Facts About the Ovarian Cyst

The ovarian cyst is a sac containing liquid, solid material or both, that has attached on the surface of the ovary or has developed inside of it. The ovarian cyst is not a rare disease and seems to affect women aged from 30 to 60. Both ovaries get be affected at the same time or at a distance of years one from another and they can have one or more cysts attached. These cysts are mostly non cancerous but 15 % of them transform into cancerous ones.

Once a month, in the process of ovulation, the women's body produces hormones which help the follicles grow. These follicles are shaped as a sac and contain the eggs and fluid. After the egg has grown the follicle normally ruptures in order to set the egg free. After that the follicle will become a smaller sac known as luteum. The ovarian cysts are forming due to the failure of the follicles rupturing or due to not releasing the egg. Scientists have classified the cysts into five: functional cysts, endometrial cysts, polycystic ovaries, cystadenomas and dermoid cysts. The functional cysts contain the follicle cyst and corpus luteum cyst which are a part of the normal process that is performed in the ovary.

The follicle cyst measures 2 inches and forms when the egg is sent to the fallopian tube or if the follicle fails to rupture. Most of them disappear in one to three months.

Generally after the egg is removed from the follicle and if the woman is not pregnant the follicle has to transform into luteum, a smaller sac and then disintegrate. If this small sac gets filled with liquid it will form the corpus luteum cyst which will remain inside the ovary.

The polycystic ovarian syndrome is another disease I which the ovaries get filled with intact follicles. It seems that normally the pituitary hormones like progesterone are controlling the egg production process. In some women the pituitary gland does not work properly and so, a lot of follicles are being produced and then stockpiled under the ovaries' surface. This way the ovaries grow in size, become enlarged and are filled with tiny cysts.

The endometrial cysts refer to the cysts that are formed out of endometrial tissue and blood. The endometrial tissue normally is found in the uterus but in this case it grows in other places too and bleeds, forming the cysts. These cysts can grow for a long time until they reach the size of a grapefruit.

The cystadenomas are neoplasms which appear from the tissue of the ovary and are classified in two: the serous cystadenoma and the mucous cystadenoma. The first one contains liquid and can reach the diameter of 6 inches. The second one contains a gelatinous substance and can get to 12 inches in diameter.

Generally cysts are 'silent' and they do not give any symptoms until the get ruptured during sexual intercourse or childbirth. When this happens, the woman will complain of intense abdominal pain, problems with menstruation like bleeding between periods or heavy menstrual flow and infertility which happens in polycystic ovaries. In endometrial cysts, internal bleeding can occur, menstrual cramps, painful sexual intercourse, and weight gain.

If the woman senses a sharp pain it means that the cyst had ruptured or twisted. It is important to go to the hospital as soon as possible as an infection can be produced and the woman's life can be in danger.
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About The Hemorrhagic Ovarian Cyst

According to medical research nearly all women and especially those of child-bearing years have been inflicted with a hemorrhagic ovarian cyst also known as a hematocyst or a blood cyst in some stage of their lives.

The hemorrhagic cysts of ovaries are viewed by medical professionals as so-called functioning cysts. That means that those cysts are affected by hormones, occur during a normal menstrual cycle, and also they are not caused by any specific disease. As a matter of fact, the hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are the most common type o-f cyst. They are most likely happened to be benign, which means they are probably non-cancerous.

Most hemorrhagic ovarian cysts are diagnosed through CT scans, ultrasounds and are quite often found during bi-annual and annual gynecologist visits.

Although the hemorrhagic ovarian cyst symptoms may vary in between females, a woman who suspects of having those type of cyst must be aware that there are some symptoms that overblown or even not true.

The first indication of existing cyst may come as a sudden dull but steady pain in the lower abdomen located either to the right or left of the intestines. This pain may sometimes intensify during the menstrual cycle or during strenuous exercise.

