Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs in the ovary.
They are common and usually form during ovulation.
Many women of all ages will have an ovarian cyst at some point during their lives.
Most ovarian cysts are small, harmless, and resolve without treatment.
Signs and Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts
Most ovarian cysts are small and dont cause symptoms.
Your ovaries normally grow follicles (cyst-like structures) each month.
Follicles produce the hormonesestrogenandprogesteroneand release an egg when you ovulate.
If a normal monthly follicle keeps growing, its known as a functional cyst.
There are two types of functional cysts:
How Are Ovarian Cysts Diagnosed?
A cyst on your ovary can be found during a pelvic exam.
Your doctor may also recommend follow-up pelvic ultrasounds at intervals to see if your cyst changes in size.
But somewomen with PCOSdo not have cysts.
Women with PCOS dont make enough of the hormones needed to ovulate.
She completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York.
She is currently working on her PhD in medical sociology.
She was previously the research director atVoguemagazine for many years.
Kean loves cooking, painting, fashion, travel, music, reading, and theater.
How Is Ovarian Cancer Diagnosed?
