ovarian cysts in teenager

Is it normal for a teenager to have fast growing ovarian cysts, every other month?
Since Nov 2011 my daughter has had two 5.5cm removed one through open surgery and one by keyhole, they grow at a rate of 1cm per week, she currently has a 2cm one that has grown in the last two weeks as two weeks ago her ovaries were clear. The hospital say this is within normal range, which i know it is but give the fact hers grow so fast i would have thought at the very least they would scan her in a few weeks to check it hasn't grown, but she's not due back in clinic till Sept.
She has been admitted to hospital, 6 times since last Nov, in pain that radiates down her leg, but they really just don't believe her most of the time and she has seen some awful doctors who bedside manner is really not very good at all, because shes a bigger than average 14 year old, they assume she is an adult.
She has missed at least two months of school so far, either in hospital having had surgery or in pain.
I just don't know what to do now!
Please help.

[Elaine Brown, MD]

Hi!
My STRONG recommendation is that you find a regular doctor for your daughter whom you both can relate to. A team of doctors would be even better, such as a gynecologist, a pediatrician, a therapist who specializes in pain mangement as well.
Having repeated surgeries is definitely NOT in her best interests.
I personally would suspect endometriosis, and would probably recommend treating accordingly -- with oral contraceptives as my first line of management.
They also often suppress the formation of cysts.
Your problem has become rather large, and it won't get better until you can find a doctor or team who can work with you and your daughter consistently.

Good luck!
Dr B