Additionally irregular menstrual periods as well as abnormal spotting and increased pain during menstruation could be caused by hemorrhagic ovarian cyst. Other common symptoms are excessive bloating or tenderness in the lower abdomen that does not lessen after a finished monthly cycle as well as nausea or vomiting and fatigue. An affected woman may occasionally suffer from fever; however the raised body temperature is mostly not present. The truth is, the hemorrhagic cyst will go unnoticed most of the time because the women might take an anti-inflammatory medication or pain reliever, which reduce or keep the fever down.

Depending on the severity of the cyst most hemorrhagic ovarian cyst treatments require very little medical attention such as recurring office visits and at home treatment is all that is needed. Over-the-counter pain relievers are advised for the occurring pain; however if the pain is severe and persistent, the physician might prescribe some stronger.

A common heating pad or hot water applied to the sore area is quite often applied to alleviate localized pain and bloating. Normally the sufferer is not restricted to exercise her usual daily routines; however she might be advised to avoid few strenuous activities at least until the pain decreases.

In case the pain persists for an extended period of time or if there has been ovarian cancer present in the medical history of the woman, the doctor will order a biopsy or a Laparoscopy.

Depending on the size and growth of the cyst some may require surgical removal.
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Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

The endocrine disorders among females are of various types but the most common one is the polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) which is basically an inherited disorder and can be received from either parent. The chances of occurrence of this disorder vary from 5-10% among the females of age group of 12-45 resulting in female sub-fertility. This endocrine disorder can be identified by anovulation which is diagnosed by irregular menstruation, amenorrhea, polycystic ovaries, ovulation-related infertility, excessive secretion of androgenic hormones that cause hirsutism and acne. High cholesterol level, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance are other known symptoms. All these symptoms vary among different individuals. The disorder is known by a number of other names like polycystic ovary disease, functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, ovarian hyperthecosis and Stein-Leventhal syndrome. A polycystic ovary has abnormal number of eggs that can be viewed near its surface resembling cysts.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is generally described by two definitions. First definition was given by NIH or NICHD in 1990 which suggests that if a female is suffering from oligoovulation, shows signs of androgen excess and other entities that result in polycystic ovaries then the female is suffering from this endocrine disorder. The second definition was given in a workshop sponsored by ESHRE/ASRM held in Rotterdam in 2003 which predicts that if a female is suffering from oligoovulation or anovulation, has excess androgen activity and symptoms of polycystic ovary then she is suffering from polycystic ovary disease. The second definition appears to be wider and acceptable. The chief symptoms of the polycystic ovary syndrome include menstrual disorders chiefly amenorrhea and oligomenorrhea but other menstrual disorders may also crop up. Chronic anovulation results in infertility. High levels of androgens result in acne and hirsutism. Hypermenorrhea and other symptoms can also make their appearance. About three quarters of the females suffering from this endocrine disorder generally suffer from hyperandrogenemia. Central obesity and insulin resistance are also noticed. Serum insulin and homocysteine levels are significantly higher in females with this disease.

It is not always necessary that the women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may have polycystic ovaries and similar is the condition that all the women with polycystic ovaries may not suffer from this syndrome. The syndrome can be easily diagnosed by the pelvic ultrasound but other diagnostic tools are also available. History of the individual based on menstrual pattern, obesity, hirsutism and absence of breast development can help the medical professional. Gynecologic ultrasonography can be performed which helps in the detection of small ovarian follicles. These small follicles are believed to be formed due to disturbed ovarian function where ovulation has failed to take place due to absence of menstruation. In a normal menstrual cycle a single egg is released from the dominant follicle. After ovulation, the remnant of the follicle is converted into a characteristic structure known as corpus luteum formed by the action of progesterone. This structure finally disappears after 12-14 days. In polycystic ovary syndrome, although a number of follicles are formed but none of them grows more than 5-7 mm in length and fail to enter the preovulatory stage of the menstrual cycle. According to the Rotterdam criteria there must be 12 or more than 12 small follicles detected in the ultrasound. These small follicles are generally present near the periphery of the ovarian wall giving it the appearance of string of pearls. The ovary enlarges and attains a size which is 1.5 to 3 times greater than the normal size and this is due to the presence of these abnormal follicles.

