If your periods have shifted — more pain, heavier bleeding or skipping cycles — you’re not alone. Ovarian cysts could be the cause, and they’re a lot more common than you may think. The relationship between cysts and menstrual changes may also help many other women noticing the signs early can get back to feeling like themselves. We will discuss why cysts form, how they can impact your cycle and when to do something about them. Do not silence symptoms — your body is talking. Let’s see what is really happening.
Key Takeaways:
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs on or in the ovaries, and the majority of these are benign functional cysts related to the menstrual cycle.
Common types:
This includes follicular, non-functional and functional corpus luteum, derdid cysts, endometriomas and cystadenomas.
- PCOS involves many small cysts, irregular periods and hormone imbalance; it can affect fertility.
- Cysts may alter the timing and flow of your menstrual period, or you could have spotting or missed periods. Your cycle may be longer than normal, so don’t worry about calling us if your period doesn’t come exactly every 28 days like clockwork.
- At other times, menstrual pain intensifies when a cyst grows or pressurizes; large, haemorrhaging or ruptured ovarian cysts can be very sharp and demand prompt attention.
Diagnosis A pelvic ultrasound, blood hormone tests and cycle charting can help diagnosis.
- Hormonal birth control stops ovulation, preventing new cysts from developing, while not shrinking existing ones.
- Cysts can disrupt the normal hormonal balance and fertility, particularly in PCOS.
Cysts and Period Changes: What You Need to Know
If your period has felt a little different recently — heavier, lighter, more painful or just kind of off — you’re not the only one. Ovarian cysts are a relatively common reason your period might be late, and though they aren’t necessarily harmful, some ovarian cysts can interfere with your cycle and cause discomfort or other reproductive health problems. Learning about the relationship between cysts and menstrual changes can help you take control of your body and know when to seek care.
At Perry Medical, we are here to help you understand how your cycle works and what things can bring about a change in it, and also to be there for you by helping you feel the best that you possibly can!
Why Do Doctors Mistake Ovarian Cysts?
An ovatian cyst is a small sac containing liquid that grows on or in an ovary. Most cysts come and go as part of your monthly cycle — these are known as functional cysts and they’re very common.
Functional cysts come in two varieties:
- Follicular cysts: These form when a follicle fails to open and release an egg.
- Corpus luteum cysts, which result when a follicle releases an egg and then closes back up, trapping fluid inside.
This type of cyst occurs most often during ovulation and is most common in young women, but they can occur from the start of menstruation to menopause. They’re hormonally driven, not they usually come and go on their own without you even knowing they were there.
Other cysts, called non-functional cysts, are not related to ovulation. These include:
- Dermoid cysts, some of which may include skin, hair or fat.
- Endometriomas, which result when tissue from endometriosis grows on the ovaries.
- (Flu Cancer Weekly) Cystadenomas, which grow from cells on the surface of the ovary.
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
If you have Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), your ovaries will contain lots of small cysts. These develop after eggs don’t release correctly, often because of hormonal imbalance and your cycle being thrown out of whack.
Cysts May Mess With Your Period Schedule and Flow
Among the chief ways cysts and menstrual changes intersect is in hormone shifts. Because your menstrual cycle is controlled by hormones such as estrogen and progesterone, this can lead to an uneven rhythm.
Cysts may cause:
- Late or missed periods
- Early or more frequent periods
- Heavier or lighter bleeding
- Spotting between cycles
Functional cysts might temporarily delay ovulation, which also delays your period. So if a cyst keeps making hormones when it should stop, your next period may be late — or roundabout never. On the other hand, cysts that produce hormones could cause them to thicken your uterine lining and lead to heavier bleeding when you do get your period.
Take action : Be mindful if you notice a change in your flow, length of cycle or spotting. These changes can mirror what’s going on with your ovaries.
Irregular Bleeding and Spotting May Indicate a Cyst
Your cycles of spotting in between periods or irregular bleeding may also be associated with ovarian cysts. These changes can be the product of hormone imbalances that are triggered by the presence of a cyst, especially when ovulation doesn’t occur (or is delayed).
