Cystic change in the ovary

Cystic changes in the ovary are a gynecological disease that occurs as a result of dysfunction of the female body due to hormonal factors.

Cysts can vary in their characteristic features and be determined by which ovarian structures produced hormones in each individual case.

The largest part of the total number of cases in which cystic changes in the ovary are observed are functional cysts or, as they are also called, false cysts. They are characterized by spontaneous appearance, not provoked by any obvious visible reasons, and have a tendency to the same spontaneous disappearance. Their occurrence is not associated with the appearance and spread of cellular atypia, which is typical of cancer. The formation of functional cysts is caused by a violation of ovarian function, they are not large in size, in some cases they can provoke clearly localized one-sided pain and lead to disturbances in the menstrual cycle.

One type of false cyst is a follicular cyst. With this type, after two weeks of the cycle, the egg is not released from the follicle, but estrogen production continues. This causes a delay in menstruation and the absence of ovulation.

It happens that the corpus luteum does not dissolve after ovulation has occurred, and it continues to produce estrogen and progesterone. This phenomenon provokes the formation of a corpus luteum cyst. All the signs inherent in pregnancy begin to appear, but the test results indicate that the woman is not pregnant.

With this cystic change, surgical intervention is not required.

Organic cysts are not related to hormonal imbalances in the body, spontaneous remission does not occur in their presence. If the cyst is large, it can press on nearby organs - the rectum, intestines, bladder. The existence of a small cyst can be asymptomatic.

Dermoid organic cysts are formations containing fluid with the presence of sebum. Pseudomucinous cysts are filled with a yellowish liquid, a thick viscous liquid with a consistency reminiscent of gelatin. Serous cysts have light yellow serous contents.

It is recommended to remove all organic cysts due to the possibility of their degeneration into cancer.

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Causes of cystic ovarian changes

The causes of cystic changes in the ovary are usually associated with hormonal imbalance in the body. This mainly concerns excessive production of androgen, a male sex hormone. Women of various age groups can be susceptible to this disease. It can develop both during puberty of a girl when the menstrual cycle begins, and in older women. In the latter case, cysts can appear as a result of chronic genitourinary diseases.

Unfavorable factors that increase the likelihood of developing such a disease are: heredity, various stressful situations, acute respiratory diseases, artificial termination of pregnancy, especially if abortions were performed in the adolescent period of a woman's life. The causes of cystic changes in the ovary can also be caused by travel or moving to a new place of residence in areas located in a different climatic zone. In addition, ovarian cysts can develop as a result of other diseases characterized by dysfunction of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, adrenal glands or thyroid gland.

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Symptoms of ovarian cystic changes

There are a number of characteristic signs, changes and disturbances in the functioning of the female body, the appearance of which allows us to assume that they are symptoms of cystic changes in the ovary.

The presence of such a disease can be evidenced by a violation of the regularity with which menstruation occurs. The processes of ovarian cyst formation can lead to a violation of ovulation up to its complete absence - anovulation. This has as its manifestations changes in the monthly cycle, prolonged, more than a month delays of menstruation or amenorrhea - their absence. Sometimes delays of menstruation for a long time can be replaced by periods of uterine bleeding.

Symptoms of cystic changes in the ovary also manifest themselves in the emergence of a tendency to increased skin and hair, acne, blackheads and seborrhea may appear. A phenomenon accompanying the development of ovarian cysts is a sharp increase in weight from 10 to 15 kilograms. Obesity can be both a uniform distribution of deposits throughout the body, and occur according to the male type - with an increase in fat mass mainly in the abdomen and waist. In addition, the amount of hair on the body increases: in the perineum, on the abdomen, thighs and shins, the appearance of "whiskers" above the upper lip is noted.

Regular painful symptoms of a pulling nature, moderate in severity, occur, covering the lower abdomen and possibly radiating to the lower back and pelvic area.

Conducting a study on the content of hormones shows the following results. Hormones produced by the pituitary gland, thyroid gland and ovaries exceed the norm.