Laparoscopic examinations depict the presence of a white, smooth outer surface of ovary. The serum (blood) levels of androgens specifically androstenedione and testosterone are elevated. The levels of dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate are also higher. The free testosterone levels are also high and it gives the best clue about the presence of this syndrome. The free androgen index of the ratio of testosterone to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is generally higher but it is a poor indicator. Some blood tests are also suggested but they are not good indicators of the diagnosis of the polycystic ovary syndrome. The ratio of LH (Luteinizing Hormone) to FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is greater than 1:1 as tested on the third day of menstruation. Among the obese women the levels of the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is generally low. Fasting biochemical screening and lipid profiling of the individual can be carried out while searching for this syndrome. A 2-hour oral glucose tolerance test (GTT) of the suspected individuals can be carried out which indicates impaired glucose tolerance in 15-30% patients of this syndrome. Insulin resistance is very commonly noticed in the patients of polycystic ovary syndrome. Other clinical disorders may also be associated with menstrual abnormalities namely Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, congenital adrenal hyperplasia and pituitary disorders.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a generically inherited condition. It is inherited in an autosomal dominant system with higher risk of occurrence in females. The chances of inheriting the gene responsible for this syndrome are 50% if the parent is carrying the gene. The gene responsible for this syndrome can although be inherited either from the father or the mother and the gene can be passed to the sons but the symptoms may arise only in the daughters. The gene responsible for this disorder has not been yet identified. Polycystic ovaries generally develop when the ovaries are stimulated to produce excessive amounts of the male hormones particularly testosterone. This may happen due to release of excessive amounts of the luteinizing hormone (LH) from the anterior pituitary gland or elevated levels of insulin in the blood of women who are sensitive to insulin or reduced levels of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in blood which results in increased level of free androgens. The syndrome has acquired its name polycystic due to resemblance of the small follicles with the cysts. The follicles develop from the primordial follicles but their development ceases at the antral stage due to the disturbed ovarian function. These cysts like follicles get arranged at the periphery of the ovarian wall. Majority of the patients with this disorder in general show insulin resistance and this can cause abnormalities similar to those observed in the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian-axis.

The symptoms of the polycystic ovarian disease are very complex and may not be same for all the patients. In many cases it can be characterized by hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance. Majority of the cases of this disease have a genetic basis. The excessive amounts of the adipose tissue in the obese individuals also increase levels of androgens and estrogens. Adipose tissue carries an enzyme identified as aromatase that participates in the conversion of androstenedione to estrone and testosterone to estradiol. Hyperinsulinemia causes an increase in the GnRH pulse frequency, increased ovarian androgen production, decreased follicular maturation and decreased sex hormone binding globulin levels that ultimately result in polycystic ovary disease. Chronic inflammations may also result in this syndrome. A study carried out in the United Kingdom indicated that the incidence of polycystic ovary disease is higher in the lesbian women than the heterosexuals. The medications given to the patients of this disease generally focus on lowering of insulin levels, fertility restoration, hirsutism or acne treatment and prevention of endometrial hyperplasia, endometrial cancer and restoration of regular menstrual cycle. Cases where the disease is associated with obesity, weight loss is the effective strategy for the commencement of regular menstruation. Low carbohydrate diet and regular exercise may help in weight loss.

All the females with the polycystic ovary disease may not face the difficulty of becoming pregnant only those suffering from anovulation may face the problem. Patients with the problem of anovulation may be treated with clomiphene citrate and FSH injections. The patients who fail to give positive results with clomiphene and FSH treatments are treated with assisted reproductive technology procedures like controlled ovarian hyperstimulation with follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) injections followed by in vitro fertilization (IVF). Surgery is generally not performed in case of the polycystic ovary but a laparoscopic procedure known as ovarian drilling is generally carried out. Hirsutism can be treated by using an effective standard contraceptive pill. The key ingredient of the contraceptive pills is cyproterone acetate which is a progestogen. This compound is anti-androgenic in action and blocks the activity of male hormones that are responsible for acne and unwanted hair growth on face and over body. Other drugs that carry anti-androgen effects include flutamide and spironolactone that can effectively reduce hirsutism. Spironolactone is the most commonly used drug in the United States. Menstrual problems can be regulated by the use of contraceptive pills but these drugs can cause additional problems if continued for a long time. Two inositol isomers namely D-chiro-inositol and myo-inositol have given promising results against this syndrome.

