Factors That Cause Ovarian Cyst Growth

Because there are lots of distinct types of ovarian cysts, there are many causes for them as well. Having a good understanding of the factors which induce ovarian cysts is critical. Without it, it's not always feasible to get the right care.

A very common form of ovarian cyst would be the functional cyst. The functional cyst occurs when the normal sequence of events of the menstruation cycle go wrong in some way. Follicles, which are tiny structures, normally develop within the ovaries. These follicles hold an egg and are expected to make the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Midway through the menstruation cycle, the pituitary gland sends a hormonal signal to the follicle to release it's egg. After the egg is released, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are released by the ruptured follicle.

There are two mechanisms by which this sequence gets disrupted. This will lead to two distinct forms of functional cysts:

1.) Follicular cyst.

If the egg doesn't get released by the follicle, then the follicle turns into what is known as a Follicular cyst. Normally they're harmless and will vanish after two or three menstrual periods.

2.) Corpus luteum cyst.

If the follicle ruptures and releases the egg, but closes up instead of remaining open, it puffs up with fluid and forms a Corpus luteum cyst. It should disappear in a few weeks time. However complications can happen such as extreme growth, filing up with blood, rupturing, or getting twisted. These complications can lead to abdominal or pelvic pain and a sudden sharp, intense pain if the cyst ruptures.

In either case, the follicle doesn't release progesterone which leads to a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance leads to the formation of more cysts.

Factors exerting a strong influence on ovarian cyst growth are:

1.) Genetics - If any of your sisters or your mother has ovarian cysts, the odds are good that you'll get them also. Research has shown that there is a genetic difference between those that get ovarian cysts and those that don't.

2.) Insulin resistance - Insulin resistance causes excessive blood concentrations of insulin. The ovaries react to the excessive insulin by overproducing androgens (male hormones) which can cause the development polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

3.) Weak immune system - A strong immune system readily destroys foreign substances in the body. This includes abnormal cells and other agents that trigger ovarian cysts.

4.) Poor diet - If the body doesn't get what it requires, it becomes stressed and functions poorly. Among the multitude of problems caused by a poor diet are hormonal imbalances and a weak immune system. Either of these two conditions can lead to ovarian cyst development. Everyone knows what constitutes a poor diet. Too many carbs and lots of junk food, and not enough of the foods with essential nutrients like fresh vegetables.

Scheduled checkups with a doctor are critical. However, some of the causes of ovarian cysts listed above are strongly affected by your choice of lifestyle.