Ovarian cyst on left ovary

[didi707]

Hi,
I was wondering if you could shed a little light on my situation.  I am 40 yrs old, and had my 6th child in 11/09.  Since then, I have had irregular bleeding that stopped around March (I was nursing at that time).  I skipped my period in March, but had very bad cramps during ovulation and at the beginning of my next period.  I again skipped a period in May but resumed menstruation in June and July, with pain/bloating during ovulation and at menses.  OB ordered a trans vag ultrasound that came back negative.  About a month ago, I had a CT scan of my entire pelvis and a cysts plural (spelling?) were found on my left ovary.  I had a pap done in April 09 with no abnormal findings.  I am only nursing once a day, in the early morning, or maybe twice if the baby needs it during the night.  I am still having bloating/cramping during ovulation and now directly after my period ends.  I have not been on birth control for over a decade and am not taking any other meds.  My concern is ovarian cancer ( a 2nd cousin died of this), and is there any other test I can take to see if I may be perimenopausal (my mom started around 40)?  Thanks so much for your time.

[didi707]

Hi Shelly,  thanks so much for your quick reply.  Yes, my doctor did call to let me know that the cysts don't sound alarming, but, to keep an eye on any kind of unusual bleeding for the next few cycles and then we'll go from there.  I will mention another trans vag u/s for follow up.  Take care.  Dianna

[hopeshell]

How large were your cysts and were they complex (have solid parts)?  Most ovarian cancer presents with a large (over 5cm) mass on the ovary that is complex.  Most women are at the begining of perimenopause at 40, so it is not uncommon to have some hormonal issues (especially post childbirth).  Cysts definitely occur in the presence of hormonal imbalance.  Did your doctor plan any follow-up for your cysts?  If not, you should call the office and let them know about your symptoms.  Tell them you think it may be related to your cysts and that you need to see your doctor again.  He can give you a transvaginal ultrasound to check on the size of the cysts.  You know your body best and any increase in symptoms warrants another doctor visit.  That said, most cysts do turn out to be benign.  If your doctor didn't let you know your cysts were worrisome after the CT, then that is a good sign.  But, cysts can change over time and since you have had a family member with ovca, it is wise to do close follow-up and report new or increased symptoms to your doctor. I hope you feel better soon!

Shelly