Women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome are at the risk of getting affected with endometrial hyperplasia and endometrial cancer. These clinical manifestations may crop up due to over accumulation of the uterine lining and absence of progesterone which is responsible for the prolonged stimulation of the uterine cells by estrogen. These symptoms set a positive background for the appearance of other health problems like obesity, hyperinsulinemia, hyperandrogenism, type-2 diabetes and insulin resistance. A study conducted in 2010 spotlighted that the women suffering from polycystic ovary disease are at an elevated risk of getting affected with type-2 diabetes and insulin resistance. High blood pressure, depression or depression with anxiety, miscarriage, excessive weight gain, cardiovascular disease, acanthosis nigricans, autoimmune thyroiditis are other risks associated with this syndrome.
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Fibroids and the Detection of Uterine Fibroids

Approximately 30 to 40% of women suffer from uterine fibroids that are usually benign growths that are found on the uterine muscle. Fibroids and their treatment continue to be researched and one of the important factors known is that they mainly affect black women. Women of other races are also affected but to a lesser extent. This article discusses fibroids and the detection of uterine fibroids.

It is important to know that most fibroids do not require any treatment and do not cause problems. Other fibroids however may cause heavy menstrual cycles. The heavy blood loss associated with these heavy periods can lead to anemia or debilitation. In other cases, these heavy periods can lead to a condition known as "compression syndrome". This condition affects the adjacent body organs such as the bladder leading to frequent urination, or bloating and constipation.

Fibroids can also press on the nerves and lead to backache or a bulging abdominal area that is aesthetically displeasing.

It can also be confusing to determine if you have fibroids or ovarian cysts. A doctor will be able to give a proper diagnosis. An ovarian cyst is a fluid filled sac on the ovary that may also develop in the fallopian tube. A fibroid on the other hand is a muscle growth that is solid and smooth that develops on the uterus walls. Both are usually benign (non-cancerous).

Fibroids usually develop during the later reproductive years and have been found in women over 35 years of age in 1/3 of the cases. As previously mentioned, they mainly affect black women or women who have a family history of fibroids.

Fibroids do not usually produce symptoms in most women and are usually detected in much the same way as ovarian cysts though normal pelvic exams. An ultrasound can also be administered to detect the fibroids. An ultrasound can also differentiate between a fibroid and an ovarian cyst.

Uterine fibroids usually become a problem when they become large in size thus leading to increased pressure on the bladder or rectum or a protruding belly. Large fibroids can also lead to heavy periods or severe pain in the pelvic region.

Fibroids are most common in the uterus or womb and are benign. They usually develop in the uterine wall and attach to the wall. They can also migrate outside the uterus. Fibroids can develop as a single tumor or develop into clusters of tumors.

Fibroids - When to Seek Medical Treatment

1. Pain in the pelvic region or abdominal area

2. Heavy or irregular menstrual cycles or bleeding or spotting between periods

3. Night sweats or if you experience fever

4. Unusual increasing abdominal girth

5. Fertility concerns with inability to fall pregnant or other pregnancy concerns

Immediate medical treatment should be sought if any of the following occur;

a. Prolonged or intense abdominal pain or severe and prolonged pain in the pelvic region.

b. If the menstrual cycle involves heavy bleeding that soaks up more that three pads or tampons each hour.

c. If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath or chest pain due to vaginal bleeding, etc.

d. If you experience vaginal bleeding related to possible pregnancy or current pregnancy.

