to be fully understood, researchers have a general idea of factors that could cause it or at least trigger its development. The syndrome itself seems to consist of a general imbalance of hormones such as estrogens, androgens, and insulin<\/a>, which cause many different symptoms, including the appearance of a very characteristic pattern of ovarian cysts in one or both ovaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This pattern is known as \u201cpearl necklace\u201d among the medical community because cysts develop on the surface of the ovary in rows and as such, they can be seen on an eco sound study. Regarding the possible causes of the polycystic ovarian syndrome, there is apparently a genetic component, which is indicated by the fact that it seems to run in families. Also, hormonal dynamics seem to be involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Insulin resistance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Insulin is another hormone that is very important for our body to function properly. It regulates how much sugar our cells absorb from our bloodstream and transform into energy. Sugar <\/a>is our main source of quickly available energy, but our actual usage increases or decreases depending on our need for energy. For example, our cells need to absorb and burn more sugar when we are exercising than when we are resting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insulin is the hormone that controls the rate at which our cells absorb sugar. However, in some cases, the receptors for insulin found in our cells could be resistant, which means that they don’t react to insulin as much as they should, and as a result, our blood sugar levels rise. One of the many consequences of high blood sugar levels is the increase in the production of androgens in the ovaries, which may disrupt the follicular cycle and cause cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Obesity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Obesity <\/a>is a complex condition that has many possible causes and risk factors that can interact with each other and potentiate their effects. In many cases, obesity is mostly a result of bad life habits, but there are other factors involved as well, such as genetics, hormonal imbalance and psychological or psychiatric conditions that should be taken care of. Obesity has many consequences in our bodies, and one of them is the dysregulation of blood sugar levels and the action of insulin on the cells of our bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, it is known for a fact that obesity is linked to insulin resistance, as well as type II diabetes, also known as noninsulin-dependent diabetes. In other words, obesity can trigger insulin resistance in our bodies. When we develop insulin resistance, our blood sugar level rises, and this could cause a chain of hormonal reactions that increase our chances of ovarian cysts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Inflammation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inflammation <\/a>is a nonspecific response to damage or other problems found in our tissues. All parts of our body that are irrigated by blood vessels can become inflamed. This is mostly an immune reaction, where the body gets ready to fight whatever factor is threatening our health, and fix the physical damage caused to our organs and other tissues. When we have inflammation, there is an increased flow of blood to the area, meant to transport many healing components as well as cells from the immune system, ready to fight infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Studies show that people with many ovarian cysts, such as those with polycystic ovarian syndrome, tend to have higher than normal inflammation in their bodies, though this inflammation is often mild and non-threatening. Moreover, inflammation can raise our levels of androgens, which are hormones linked to the development of ovarian cysts, as stated before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Endometriosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This is a gynecological condition that is said to affect up to 1 in 10 women. It can be mild, moderate or severe, and appear in one or more spots in the body. When women menstruate, they let out of their bodies tissue called endometrium<\/a>, which is the inner layer of the uterus. The purpose of the endometrium is to receive and nourish the embryo a few days after conception. However, it lasts only for a couple of weeks, and then it has to be renewed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The old endometrium flows out of our body, and that is the bleeding characteristic of menstruation. Normally, the endometrium will only grow inside the uterus, but in some cases, it can be found in different parts of a woman’s body, such as the ovaries. This is called endometriosis and can cause complications, including the development of cysts in the ovaries. These cysts will be filled with blood and bleed every month in response to female hormones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Tumors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A tumor <\/a>is an abnormal growth of cells in any part of our bodies. Although the word tumor is linked to something very bad and even deadly among the general population, not all tumors are life-threatening or even cause any symptoms. In essence, a tumor happens when one or more cells start reproducing at a high rate, creating abnormal structures in the tissue where they used to belong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are many causes of tumors as well as many risk factors, including radiation, toxicants, and genetic problems. Tumors can also happen in the ovaries. Perhaps the most common type of ovarian tumors are the ones of ovarian cancer, but as stated before, not all tumors are deadly or even malignant. Some of them just stop growing by themselves and encapsulate in a sac of biological tissue. When an ovarian tumor becomes benign and gets filled with fluids, it can become a cyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Infections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The last entry in this list is infections<\/a>, which basically occur when a germ enters our body and causes harm. There are countless types of infections because there are many agents that can cause them, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi among others. When a germ enters our system, it triggers mechanisms that detect them and induce a response from our immune system. For example, say that you have an infection on your ovary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It could come from an STD, a poorly treated wound or any other source. Your white cells will swarm around the microorganisms and kill them. Other cells will then come around and clean out the dead microorganisms as well as the white cells that are no longer needed. If they don’t, they accumulate and form a substance called pus. Ovaries can generate sacs where pus is stored until it is later absorbed by the body, and you guessed it, this is yet another type of cyst.