Cystic change of the right ovary

During the normal healthy functioning of all organs of the female body, the ovaries produce sex hormones in the required ratio, both female - progesterone and estrogen, and male - androgens. Cystic changes in the right ovary, and equally the left, destroy homeostasis, which is the state of optimal balance of hormones in the human body. The increasing amount of produced male hormone, prevailing over female, leads to the suppression of the processes of monthly maturation of the egg, that is, ovulation does not occur.

The absence of ovulation, and as a result - a symptom of primary infertility due to cysts in the ovaries, is one of the characteristic signs inherent in this disease. In addition, cystic changes in the right ovary lead to menstrual irregularities (oligo-amenorrhea), and hair growth on the body, excess body weight may also appear.

The occurrence of cystic changes in the right ovary may be caused by dysfunctions of the pituitary gland-hypothalamus, female sex glands, thyroid gland, adrenal glands. A certain role in increasing the risk of developing this disease can also be played by a hereditary factor. In addition, the prerequisites for the appearance of cysts in the ovary may be hidden in excess insulin, which promotes active production of androgens.

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Cystic change of the left ovary

Cystic changes in the left ovary are a disease associated with hormonal imbalance in the body and occur due to a failure in the regulation of the menstrual cycle due to impaired functioning of the hypothalamus, pituitary gland or adrenal glands.

Currently, there is a classification of this female disease into two varieties. The first form is true or primary polycystic disease. It is caused by the presence of a congenital disease or certain hereditary factors of predisposition to this disease. The secondary form of the disease has an ovarian disease as the cause of its occurrence.

Factors that represent a risk group for the development of cystic changes in the left ovary are exposure to stressful situations, sudden changes in body weight, either increasing or decreasing, it can also occur against the background of taking contraceptives and breastfeeding.

It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that this disease, if timely appropriate measures are not taken to cure it, can lead to infertility.

On the other hand, its detection, in many cases, occurs precisely during examinations and diagnostic measures to determine the cause of infertility.

However, a diagnosis that states the presence of cystic changes in the ovaries should not cause panic and despair. Currently, there are a sufficient number of different treatment methods that will help cope with this disease. The main thing is to start treatment on time.

Comprehensive diagnostics are carried out using a comprehensive examination by means of ultrasound, laboratory blood tests for hormone levels and the presence of latent infections, and a smear to determine the microflora.

Cystic changes in both ovaries

Cystic changes in both ovaries is a female disease, also called polycystic ovary disease, characterized by the fact that small cysts grow in large numbers on the surface of the ovaries. The cause of the development of such a pathological process is a hormonal imbalance in the female body. The course of the disease may be characterized by the absence of any symptoms, in some cases, a violation of the menstrual function is possible according to the type of oligomenorrhea. Distinctive signs indicating the presence of this disease are also hair growth on the body, a sudden significant increase in body weight, the appearance of acne.

Polycystic congenital type or primary can first manifest itself in adolescence, during puberty in the process of how the menstrual function is formed. In subsequent age periods of a woman's life, the reasons for the appearance of cystic changes in both ovaries can be chronic pathology associated with the functions of the endocrine system, or as a result of infectious and inflammatory processes in the female genitourinary system. This type of disease is called secondary polycystic ovary disease.

The formation of ovarian cysts, especially if both the left and right are involved in such processes, requires the earliest possible initiation of appropriate treatment. Otherwise, there is a high probability of infertility.

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Cystic ovarian changes and pregnancy

Cystic changes in the ovary and pregnancy - the approach to this issue requires special attention and care, since ovarian cysts pose a health hazard to women at any age. It does not matter whether the woman gave birth before she was diagnosed and diagnosed with this disease. If the disease is diagnosed during puberty, the girl should regularly undergo therapeutic courses of hormone treatment in order to avoid the possibility of any complications. The positive result of such treatment measures, as well as laparoscopic cyst removal, is that this increases the possibility of a favorable prognosis for bearing and giving birth to a healthy child, even if the expectant mother has such a disease. Thus, it can be argued that cystic changes in the ovary and pregnancy - in the realities of the present moment are not something out of the ordinary.

