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by: ScottGreen
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There are many different causes of ovarian cysts. Under the normal menstrual cycle, ovaries grow cyst-like structures called follicles each month. These follicles produce hormones necessary for pregnancy such as estrogen and progesterone. Ovarian cysts can form when a normal follicle continues to grow for an abnormal period of time.

Among ovarian cysts, follicular cysts are the most prevalent. They hardly ever produce any symptoms and usually resolve by themselves. They are usually 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.

Frequent causes of ovarian cysts occur when luteinizing hormones surge and an egg is release. When the egg is released, estrogen and progesterone are created by the ruptured follicle to prepare for the hypothetical conception. When the egg is sealed off, fluid accumulates inside the follicle and becomes what is called a corpus luteum. The corpus luteum will then expand and at that point becomes a cyst.

Treatment is normally not needed for a corpus luteum cyst as it typically disappears. Before it does disappear it can grow to almost 4 inches in diameter. Hemorrhaging and twisting of the ovary can also potentially occur. Severe pelvic and abdominal pain can result. Corpus luteum cysts may rupture if filled with blood, this can cause sharp pain and internal bleeding.

Clomiphene citrate, a commonly prescribed fertility drug to induce ovulation, might be a cause of ovarian cysts. Usage of this drug may result in an increased risk that a corpus luteum cyst might develop. Corpus luteum cysts by themselves do not pose a risk to pregnancy.

Some cysts, such as hemorrhagic or endometrioid cysts develop like other cysts but are classified as such because they contain blood. This blood can result from injury or from the leakage of blood vessels into the egg sac. Causes of ovarian cysts forming in the endometrial tissue include bleeding and sloughing off of endometrial tissue that transplants itself in the ovaries. Blood eventually builds up, rupturing and causing pelvic pain.

There are several ways to decrease the causes of ovarian cysts. The most important things you could do include, but are not limited to, get more exercise, decrease stress, eat healthy, and improve your overall health.