You may at first be bewildered if you have found out that you have ovarian cysts. One of the normal responses, of course, is to wonder about the causes of ovarian cysts. You might feel or worry that you somehow had something to do with the development of this issue. However, it is very important to note that the causes of ovarian cysts are varied.

Generally, there are two ovaries that store and release eggs each month and each side of the uterus has an ovary.  Every month, one ovary releases an egg, which causes the menstrual cycle to begin.  A follicle holds the egg while it grows. The lining of the uterus thickens and prepares for a potential pregnancy.   

Developing an ovarian cyst might have occurred when an egg is released from the ovary.  Before ovulation a follicle will grow, however, if that follicle does not break and release an egg, a cyst can form.  As you can see, this is a complex biological process.  Immediately assuming that you somehow played a role is not a prudent or healthy approach to the situation.

Finding out that you have an ovarian cyst is likely to involve the use of ultrasound technology.  Via ultrasound it is possible to acquire an image of the cyst on the ovaries.  In general, they will resemble bubbles as they contain fluid.

In terms of when ovarian cysts are likely to occur, the most probable time is between puberty and menopause.  Thus, ovarian cysts can happen to women across the age spectrum. Once women are post-menopausal, they can still get ovarian cysts, but it is far less likely.

Luckily, most ovarian cysts are not the byproduct of a disease.  Benign ovarian cysts are commonly referred to as being “functional.”  Usually these types of ovarian cysts are not cancerous and, in fact, will actually go away on their own, meaning that surgery is not necessary.  Therefore, if you learn that you do have ovarian cysts, realize that surgery is not necessarily required.

It is also important to be aware that there is a difference between causes of ovarian cysts and polycystic ovary disease.  Multiple poorly developed follicles in the ovaries cause polycystic ovary disease, as the eggs cannot mature and end up consequently forming cysts. 

Causes of ovarian cysts can range dramatically.  A few of the more common causes of ovarian cysts are irregular menstruation, an imbalance of hormones, menstruation that began at an early age, upper body fat and women who have taken Tamoxifen (Soltamox) therapy for breast cancer.  Women who fall into any of these categories will be at increased risk for developing ovarian cysts, however, this is not to state that they will develop the condition.

Thus, if you do discover that you have cysts on your ovaries, strive to stay calm and work closely with your doctor.   In the end, many cysts do not require surgery and don’t even present a significant problem.  However, information is key, as is keeping an eye on the condition as well.