Uterine Fibroids - Test and Exams

a. Endometrial biopsy - A small tool is used to get small samples of tissue from the uterus.

b. Trans-vaginal or Pelvic Ultrasound - Sound waves are used to give your physician a view of your pelvic area in order to determine the size, number and shape of the fibroids.

c. Hysterosalpingography - A dye is administered into the uterus and fallopian tube. An x-ray is then used to identify the fibroids.

d. Hysteroscopy - A small fiber optic camera is used to view the uterus through the cervix opening.

e. Laparoscopy - A Small fiber optic camera is also used here that is inserted through the abdomen in order to view the internal organs.

Before fibroids become severe, there are various holistic or natural remedies that have been shown to work wonders in treating and curing fibroids. These are preferred by a growing number of women because they are less invasive and the sufferers can avoid surgery some of which includes a hysterectomy.
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Research the various natural or holistic treatment options to cure your uterine fibroids by visiting my website at http://fibroidsandovariancysts.webs.com/ for tips and resources.

Facing the Trauma of Uterine Fibroids

Uterine fibroids are tumours which grow from cells forming the muscle of the uterus. They are also called leiomyoma, myoma, fibromyoma, leiofibromyoma or fibroleiomyoma of the uterus and they can grow on the uterine wall and push out into the bladder, bowel or intestine or can grow within the uterine wall, or even project from the wall of the uterus on a narrow stalk into the uterine cavity. They can be as small as a pea and may go unnoticed but they can cause problems if they grow big.

Some of the symptoms of fibroids can be following:

• Cramps
They are considered to be foreign bodies by the uterus which needs to be expelled. The resulting pressure on the uterine fibroid can cause strong spasms i.e. sudden involuntary muscular contractions.

• Constipation and Pelvic Pain
Normal bowel movements can be hampered when the fibroids press on the colon, causing pain during digestion. They also compress other organs inducing pressure which can be experienced in the form of sharp pains.

• Heavy Menstruation and Vaginal Bleeding
There can be abnormal bleeding. Some women may experience bleeding after a long time of going through menopause which indicates fibroid development.

• Urinary Infections
Fibroids can cause urinary tract infections which may lead to frequent urination or difficulty in urination.

• Abdominal Swelling and Back Pain
A bulging belly that feels hard on touching is a common symptom. Many women with fibroids can appear to be pregnant due to the swelling. In some cases, women with fibroids experience pain in the back or legs.

Besides all these symptoms, they also disturb conception. When it blocks the fallopian tube, fertilization cannot take place. When it grows near the uterine lining, implantation of the fertilized egg can be disrupted, thus causing miscarriages and sometimes women with extremely large growth may not be able to conceive simply because of the size of the fibroid.

These are quite common among women and may a times. A woman is not aware that she is having them. In such cases, they do not cause any symptoms or problems, and they remain unnoticed. Their existence can be hereditary. Conception and intake of oral contraceptives both decrease the likelihood that they will develop. They have not been observed in girls who have not reached puberty and adolescent girls rarely develop them. Some other factors that have been associated with an increased risk of developing fibroids are having the first menstrual period (menarche) before the age of 10, consumption of alcohol (particularly beer), uterine infections and high blood pressure (hypertension).
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Early Sylptoms of Pregnancy

The feeling of being pregnant brings in lot of mixed emotions. It is a feeling of ecstasy that you are going to be a MUMMY!!! You will be playing and caring about a new small member in your family!!! Though the pregnancy starts from the first day of the last menstrual period, the would be mother feels the symptoms of pregnancy only after few weeks. However, symptoms of pregnancy are not the same for every woman; the following are common signs that can foretell the pregnancy.

Missed Menstrual Period

It is the most obvious and common symptom of pregnancy. Some women may not completely miss the monthly cycle but have much lighter period in comparison to their usual one.

Morning Sickness AND NAUSEA

Nausea is a precursor to morning sickness. It can signify that a woman is pregnant. Morning sickness is caused by crave for food as the stomach is queasy, above normal amount of hormones etc. Many women suffer from nausea up to two weeks before an expected monthly cycle. Eating several smaller meals instead of larger ones can help with nausea. The body requirement of each woman is different and different food may or may not contribute to morning sickness.

