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What causes repeated ovarian cysts in a teenager?


Sent to Health Experts September 25, 2006 11:05 a.m.

My daughter had pain in June that was diagnosed as cysts on the ovary. The Drs. thought the tubes were twisted. when they went in to do the sugery they found either they were never twisted or thy came untwisted. either way a cyst had burst and they removed that. Her period has not been normal since this.This was done in June.She was put on the pill. Which caused migraines and nausea. She was taken off that and put on progestrone. A week after she bleeded heavily and got pains in her lower abdomen.
She was diagnosed with many cysts on her right ovary. Which they found with an ultrasound. Last time it was on the left ovary.The doctors feel that the only way to find find out what is going on is to do an internal. She really does not one , but if this the best option to find out what is wrong then she will have it done. This started Thursday and is in less pain now but is still tender when you touch her lower abdomen. What can cause the cysts and is the best option to have an internal?      Thank you for your time.

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 16

Already Tried:
Ibuprofen the pill and progesterone
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status: Closed   Value: $8   
Answer
September 25, 2006 11:24 a.m. (19 minutes and 1 second later)
ACCEPTED Check Mark

Sounds as though she has fluid filled cysts. Although not knowing what type she has for sure does put me at a disadvantage. But since her cyst did burst, she may have what's known as Cystadenomas cysts. I don't know what type of BC she was put on. Some woman do better with a low dose BC, which can help control the cysts.

I also don't know what blood tests she has done to check for hormone levels, etc. When one has cysts, then there should be a follow up ultra sound (about 2 days after her period starts) If the cysts are gone or getting smaller then it was a functional cyst: either a follicle cyst or a corpus luteum cyst. Nothing more needs to be done. If there is no change in the cysts and it persists then a diagnosis must be arrived via other method.

Here is information of how the cysts develop from one article: Your ovaries normally grow cyst like structures called follicles each month. Follicles are little "chemical factories" that produce the hormones estrogen and progesterone and release an egg when you ovulate.

Sometimes a normal monthly follicle just keeps growing. When that happens, it becomes known as a functional cyst. This means it started during the normal function of your menstrual cycle. There are two types of functional cysts:

  • Follicular ovarian cyst. Ovulation initiates a complex chain reaction. The follicle holding your egg takes its cue from your brain's pituitary gland via a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), which is necessary for conception. When everything goes according to plan, your egg is released and begins its journey down the fallopian tube in search of fertilization. A follicular cyst begins when LH doesn't surge and the chain reaction doesn't start. The result is a follicle that doesn't rupture or release its egg. Instead, it grows and grows until it becomes a cyst. Follicular cysts are usually harmless, rarely cause pain and often disappear on their own within two or three menstrual cycles.
  • Corpus luteum ovarian cyst. If LH does surge and your egg is released, another chain of events starts. The follicle then responds to LH by producing large quantities of estrogen and progesterone in preparation for conception. This change in the follicle is called the corpus luteum. However, sometimes after the egg's release, its escape hole seals off and tissues accumulate inside, causing the corpus luteum to expand into a cyst. Although this cyst usually disappears on its own in a few weeks, it can grow to almost 4 inches in diameter and has the potential to bleed into itself or twist the ovary, causing pelvic or abdominal pain. If it fills with blood, the cyst may rupture, causing internal bleeding and sudden, sharp pain.

Here is an excellent site you can read more on this as well. Click here

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