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. PID<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Pelvic inflammatory disease describes a condition where the organs and tissues undergo extreme inflammation due to contracting a sexually transmitted infection. STI\u2019s like chlamydia and gonorrhea are the primary cause of PID, and the disease affects sexually active women of all ages that contract these STI\u2019s. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The bacteria causing the infection spreads through the pelvic area, first infecting the vagina, then migrating through the urethra to the bladder, where it can cause symptoms of urinary tract infection. The bacteria also travel through the uterus and up the fallopian tubes, infecting the ovaries. PID is a severe threat to your reproductive and physical health, and affected women should seek immediate treatment for their symptoms.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Doctors treat pelvic inflammatory disease with antibiotics <\/a>to kill the offending bacteria responsible for the infection. Most women receive a reduction in PID symptoms within 48-hours after starting treatment. However, it may take longer for the signs of pelvic inflammation to disappear entirely.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Ectopic Pregnancy<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Some women who fall pregnant may experience the fertilized egg attaching to the wall of the fallopian tube, instead of finding its way to the uterus. This \u201cectopic pregnancy\u201d produces symptoms of extreme pain and requires immediate treatment from your doctor to remove the egg. On rare occasions, this same process may occur with cysts, creating the same symptoms of pain and inflammation in the affected individual. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If left untreated, the condition can progress into PID, causes rapid deterioration of tissues and linings in the pelvis, affecting the health of all 0of the organs in the pelvic region. Ectopic pregnancy can fool pregnancy tests because the same hormones identified by home pregnancy tests, appear in ectopic pregnancy as well. As a result, women may think they are dealing with pregnancy complications, such as morning sickness, and fail to receive prompt treatment for the condition.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, as the pain <\/a>symptoms progress, they are likely to visit their doctor to find out what\u2019s wrong, and the physician will diagnose ectopic pregnancy as the cause of the issue.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Previous Cysts<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women with a previous history of ovarian cysts<\/a> are at high risk of developing cysts in the future. Ovarian cysts can occur as single units, or in clusters. In some cases, women may experience the growth of multiple benign cysts that take over the ovaries, leading to sterility. Doctors typically check your ovaries for cysts using ultrasound equipment that lets them see inside your ovaries to detect for the presence of cysts.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your doctor discovers the presence of cysts in your ovaries, they will treat the condition with \u201cwatchful waiting,\u201d where they monitor your situation and wait for the cyst to pass on its own. In severe cases, the doctor may need to send you to surgery for removal of the cysts. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

To prevent cysts from occurring in the future, doctors may prescribe hormone medication, such as birth control pills, to avoid their future development. If the patient experiences symptoms of pain and inflammation, the physician will typically prescribe painkillers and anti-inflammatories to deal with the pain and swelling.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Ovarian Torsion<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Ovarian cysts can cause numerous complications with the health of your reproductive system. One of the more severe complications is ovarian torsion. When large cysts develop in the ovary, it may cause abnormal movement of the ovary, resulting in a twisting motion to the fallopian tube, that cuts of blood supply to the ovary. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Symptoms of ovarian torsion<\/a> include sudden, sharp pain in your pelvis, along with bouts of nausea and vomiting. Ovarian torsion is a condition you need to take seriously and requires immediate medical attention from your doctor. If left undiagnosed and untreated, the torsion cuts the blood supply to the ovary \u2013 resulting in the ovary failing, and the occurrence of cell death that leaves the ovary sterile, and unable to produce new eggs. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice the signs of ovarian torsion in yourself or your loved ones, it\u2019s vital that you take them to the emergency room for immediate diagnosis \u2013 every minute counts.<\/span><\/wp-block><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Rupture<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cysts are at risk of rupture, and the larger the cyst, the higher the chances of a rupture occurring in the affected individual. When the cyst bursts, it causes internal bleeding <\/a>and severe pain in the pelvic area. Rupturing can occur for numerous reasons, but the most common causes of rupture include receiving a blow to the pelvis, or aggressive vaginal intercourse.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain symptoms come on quickly, with women experiencing a sharp pain in the pelvic region. Most women who suffer a rupture may pass the cyst. However, if the cyst fills with pus and bursts, it could cause severe complications, including the development of septicemia. If left untreated, septicemia can progress to sepsis, a life-threatening condition, where the toxins enter the bloodstream, causing toxic shock.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you or your partner experience any pelvic pain, it could be a sign of ovarian torsion, PID, or a ruptured cyst. You must take all of these severe adverse conditions seriously, or risk permanent damage to your reproductive system, which could end up with you going sterile.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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