Do Ovarian Cysts Cause Irregular Periods Or Spotting?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs present inside the ovaries, which are two small, almond-shaped organs present on both sides of the uterus. In most of the women’s ovaries, these cysts will be present and are quite harmless, but at times they cause a variety of symptoms that disturb the women’s menstrual cycle. Often, women report concerns such as irregular periods and spotting between periods. Further, in this blog, let’s explore how ovarian cysts trigger the menstrual cycle, what causes them, how to be aware of the symptoms, and when to get medical help.

What are ovarian cysts?

Ovarian cysts are one of the benign cysts, that is, non-cancerous ones, and which occur as a part of the normal menstrual cycle. The most common types include:

Functional cysts: During ovulation, this cyst will form and will disappear within a few months on its own.
Dermoid cysts: This cyst is made up of skin, teeth, and hair tissues.
Cystadenomas: This develops from the ovarian tissues and it is filled with fluid material.
Endometriomas: These form as a result of endometriosis, in which the uterine lining develops outside the uterus.
Polycystic ovaries (PCOS): Several small cysts on the ovaries are involved and have a strong connection with hormonal imbalance.

Most of the ovarian cysts go unnoticed, while a few may cause hormonal changes that will disturb the regularity of periods and may even result in spotting, you should get ovarian cyst treatment in Coimbatore, as overlooking it could result in serious health conditions.

How do ovarian cysts affect the menstrual cycle?

Ovarian cysts will disturb your menstrual cycle in multiple ways, based on their type, size, and the hormones involved. Further, let’s see how:

– Hormonal imbalances:

A few cysts, notably those linked with conditions such as PCOS, will result in the excess production of a few hormones, such as androgens, which are the male hormones. As a result of these hormonal disruptions, irregular ovulation will occur, resulting in:

Missed periods.
Not regularly getting or having irregular menstrual cycles.
Prolonged menstrual bleeding.
Spotting between cycles.

– Delayed or no ovulation:

A functional cyst will occur when an egg doesn’t release from its follicle or the follicle fails to dissolve after the egg is released. This delays the ovulation or halts it altogether, affecting your menstrual schedule.

– Thickening or shedding of the uterine lining:

Simply, when your ovulation gets disturbed, eventually estrogen and progesterone will also be affected. These hormonal imbalances can:

Causes the uterine lining to thicken more than normal, resulting in heavy or prolonged periods.
During menstruation, spotting will occur as a result of improper shedding of the lining.

What’s the difference between spotting and regular bleeding?

Just by being aware of the difference between spotting and regular bleeding, you can identify the abnormalities:

Spotting is nothing but a light bleeding that is a little strange from your regular menstrual period. Now you may get questions like, can ovarian cysts cause brown spotting? Yes, it will be in light pink or brown.
Usually, menstrual bleeding will be heavier, and last between 3 to 7 days, and this pattern will be followed every month.

Ovarian cysts will trigger mid-cycle spotting or spotting post-intercourse, notably if they rupture or irritate the surrounding tissues.

What are the symptoms that accompany irregular periods caused by cysts?

Along with irregular periods and spotting, ovarian cysts that affect periods will exhibit several symptoms, like:

Pelvic pain, on one side.
Bloating.
Pain during intercourse.
Lower back pain.
Urinating often or issues with emptying the bladder.

Rarely, when a cyst ruptures or twists, we call this condition an ovarian torsion, which causes intense pain and internal bleeding and requires emergency care.

When is it PCOS?

The main culprit behind irregular periods due to ovarian cysts is PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome). This hormonal condition is marked by:

Irregular or missed periods.
Numerous small cysts on the ovaries.
Increased androgen levels (which cause acne, facial hair, and hair thinning).
Issues with getting pregnant.
Weight gain and difficulty losing weight.

In case your irregular cycle persists and is linked with other signs mentioned above, PCOS could remain the potential cause, and you should get a medical evaluation.

How to diagnose ovarian cysts?

In case you are experiencing irregular periods or sudden spotting, a doctor will recommend the following to find the ovarian cysts:

Pelvic exam: To identify the swelling or masses in the ovaries.
Ultrasound: To assess the type, size, and shape of the ovarian cyst, this imaging test will be performed.
Blood tests: To check hormone levels or rule out pregnancy or other causes.
Laparoscopy: This is a minimally invasive procedure that helps doctors look directly at the ovaries, this test will be done in complex or unclear areas.

What are the treatments available for ovarian cysts?

Simply, as mentioned above, based on the type, size, and symptoms, the treatment for ovarian cysts will be given, like:

– Watchful waiting:

Typically, several functional cysts will resolve on their own. Your healthcare provider will suggest observing the cyst over a few menstrual cycles with periodic ultrasound.

– Hormonal birth control:

Birth control pills will assist in regulating your menstrual cycle and prevent further cysts from forming by pausing ovulation.

– Medications:

For PCOS, medications or hormonal treatments will be suggested to regulate periods and hormone levels.

– Surgery:

In case your cyst is large, chronic, or causing severe symptoms, surgical removal will be recommended. Also, when there are causes of concern, this will be recommended.

When should I reach out to a doctor?

You should reach out to the best gynecologist in Coimbatore when you are experiencing:

Irregular periods or spotting.
Abrupt or intense pelvic pain.
Bloating or fullness that doesn’t go away.
Experiencing pain during intercourse.
Sudden weight gain, facial hair, or acne.
Issues with getting pregnant.

Early diagnosis and management can assist in avoiding complications and maintaining reproductive health.

Bottom line:

In conclusion, we can say that, of course, ovarian cysts will cause irregular periods and spotting, notably when they interfere with the normal hormonal balance required for a regular menstrual cycle. Simply, in most cases, the cysts are harmless and over time go away on their own, but the persistent symptoms should not be ignored. In case your cycle becomes unpredictable or you are noticing unusual spotting, immediately reach out to your doctor, because just a simple ultrasound or blood test provides clarity, and early diagnosis means easier treatment and better peace of mind.