WOMENS-HEALTH Messages for May, 1999: Re: Ovarian Cysts- Why??

Re: Ovarian Cysts- Why??

From: William D. McIntosh, MD (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon, 31 May 1999 11:34:27 -0500 (CDT)

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In reply to: philomena: "Ovarian Cysts- Why??"

At Mon, 31 May 1999, philomena wrote: >
>Hi everyone,
>I've searched the net, this forum, etc. for info on the prevention of
>what is commonly called functional ovarian cysts. I've found info about
>LOTS of women suffering with pain, recurrent cysts, surgeries,etc, but
>nowhere do I find any answers as to why these cysts stop being
>functional and instead become very dysfunctional or what a women can do
>to prevent this dysfunction. Is this because medical science really
>doesn't know why the "good" cysts go "bad"?
>I am 39 and take no prescription medication. I have been aware of
>functional cysts since 1987 when one came real close to requiring
>surgery. My cysts do get large but have always gone down in 1 or 2
>cycles and I've always been able to deal with the painful ovulation &
>menstruation that accompany these cysts. I've had a persistent cyst for
>the past 5 months & the pain it causes during my period & mid cycle is
>no longer tolerable or easily managed with non prescription drugs.I've
>even had hot flashes with this one. I had an ultrasound and was assured
>that this cyst is still considered functional and that all I can do is
>manage the pain and that because I smoke there is no other treatment for
>me. I was also assured that I was not experiencing a premature
>menopause.I am in excellent health otherwise and this "treatment" is
>unacceptable to me.Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Functional ovarian cysts are cysts that form in response to the normal, cyclic hormonal influences of the reproductive aged woman. Sometimes, these "normal" cysts can cause profoundly unpleasant symptoms, especially pain. Generally, this is an infrequent complication, and as you note, is self-limited, but sometimes this becomes a recurring or persistent problem. The pain is usually the result of position, size, or adhesions, or some combination of the above.

A simple (single sac) cyst that is more than 5 cm should be tracked, and failure of resolution with 30-60 days is grounds for diagnostic laparoscopy. Smaller cysts, or recurrent cysts are most easily treated with oral contraceptive pills, as this will prevent their formation in the first place. If the pill is an option, I would start there. If not, then surgery is an option.

-- William D. McIntosh, MD Clarksville, TN

This is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace consultation and examination by your physician or other health care provider.

Next message: Melissa: "Re: vulvar lipoma?"
Previous message: William D. McIntosh, MD: "Re: tilted uterus and diaphragm problem"
In reply to: philomena: "Ovarian Cysts- Why??"

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