Why Ovarian Cysts Grow - Their Causes
Marc Sandford
December 31, 2008
Because there are lots of distinct types of ovarian cysts, there are also a multitude of causes for them as well. Having a good understanding of the factors that induce the growth of ovarian cysts is essential. Without it, it's not always possible to get the correct treatment.
A very common form of ovarian cyst is the functional cyst. The functional cyst occurs when the normal sequence of events of the menstrual process fails. Follicles, which are tiny structures, normally grow inside of your ovaries. These follicles hold an egg and are expected to manufacture estrogen and progesterone.
Midway through the menstruation cycle, the pituitary gland normally signals the follicle to rupture and release the egg. After the egg is released, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are secreted by the ruptured follicle.
There are two mechanisms by which this sequence can fail. This will lead to two different sorts of functional cysts:
1.) Follicular cyst.
If the egg doesn't get released by the follicle, then the follicle becomes a Follicular cyst. Normally they're harmless and will go away after 2 or 3 menstruation cycles.
2.) Corpus luteum cyst.
If the follicle ruptures and releases the egg, but closes up instead of remaining open, it fills up with fluid and turns into a corpus luteum cyst. It should disappear over the course of a few weeks. However complications can happen such as extreme growth, twisting, pooling up with blood and possibly rupturing. These complications can lead to pain in the abdomen or pelvic area which may feel very intense if the cyst ruptures.
In either case, the follicle doesn't release progesterone which causes a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance leads to the formation of still more ovarian cysts.
Factors exerting a strong effect on the formation of ovarian cysts are:
1.) Genetics - If any of your sisters or your mother has ovarian cysts, you have a higher chance of having it yourself. Research has shown that there is a genetic difference between women suffering from ovarian cysts and women who are cyst free.
2.) Insulin resistance - Insulin resistance causes high levels of insulin in the blood. The ovaries react to the excessive insulin by overproducing androgens (male hormones) which may induce PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
3.) Weak immune system - A strong immune system readily destroys cells and substances that are foreign to the body. This includes abnormal cells and other agents that stimulate the growth of ovarian cysts.
4.) Poor diet - If the body doesn't get what it requires, it will not function properly. Among the multitude of problems caused by a poor diet are a diminished immune system and hormonal imbalances. Either of these two conditions can lead to the growth of ovarian cysts. Everyone knows what a poor diet consists of. Too many carbs and lots of junk food, and not enough of the essential nutrient rich foods such as fresh vegetables.
Scheduled checkups with your doctor are essential. However, some of the causes of ovarian cysts listed above are strongly affected by the lifestyle choices that you make.
Looking for good reference material about ovarian cysts? Learn about the complex ovarian cyst and ovarian cyst natural remedies.
A very common form of ovarian cyst is the functional cyst. The functional cyst occurs when the normal sequence of events of the menstrual process fails. Follicles, which are tiny structures, normally grow inside of your ovaries. These follicles hold an egg and are expected to manufacture estrogen and progesterone.
Midway through the menstruation cycle, the pituitary gland normally signals the follicle to rupture and release the egg. After the egg is released, the hormones estrogen and progesterone are secreted by the ruptured follicle.
There are two mechanisms by which this sequence can fail. This will lead to two different sorts of functional cysts:
1.) Follicular cyst.
If the egg doesn't get released by the follicle, then the follicle becomes a Follicular cyst. Normally they're harmless and will go away after 2 or 3 menstruation cycles.
2.) Corpus luteum cyst.
If the follicle ruptures and releases the egg, but closes up instead of remaining open, it fills up with fluid and turns into a corpus luteum cyst. It should disappear over the course of a few weeks. However complications can happen such as extreme growth, twisting, pooling up with blood and possibly rupturing. These complications can lead to pain in the abdomen or pelvic area which may feel very intense if the cyst ruptures.
In either case, the follicle doesn't release progesterone which causes a hormonal imbalance. This imbalance leads to the formation of still more ovarian cysts.
Factors exerting a strong effect on the formation of ovarian cysts are:
1.) Genetics - If any of your sisters or your mother has ovarian cysts, you have a higher chance of having it yourself. Research has shown that there is a genetic difference between women suffering from ovarian cysts and women who are cyst free.
2.) Insulin resistance - Insulin resistance causes high levels of insulin in the blood. The ovaries react to the excessive insulin by overproducing androgens (male hormones) which may induce PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
3.) Weak immune system - A strong immune system readily destroys cells and substances that are foreign to the body. This includes abnormal cells and other agents that stimulate the growth of ovarian cysts.
4.) Poor diet - If the body doesn't get what it requires, it will not function properly. Among the multitude of problems caused by a poor diet are a diminished immune system and hormonal imbalances. Either of these two conditions can lead to the growth of ovarian cysts. Everyone knows what a poor diet consists of. Too many carbs and lots of junk food, and not enough of the essential nutrient rich foods such as fresh vegetables.
Scheduled checkups with your doctor are essential. However, some of the causes of ovarian cysts listed above are strongly affected by the lifestyle choices that you make.
Looking for good reference material about ovarian cysts? Learn about the complex ovarian cyst and ovarian cyst natural remedies.
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