One of the most common female conditions, ovarian cysts are in the majority of instances asymptomatic. But occasionally the cysts become inflamed and cause uncomfortable symptoms. “Symptoms of an enlarged ovarian cyst” such as sharp pain, irregular menstrual bleeding, and gastrointestinal symptoms, which again lead to some serious complications if left untreated. It is invaluable to women’s health to have an awareness of warning signs and receive early diagnosis and treatment. Along the way of this article, I will describe the most important symptoms of the formation of ovarian cysts and how they impact the body.
Sudden pains: when pelvis and belly are warned
Low pelvic and abdominal pain is one of the most common symptoms of a large ovarian cyst. Pain is acute or chronic in duration and severe or mild in nature. Pain at times is brought on by sexual intercourse, exercise, or even long standing.
- Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic dull lower abdomen and one-sided or two-sided pain.
- Sudden severe pain
Severe and agonizing pain is caused when the cyst is twisted or ruptured. One must visit the doctor immediately because it is an emergency.
- Painful sex
Painful sex, stabbing pain, may be one of the symptoms of a large ovarian cyst.
The increase in the number of cysts compresses the adjacent nerves and tissues of the ovaries and thus the individual will have heaviness and pain in the abdominal area. These pains, if they become recurring or if increasing, should be investigated medically.
Menstrual cycle alterations: abnormalities to take seriously
Irregular menstrual cycle disruption is another very serious sign of an enlarged ovarian cyst. The ovaries regulate the sex hormones, and their control may be interrupted by an enlarged cyst development. Abnormalities may be:
- Spotted periods
Ovarian cysts especially of polycystic ovary syndrome delay or even stop menstruation for months.
- Very heavy or very light bleeding
Some women have rather heavier periods following a long interval of no periods, and others have lighter-than-normal periods.
- Bleeding between periods
Bleeding between periods may be an indication of the development of ovarian cysts.
With these alterations, also in women, supportive symptoms appear, such as crampy pain either preceding or accompanying menstruation. Most characteristic symptoms are due to the cyst interfering with secretion of estrogen and progesterone hormones. Thus, if irregular menses of menstruation and pelvic tenderness and other abnormal results are present, medical tests will be needed to evaluate ovarian function.
Gastrointestinal symptoms: bloating to fullness
Gastrointestinal is one of the prominent signs of an enlargement of an ovarian cyst. Signs thereof include fullness in the abdomen, bloating, and change in bowel habit. The symptoms can be confused with irritable bowel syndrome or indigestion but in some cases the actual cause for such symptoms could be the development of ovarian cysts.
- Chronic bloating
Most women with large ovarian cysts experience swelling and persistent fullness in the stomach. Bloating is food and diet-related or unassociated.
- Pressure on stomach and intestine
Large cysts can press against neighboring organs, including intestines and stomach, and can cause the stomach to feel heavy and uncomfortable.
- Alteration of bowel habits
Constipation or diarrhea without any apparent cause are felt by some women. Both are due to interference with regular functioning of the bowels by the cyst.
An office visit with additional testing would be warranted in the presence of gastrointestinal symptomatology in conjunction with other symptomatology of the development of ovarian cysts, for instance, pelvic pain and abnormal menstrual periods.
Interferences with urination: when the bladder is compressed
Giant ovarian cysts also disrupt normal bladder functioning and lead to urinary incontinence problems. Symptoms are typically felt whenever the cyst is compressing the bladder, reducing its usual urine holding capacity. Some of the usual issues in this region are:
- Frequent urination
Females with massive cysts tend to urinate often even if there is little urine.
- Urinary urgency
In others, there is an urge to urinate without a full bladder.
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
There are some women who experience a feeling of incompletely emptied bladder upon voiding.
- Pain or burning while urinating
There may be pain or burning upon urination if there is an inflammation of the bladder due to irritation caused by an ovarian cyst.
Weight Gain and Hormonal Imbalance: An Insidious Warning
Endocrine disruption resulting from ovarian cysts can cause an entire range of symptoms, among which weight gain and redistribution of body fat are a few examples. This is because the cyst affects the female’s hormones and is also possibly accompanied by additional symptoms.
- Weight gain for no apparent reason
Most of the women experiencing big ovarian cysts weigh more without consuming any food or limiting their exercise activities.
- Fat accumulation on the belly
Fat deposit on the hips and belly is one of the common presentations and may be caused by hormonal imbalance.
- Hypertrichosis or excess hair
Some women may be found to have coarse hair growing abnormally in undesirable facial regions, chin, or breast as a consequence of a hormonal imbalance in the androgen hormone.
- Alopecia
Unlike hair growth, hair loss or thinning of hair, a potential symptom of hormonal imbalance-caused ovarian cysts, can be experienced.
- Fatigue and mood swings
Hormonal change may influence the mood, depression, anxiety, or fatigue symptom.
These hormonal fluctuations are one of the biggest signs of the formation of ovarian cysts. You will have to visit your doctor more frequently in case you happen to be overweighting or experiencing weird hormonal symptoms.
Severe symptoms: when you need to visit a doctor urgently
Presentation of giant ovarian cyst may occasionally be so acute that it warrants a visit to the physician on an emergent basis. They are presentations of torsion of the cyst, rupture of the cyst, or intraperitoneal hemorrhage, which can result in death. Alarming presentations are:
- Sudden onset of stabbing pelvic or abdominal pain
Sudden pelvic severe pain is an indicator of cyst ruptured or sprained, which is dangerous.
- Weakness, fainting, or dizziness
Intramuscular excessive bleeding causes a sudden decrease in blood pressure, hence, severe dizziness, weakness feeling, and fainting.
- Abnormal sweating and fever
Fever, abnormal sweating, and chill may be due to infection due to infected ovary or cyst rupture.
- Shortness of breath and palpitation
If it is secondary to ovarian cyst, then shortness of breath, extreme weakness, and tachycardia can occur in the patient.
All of these symptoms could be a sign of an acute condition and should be treated as soon as possible. If you feel any of these symptoms, then you must visit your doctor at once so that you will not have any life-threatening complications.
Final Thoughts
The symptoms of a large ovarian cyst may be mild or severe, but recognition of warning signs and early consultation with the physician will avert complications. Most ovarian cysts are benign and can be managed as such. The problem is that with knowledge and vigilance, most of the complications of an ovarian cyst can be prevented. A healthy body, check-ups, and good lifestyles can take a very, very long way to hormonal equilibrium and ovarian well-being. Most women, if properly cared for, are able to lead healthy and useful lives without worrying.
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