Some disrupt the release of progesterone, which causes menstruation to commence. Lose your uterus and the reproductive plumbing that leads to it, and your period might be irregular or nonexistent for weeks.
You can use a period journal or tracking app to help recognize these patterns. Pay attention to the timing and duration of your periods, how heavy or light they are, and any other symptoms you may have like bloating or lower abdominal pain. These specifics can be useful in conversations with your provider.
Menstrual Cramps and Pain Can Be Worse With Cysts
If your cramps are more uncomfortable than usual, a cyst may be to blame. Cysts and pain are often linked to changes in menstruation.
Cysts can:
- Pull or push on surrounding tissues, leading to referred dull or sharp pain
- Cause blood to flow into the ovary or surrounding area
- Become inflamed during your period
You may feel pain only on one side of your lower belly — that’s where the cyst is. Many people say this pain feels greater than premenstrual cramps and can linger for a longer time. Cysts that are tied to endometriosis, such as endometriomas, can cause intense period pain.
Sudden Pain or Bleeding Could Mean a Ruptured or Twisted Cyst
Though most cysts are harmless, some can rupture or twist the ovary — a so-called ovarian torsion. These are medical emergencies.
Watch for:
Symptoms of an Ectopic Pregnancy Symptom
- Severe Lower Belly Pain that Strikes Suddenly Lower belly pain that feels very severe and comes on suddenly is a classic symptom of an ectopic pregnancy.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Feeling faint or weak
- Rapid heartbeat
A ruptured cyst can also lead to internal bleeding. If the pain is sharp, or there is no relief over time — or if you have other symptoms like weakness, dizziness or fever — go to the emergency room.
Cysts and Other Menstrual-Related Changes That Merit a Doctor’s Visit
You should be able to carry on with your day during your period. If it does, then it is time to talk to your provider.
Reach out if you notice:
- and bleeding for a week or more
- Pain that doesn’t get better with the use of pain medication
- Spotting between periods
- Frequent, infrequent or missing periods
- Sex-related or bathroom-related pain
These symptoms might be a result of cysts and changes in your period, but they can also indicate other things such as PCOS or endometriosis. An ultrasound or hormone panel might help clear up what’s going on.
Hormonal Treatments Can Regulate Cycles and Prevent Cysts
Hormones: One of the best ways to control cysts and abnormal periods is through hormone therapy.
The pill may be prescribed for the following reasons:
- Prevention of ovulation (which prevents the development of most functional cysts)
- Regulate your periods
- Reduce bleeding and cramping
- These won’t shrink existing ones, but can prevent the formation of new ones and achieve some hormonic balance.
Cysts May Impact Fertility and Long-Term Hormonal Health
Many occasional cysts do not affect fertility. But cysts due to PCOS or endometriosis can interfere with ovulation and hormone levels more seriously. If you’re trying to become pregnant and have irregular periods, speak with your doctor about being screened for these conditions.
Cysts associated with PCOS inhibit the normal release of eggs, and this may result in long-term cycle disturbances. Endometriomas can also cause pelvic pain and infertility. If your periods are always irregular or you’re having trouble getting pregnant, an evaluation is the next best step.
Understand and Protect Your Body
If your periods have changed or you’re having a pain that doesn’t feel right, it’s time to check in. Our compassionate gynecologists at perry avenue family medical center are here to help you figure out what’s going on in your body and address the issue. There is a full range of women’s health services in the practice, from menstrual cycle management and hormonal assessment to advanced diagnostic analysis for ovarian cysts and associated issues. If you are treating symptoms or preparing to get pregnant, we will collaborate with you on a care plan that meets your goals.
“Ready to take charge of your reproductive health? Contact us today to make an appointment with a gynecologist in the Bronx — we’re here to help you along your journey.
Do you want to know more about scheduling an appointment with Perry Avenue Family Medical Center, or would you rather learn how to monitor your menstrual cycle symptoms?