Causes of Ovarian Cysts

by Jay Tyler

The causes of ovarian cysts are many. Each month during the menstrual cycle the ovaries normally develop follicles, which are cysts like in structure. Estrogen and progesterone hormones are produced by these follicles, which are necessary for pregnancy. If the follicles stay and continue to grow over a length of time an ovarian cyst can develop.

The most common type of cyst is a follicular cyst. They are usually harmless, rarely have any symptoms and most times disappear on their own. Follicular cysts are usually caused by the release of hormones from the pituitary gland, when then stimulates the ovaries to release an egg. But sometimes this will cause the follicle to swell instead, not releasing the egg and as the follicle grows it develops into a cyst.

When you body is having luteinizing hormone surges during your monthly cycle, this is when an egg is released. The follicle that developed ruptures and an egg is released, producing estrogen and progesterone preparing your body for the possible conception. At this stage the follicle is known as a Corpus Luteum. If the Corpus luteum seals off and starts collecting fluid inside a cyst is formed.

A corpus luteum cyst will typically disappear on its own without any treatment, although it could grow to 4 inches in diameter during just a period of a few weeks. It could also bleed internally or twist an ovary. If the corpus luteum cyst ruptures this can cause internal bleeding, in addition to sudden sharp or severe pain.

The drug clomiphene citrate is a fertility drug that works to induce ovulation, and might in itself, be among the causes of ovarian cysts. Clomiphene citrate is in fact known to increase the risk of developing a corpus luteum cyst (which does not prevent or threaten pregnancy), and therefore probably causes other cysts as well.

Ovarian cysts containing blood, known as hemorrhagic or endometrioid cysts form in the same way. The presence of blood might have been the result of an injury or from leakage of surrounding blood vessels through to the egg sac. When causes of ovarian cysts from bleeding and shedding of endometrial tissue occurs in the ovaries, painful cysts may form. If left to continue, the pooling blood may rupture causing pelvic pain.

The actual causes of ovarian cysts occurring can\'t be prevented, but there are certain steps you can take to decrease the possibility of them developing. The most important steps you can do, but not limited to, is to improve your overall health. Easting healthier, getting more exercise, controlling stress and remembering to take time out for yourself to relax. Plus regular checkups with your doctor call all help to reduce the chances of developing ovarian cysts.

About the Author:

You can minimize the development of ovarian cysts by knowing what are the causes of ovarian cysts. Read more about the causes of ovarian cysts along with many other ovarian cyst articles at http://ovariancystfacts.com/