Is extreme ongoing dizziness normal with ovarian cysts?

[SteffieF]

I am 39 and have been having abnormal bleeding outside of my periods. I've had two week long episodes after my normal period (basically have been bleeding for a month straight). The bleeding is extremely heavy and not a constant flow, but periodic GUSHES of blood. When I stood after sitting for a time, the blood would flood out, immediately filling (overflowing) a pad. The blood appears dark initially and then bright red. There is some cramping, but nothing like menstrual cramps. The cramping is also periodic and not as painful as menstrual cramps (I have always had horrible periods and painful cramps). My dr more or less dismissed me stating that I was pre-menopausal and this was normal. She did order CBC test and advised that I call if the bleeding worsened.

The blood test revealed only that I was slightly anemic. The bleeding stopped for a couple of days but then returned. Just as before and definitely not my period. I just knew that this was not "normal"! My dr was not available, so they scheduled me to meet with the PA. At this point, dizziness was/is becoming my main concern. It is constant. He, against my dr's advice, ordered an ultrasound which found an ovarian cyst about the size of the ovary- 3cm. He also found me to be hypovolemic, advised I drink lots of fluid, take an iron supplement, and prescribed birth control pills. His plan is to refer me to a gynecologist (I do not currently have one) and let them decide where to go from here. He stated that for now they believe the lining of my uterus was too thick and the bleeding is from trying to shed the extra layers (the ultrasound showed a thin lining of my uterus).

From what I've read, cysts are common and the size doesn't seem as concerning as the PA felt it was. It's the dizziness that is really scaring me. I don't know if I'm overreacting or if it warrants a trip to the ER. I would love some feedback and hear about any experience with this! Thanks so much!!

[old_before_my_time]

How are you doing now? Has this bleeding stopped or slowed? Dizziness isn't a typical symptom of ovarian cysts. It would be more likely that the "slightly anemic" blood results would be to blame.

Have you started taking an iron supplement and birth control pills? If you don't want to take birth control there's a non-hormonal medication called Lysteda (tranexamic acid) that is usually very effective at reducing bleeding.

Yes, ovarian cysts are common and usually resolve on their own. Yours at 3cm is small and doesn't sound concerning.

Hopefully, this will all resolve soon!

[CaraRio]

The Er will offer you pain drugs or give you fluids. Tell them what you need and they will give them to you. Bring any documentation about you condition so things run smooth but I wouldn't go in for a head ache. It's the pain that will be the hardest to over come.