Ovarian cysts and Clomid use

[Just concerned]

I am concerned about my last pelvic ultrasound.  Was told I have a 2 cm slightly ill defined, slightly lobulated cyst on my right ovary requiring at least a followup ultrasound for reassessment.  My doctor told me to wait 3 months to have that done.  I am terribly concerned as I took Clomid in the past and used it for a 2-3 year period, on and off.  It did not result in a pregnancy.  I also had endometriosis for which I had laser surgery.  I was on Danazol for 6 months prior to the surgery but it didn't work so I had surgery. I feel with all the hormones I took, it may have put me at an increased risk for ovarian cancer.  I am 47 years old and am also waiting to go for an endometrial biopsy as I have endometrial thickening as well.  I also have a uterine fibroid.  Just wondering if it's because I am in periomenopause. Wtih all these combined, it does have me concerned.  Has anyone else had any of these problems occur, either with or without use of Clomid?  Thanks!

[MickeyVicki]

I recall reading a report on a recent study that concluded fertility drugs like Clomid were not as likely to cause ovarian cancers as originally believed.  Additionally, I recall reading that LMP (low malignant potential) tumors or cysts were the type most associated with Clomid use.  You can probably find the report on the internet; unfortunately, I have no idea where I found it.

If you are not comfortable with your doctor's timeline for following the progession of your cyst, then seek a second opinion.  It seems that you are having multiple issues with your reproductive system all at once, and it might very well be that some of the problems are due to the hormonal imbalances caused by perimenopause.

[maryjoseph]

Two of my daughters have endometriosis. My one daughter is pregnant and my 17 year old has a cyst on her ovary and in extreme pain each month. My third daughter and myself do not have any of there problems. There is no history of ovarian cancer in my family. My husband’s mother died of ovarian cancer, I think, he has a mysterious family. My question is do my daughter’s need to worry about ovarian cancer??

[Just concerned]

Thanks for your replies.  I also had endometriosis.  I never had much pain with it but suffered infertility which was why I was put on Clomid.  I had laser surgery for the endometriosis and was never bothered by it again.  I thought I had heard that a report as well that stated the potential risk for ovarian cancer from Clomid use was not as great as once thought but have also read otherwise, too so don't know what the real answer is.  The drug has been around for over 40 years so would think they would have some long term studies by now!  In answer to your question about ovarian cancer risk due to hereditary factors, I don't know if the risks are the same as far as breast cancer is concerned but was told it's a greater risk if it's a first degree relative - mother, sister or daughter rather than a grandmother.  Has anyone else had alot of problems with perimenopause such as fibroids, cysts or endometrial thickening?  If so, how did things turn out?  Thanks!

[MickeyVicki]

Interesting question!  I began having my first perimenopausal symptoms nearly five years ago.  Late last year, I was diagnosed with an endometrioma.  During surgery, I was also diagnosed with endometriosis, which was a  big surprise as I had no symptoms of it.  My doctor also found a small fibroid on the back of my uterus.  My left ovary, fallopian tube, and the endometrioma were removed during surgery.  The doctor also 'zapped' as much of the endo as was possible.  I have never asked if there could be any connection to my development of the endometrioma and perimenopausal hormone imbalances.

[Just concerned]

I also had endometriosis many years ago.  I had laser surgery done on it and have not had any problems since.  I did not even know I had it the first time though as I had no symptoms either.  It was found on a laparoscopy done for infertility diagnosis.  I was wondering if this ovarian cyst I had could possibly be from the endometriosis.  My doctor does not think so but will just have to wait and see what the next ultrasound shows.  I am really hoping it will just be gone.  Has anyone had problems with endometrial thickening during perimenopause?  If so, id it go away on it's own?  I am awaiting an endometrial biopsy for it so am a little concerned about it as well as the cyst.  Neither of these two problems were an issue on an ultrasound I had in 2004 but have shown up a year later.

[kotka10]

I had laparoscopy for endometriosis and removal of cyst in June. Same month i was put on lupron for 6 months  for pain management from endo and so that cysts would not grow back.  I am on my last shot of Lupron this months I just went for my pelvic ultrasound today and I have one cyst back 2.5 cm.  why do they grow back ? I have been on Lupron so it should have controlled it, but they are still growing back I am 25 years old  please let me know
I wanted to have children , was supposed to wait for period after lupron  and then start Clomid. But now i have a cysts back and clomid will cause ovarian enlargement and cyst as well. So Do you think I will have to have another laparoscopy  and then heal from it before I will be put on clomid?  it is very frustarting
it makes me wander if it was a mistake to take Lupron for all theses months? Obviously it did not help with cysts , but it helped 80% for end symptoms and pain management

[kenisha230]

i was put on comid as so i could get pregnant . i did get pregnant on my first cycle but miscarried at 6 weeks in December. Today Jan 29th i has an ultrasound done because i was having pelvic pains. I was told that i have a cyst on my ovaries. I am scared and wondering if this will hamper me from having a baby. My  doctor told me that i was going to start taking clomid after my cycle returned but now im scared to take clomid. Also does anyone know how long you period returns after miscarriage.

[RDFITZGERALD]

I developed Ovarian cancer after having no family history and yearly medical, after taking Clomid. I have talked to hundreds of other women during chemo and hospital visits who have developed Ovarian cancer, and fertility medication is the only common thread they have. I strongly recommend to anyone who wants to take fertility medication thinking seriously about whether dying is worth a baby. I wanted a baby dearly, but loosing my hair, being told I was going to die, having my life permanently altered after surviving by the side effects of chemo, are not worth it. Web sites that say there are no links, are almost ALWAYS sponsored by corporations who make money on getting women pregnant or the drug industry. Check it out. I am not joking. The drug companies make BILLIONS on fertility medications and related products. They are doing everything to cloud the issue. Unfortunately, Ovarian cancer is extremely deadly, so few women survive to advocate and champion this causal link between fertility medication and ovarian cancer. Secondly, it is diagnosed so late stage and years after taking the drug (like clomid), the drug companies have a host of other things they can blame the cancer on. PLEASE reconsider taking clomid. I have absolutely no doubt it caused my Ovarian cancer.