The causes of ovarian cysts are numerous. Every month during a typical menstrual cycle, the ovaries produce follicles which resemble cysts in structure. The follicles produce the estrogen and progesterone hormones that may be necessary during pregnancy. Common causes of ovarian cysts occurs when a follicle keeps growing beyond its normal time period and becomes an cyst.

Among ovarian cysts, follicular cysts are the most common types. They rarely ever produce any symptoms and usually clear up by themselves. Indeed, generally they are harmless. Follicular ovarian cysts are usually caused when the pituitary gland hormones that stimulate egg release by the ovaries cause the follicle to swell instead. The enlarged follicle develops into a cyst.

When luteinizing hormone surges during the monthly cycle and an egg is released a corpus luteum cyst is created. Once the egg is released the body then begins to prepare for possible conception through the ruptured follicle producing estrogen and progesterone. At this stage, the follicle is known as corpus luteum. A cyst is formed when the corpus luteum seals off and fluid collects inside it.

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.

It is important to note that the fertility drug clomiphene citrate, which is commonly used to induce ovulation, might be one of the causes of ovarian cysts, since it can often increase the risk of the development of a corpus luteum cyst. Corpus luteum cysts do not prevent or threaten pregnancy.

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.

As the secretion of hormones that are a natural function of the body can often be the cause of ovarian cysts, it is impossible to completely prevent the ovarian cysts from developing. With this said, you can minimize the chances of problems developing by getting more exercise, decreasing stress, eating healthy food options, and making an effort to improve your general health.

Learn more on ovarian cysts, including details on the Ovarian Cysts No More book and an ovarian cyst that bursts.

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