Complex ovarian cyst

[jcc29]

Hello. I am new to this site and found some of the posting to be useful information. My problem is that I have had a complex ovarian cyst on both of my ovaries. The first one was found about 4 months ago on the left side and they said it was about the size of a golf ball. So I was put on the bcp and told to get a follow-up ultrasound in 8 weeks. I went back in that time frame and the left side ovary had returned to normal size but there was now one on the right ovary which was slightly bigger than the one I had had on the left. So we decided to just continue the bcp and follow up again on the right ovarian cyst. I just went today and now the right is normal sized and I have one double the size on the left ovary. It's really wierd cuz it is going back and forth to each ovary and I can't figure out why. I get a little pain now and then but nothing that makes me feel the need to go to the hospital. Has anyone had this "alternating" problem and if so do you have any info or suggestions. I would appreciate it!!!  :-)

[lactac1224]

Just a question - is it possible that you have Polycystic Ovarian syndrome?  I was diagnased with this years ago.  Because of the PCOS they checked my insulin level and it was off so I went on med for insulin resistance.  It really helped and I had 2 great children!  Just a thought you may want to ask about PCOS.  It causes many cysts and can really mess up your cycles.  :)  Laura

[see the sun]

Gatsby- thank you for letting me know. I was really worried that I could possibly be pregnant. Oh, another thing, is it normal that these symptoms are just beginning to surface within the past week if I've been suffering from abdominal pain for the past several months? I hope so because although I would love to have children someday, right now is just not the time for me.

[marymk]

Hi,
I've been getting alternating complex cysts for the past year (maybe longer - but didn't have an US until last August). Mine are small - 1.5 cm or less.
My gyn says it's probably happening because I'm getting close to menopause, and my ovaries are 'trying' to ovulate.
I've had 4 CA 125 tests - all below 35 (normal range). Although I was nervous because they were 28, 34.5 and 24, my doc wasn't concerned with the numbers.
I'm not on BC, and was getting a ultrasound every 3 months to follow this. I just went last week, and don't have to return for 6 months. The cyst on my left was gone, and there was a new one on the right - still very small.

Mary

[see the sun]

Hi, I am new to this forum and last week was finalyl diagnosed for the constant abdominal pain I had been having since February of this year. The doctor confirmed that I had a few ovarian cysts on both of my ovaries. He prescribed me with birth control which i cannot start until after my period this month.

My thoughts: i also am experiencing cosntant lower back pain, gas, diarrhea, and a deep pit feeling in my stomach, as if I just got food poisoning. The stomach pain makes me beleive that i could be pregnant. I would like to know if anyone else has experienced this problem or know of anyone else who has? Any or all of these symptoms? I'm not sure if my back pain is associated with the ovarian cysts or with an injury i had in november of 2005. i went to see an orthopedist and he confirmed that it was not related to my spine or bones. Could I possibly be pregnant? I got off the pill about 2.5 months ago, and have been pretty careful about it, but am alarmed that i could still be pregnant (no breast tenderness and little nausea).

[Gatsby]

Ovarian cysts can wreak havoc on your hormone levels.  This can cause all sorts of hormonal changes in your body.  You can even feel nausea as you would if you were pregnant.  Also, the lower back pain could be from the cysts, depending on where they are resting in your body.  They can press on nerves and other organs.  GI problems are also symptoms of ovarian cysts.  I am glad that you are seeking medical attention.
~Tascha

[jcc29]

Thanks Gatsby for the reply! I wondered if each month they alternate because of the ovulation, so that helps answer my question. I just think this is how my body is supposed to be....that could be normal right? I still am lost as to why it's happening when I am on the birth control pill though. I take Loestrin 24 and I know that's low-dose, so maybe I would need a stronger one. Honestly the pain is bearable and I am used to it cuz I have had it for a long time. I think I feel when one is starting or growing or something. Thanks again!!!

[Gatsby]

It is possible to not have any symptoms until the cysts get to a certain size.  It could be that now the cyst involves more of the ovary thus causing the hormonal shift.  Also, as the cyst grows, it presses on other organs and tissues that normally would not have something there.
~Tascha

[jcc29]

Hi everyone. My doc called today and said not to worry about this cyst that's back on the left side and that I don't need to follow up unless I am in a lot of pain. Is it still possible to ovulate being on birth control and is that the only cause of ovarian cysts?

[jcc29]

Mary--
Thanks for the post. It helps to know others have a similarity, that's for sure! Maybe birth control would help yours?? I am not sure though because I am still getting them eventhough I am taking some. I think maybe this is just the way my body functions and maybe has for quite some time. Hard to say. I guess I won't worry unless I get in a great deal of pain. Sounds like that's about all I can do for now.  :-)

[Gatsby]

Hi there and welcome to the site.  You are getting them on alternating sides because they coincide with your monthly cycle.  Each time you ovulate, your ovary creates a cyst for the egg, however in your case the cyst keeps growing and eventually resolving on it's own.  This is not unusual.  You are wise in seeking medical attention and it is good that your dr. is keeping an eye on this.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  Godspeed
~Tascha