Tender Breasts

Usually tenderness of breast is a precursor to forthcoming period but this tenderness along with swollen and sore breasts with a tickly feeling can be an early indicator of pregnancy. The hormone level increases during pregnancy. Breasts plays important role in nourishing young newborn babies. Breasts become more sensitive during pregnancy and prepare themselves for producing milk and breastfeeding. Sometimes the nipples become dark in color.

Fatigue

Experiencing fatigue and exhaustiveness can also indicate pregnancy. The pregnant women feel sleepy all day. This is due to the changes in body and also the increasing levels of hormones. Frequent rests or naps whenever possible will work to revitalize your energies.

Frequent Urination

This increased urge to urinate continues all the pregnancy period. The increasing size of uterus puts pressure on urinary bladder and extra body fluids are processed by kidneys. This results in early symptom of pregnancy that all will notice as you frequently rush towards restroom.

DIZZINESS AND/OR FAINTING OR LIGHT HEADEDNESS

The swollen uterus compresses the arteries of legs which can result into lowering blood pressure and make you dizzy. Low blood sugar level will make you faint, so it is said that you should have healthy and frequent eatables to maintain your blood sugar up.

FOOD CRAVINGS

Food cravings are a strong sign or symptoms of pregnancy. Pregnant women crave for certain foods especially sour and tangy eatable. Popping a vitamin supplement and a pure fish oil capsule may relieve you from some cravings. The cravings may be due to your body's need for special nutrition. Sometimes it is seen that women show aversionto certain foods which she used to like very much earlier.

SENSITIVITY TO AROMAS

Pregnant women become sensitive to aromas. Due to the increase in estrogen level strong fragrances will cause nausea.

HEARTBURN AND/OR CONSTIPATION

The problem of heartburn is caused due to: the swelling of uterus and pushing it against the stomach and other organs; slowing down of digestion due to increased hormonal level. So a good prenatal multi-vitamin-mineral supplement might provide pregnant woman's body with all the nutrients needed for growing baby. The high level of acid released from stomach slower emptying of the stomach and also causes heartburn. This is continued for first to ninth month.

MOOD SWINGS AND IRRITABILITY

With questions continuously popping to a would be mother's mind about timing, career, finances, motherhood, labor and delivery, mood swings and irritable behavior is quite natural. These symptoms of pregnanby are result of raging hormones. The pregnant woman may go through mixed emotions, sometimes excited on the second moment depressed, sometimes joyous and the other moment mourning, whereas sometimes laughter and sometimes tears. Second Trimester shows a decrease in this early symptom of pregnancy.

HIGHER BODY TEMPERATURE

When the body temperature is higher than normal then it might be a sign of good news coming your way. Tracking of body temperature for some days may give you an idea whether you are pregnant or not. If the increased temperature stays high continuously for two weeks, may be you are pregnant.

LOW BACK PAIN

About half of all the pregnant women show early pregnancy symptom of low back pain which is caused by the mother's increased weight. In later pregnancy months too the bulging uterus gets bigger, as the baby grows larger, and this will affect her posture and torso which would inturn put strain on the back.

Lack of relaxed sleep at night and hormones and loosening of joints and ligaments also cause the early pregnancy symptoms of low back pain.

Spotting

Spotting or "implantation bleeding" is not a very common symptom in pregnancy so it is not seen as obvious symptom of pregnancy. Not many of the women report it. Actually a slight bleeding or just spotting occurs at the time when zygote implants itself to the uterine wall. It takes place usually between 3 to 6 days after fertilization. Sometimes spotting may also occur because of miscarriage so if it happens any day see the gynecologist.

WEIGHT GAIN

If you are putting on weight unavoidably and the clothes are getting tighter day by day and you feel like bloating, then it may a pre-symptom of pregnancy though not necessarily.

If you observe some of the above symptoms rush to your Gynecologist to check that if you are pregnant. If he confirms pregnancy or you are planning to conceive take daily pre-natal vitamin supplements for your as well as for the health of your baby.

Learn more about Pregnancy tips and baby care at http://www.pregnancytips.in