Ovarian cysts are filled with fluids in the ovary. This issue will arise in adult women, young girls, and rarely in teens, which will result in causing discomfort, hormonal changes, and potential health issues if overlooked. Further, this blog will explore the causes of ovarian cysts in young people, their types, signs, and when to seek medical advice.
What are ovarian cysts?
As we mentioned above, ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that usually grow in the ovaries. This is benign, and greatly varies in size, from small and asymptomatic to large enough to cause pain or other issues. As a part of the menstrual cycle, these cysts will be formed, and you may not notice it due to its size and there will be no noticeable symptoms. Also, not all cysts are harmless, and few require immediate medical attention when reaching out to the top gynecologist in Coimbatore will help in prompt recovery.
What are the common ovarian cysts found in young people?
The common types of ovarian cysts are:
– Functional cysts:
This is the most common type of cyst, typically formed as part of the menstrual cycle. These cysts form during ovulation and often go on their own.
– Follicular cysts:
This occurs when the follicle fails to release an egg and continues to grow. This is quite common and goes away after a few menstrual cycles.
– Corpus luteum cysts:
Once the egg gets released, the follicles at times will reseal, filling with fluid and forming a corpus luteum cyst. Usually, this won’t cause any symptoms but will cause pain when it is ruptured.
– Dermoid cysts:
This is a very rare one, but present from birth, dermoid cysts are critical cysts containing tissue like skin, hair, or even teeth. This doesn’t resolve on their own, so it requires medical treatment.
– Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS):
This is not a single cyst, forms numerous cysts on the ovaries. It has a strong connection with hormonal imbalances and requires medical management.
What are the causes of ovarian cysts in young people?
Several factors can trigger ovarian cysts among teens, often connected to hormonal imbalances, genetics, or lifestyle factors.
– Hormonal imbalances:
Hormonal imbalances remain as a primary cause of ovarian cysts, notably during puberty. More amount of androgen or estrogen levels can abnormal cyst formation.
– Family history:
A genetic predisposition to cysts or PCOS can cause young women to develop ovarian cysts. If your mother or sister has this issue, most likely you will also get this.
– Early menstruation:
Functional cysts can develop in individuals who have started their menstruation at an early stage. More ovulations increase the chances of cyst formation during ovulation cycles.
– PCOS:
Teenage girls or young women are more prone to this. It causes numerous tiny cysts in the ovaries due to higher-than-normal androgen levels, resulting in irregular cycles and other symptoms.
– Endometriosis:
An individual will develop this when the tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, at times also in ovaries. This can result in endometriomas, blood-filled cysts, and often requires medical treatment due to its complexity.
– Hypothyroidism:
The underactive thyroid gland can result in hormonal imbalances, disturbing the ovaries and resulting in cysts. Young girls with hypothyroidism are more likely to face larger cyst formations.
– Pregnancy:
This may be quite strange, but, yes, pregnancy causes ovarian cysts. After consumption, the corpus luteum cyst can remain on the ovary and keep growing, typically until the placenta takes over hormone production.
– Consuming fertility medications:
Not all fertility medication, but some can increase the risk of developing ovarian cysts, notably if consumed in early periods of life. Also, this is more common among adults who undergoing fertility treatment.
How to diagnose and treat ovarian cysts?
If a young individual is experiencing the signs of ovarian cysts, a gynecologist will suggest the following tests:
– Ultrasound: The imaging tool to visualize the cysts, an ultrasound can confirm the size, shape, and type of cysts.
– Blood tests: Can assess the hormonal levels and tumor marker tests, doctors will recommend these tests to find out malignancy if the cyst is large or irregularly shaped.
– MRI or CT scans: Very rarely, advanced imaging will be recommended to diagnose the complex cysts.
Treatment options:
The common cyst treatment in the ovary includes:
– Waiting: At times doctors will recommend waiting to monitor it over time, that is also only when it is smaller or functional cysts because several cysts will resolve naturally.
– Hormonal birth control: For hormonal regulation, doctors will recommend you take birth control pills to prevent ovulation and reduce the likelihood of future cysts.
– Surgery: In case, your cyst is large, painful, or not disappearing easily, laparoscopic surgery will be performed to remove the cyst. Simply, complex cysts need surgical removal.
– Lifestyle and diet: For individuals with PCOS or hormonal imbalances, lifestyle modifications like a balanced diet and consistent physical activity can assist in managing signs and reduce the risk of cyst formation.
When to seek medical help?
You need to think about getting medical help when experiencing:
- Sudden or intense pelvic pain
- Pain accompanied by fever or vomiting
- Fainting and dizziness
- Fast breathing
- Abdominal swelling
These are the symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cysts, ovarian torsion, or some other serious condition requiring sudden intervention when reaching out to the ovarian cyst treatment in Coimbatore will help in getting better results.
Final thoughts:
In conclusion, we can say that ovarian cysts in young people are common, and it is harmless too. However, understanding the causes, signs, and treatment can help in identifying when they might become an issue. Timely intervention and frequent screening, notably for those with a family history or hormonal conditions, can help manage cysts effectively. If you or any of your family members or relatives are experiencing the symptoms, reaching out to a doctor will help in ensuring proper diagnosis and treatment.