It is only necessary to remember when planning a child that the effectiveness of treatment and the likelihood of a speedy recovery depend on how early the disease is detected and how timely the appropriate measures are taken to prevent further development of pathological progress. It is also important to take care to protect yourself from hypothermia, progression of chronic diseases, avoid stress factors and situations.

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Diagnosis of cystic ovarian changes

Diagnosis of cystic changes in the ovary and detection of this disease mainly occurs during a woman's preventive gynecological examination. Therefore, it is very important to regularly visit the appropriate medical specialist, who, based on a regular examination of the state of the genitourinary system of the female body, is able to see signs that may indicate the beginning of the process of cyst formation in the ovary, in one or both at once. And, based on the affirmative results of the necessary additional diagnostic measures, prescribe the appropriate treatment as soon as possible.

A diagnosis confirming the presence of ovarian cysts is made in cases where at least two of the following factors are present:

• The presence of impaired ovarian function, which results in a disruption in the regularity of the menstrual cycle, as well as the absence of ovulation and the inability to become pregnant
• The phenomenon of excessive production of male hormones androgens by the female body. Hyperandrogenism causes the appearance of an increased amount of hair on the body, provokes acne, leads to increased oiliness of the skin and seborrhea
• An increase in the size of the ovary and the presence of cystic changes in it, detected during an echoscopic or laparoscopic examination.

Diagnosis of cystic changes in the ovary is carried out using a number of methods of instrumental examinations and laboratory tests. Their use is preceded by a general examination to determine the body type, the condition of the mucous membranes and skin, the nature of hair growth, etc.; and the woman undergoing a vaginal-abdominal examination on a gynecological chair to detect changes in the size of the ovary and the presence of seals.

Ultrasound examination shows that the ovary is enlarged, has a dense capsule and there are many small follicular cysts on the periphery. According to the results of Doppler metry, increased blood flow in the ovarian vessels is noted.

A laboratory blood test is done to determine the content of hormones produced by the ovaries, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

Laparoscopy also allows confirmation of cystic changes in the ovary.

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Echo signs of cystic changes in the ovaries

Ultrasound examination of the pelvic organs allows for a visual assessment of the ovaries and helps identify possible changes in the thickness of the uterine mucosa. Transvaginal ultrasound of the pelvic organs in women involves inserting a special ultrasound sensor into the vagina. This diagnostic device, emitting special ultra-high frequency sound waves, transmits the reflected signal to the computer monitor screen, where an image of the internal organs located in the pelvis, including the ovaries, is recreated. The use of transvaginal echography allows for a greater degree of information content in the study, compared to the transabdominal type of ultrasound diagnostics. When the sensor is placed in the vagina, it becomes possible to visually analyze the contents of preovulatory follicles, determine the maturity stage of oocytes, and diagnose endometriosis in its minor forms. In addition, this method of examination is effective in cases of polycystic ovary syndrome, and also allows for the diagnosis of intrauterine pregnancy in women suffering from obesity in the presence of adhesion formation processes in the pelvic area.

Echo signs of ovarian cystic changes when visualized on the screen of an ultrasound device look like a so-called "string of pearls." This designation was used to describe how ovarian follicles look on ultrasound. Each of the dark circles on the computer image is an image of an ovarian cyst.

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Treatment of cystic ovarian changes

Treatment of cystic changes in the ovary is based on a comprehensive approach and is prescribed after a comprehensive diagnosis has been made. Treatment courses for this disease are long-lasting and include, if necessary, the use of drugs that affect the hormonal sphere of the female body. The main directions in which all treatment measures are oriented are to promote the restoration and normalization of processes associated with ovulation and the menstrual cycle, and a woman's ability to bear children.

Depending on the indications, stage and severity of the disease, as well as other associated factors, treatment of cystic changes in the ovary can be performed conservatively or by surgical intervention.

The essence of conservative treatment is that hormonal drugs are prescribed: anti-estrogens; combined oral contraceptives with anti-androgenic action, which is manifested in the restoration of the menstrual cycle, and as a result of which hyperandrogenism passes; gonadotropins - ovulation stimulants.

In cases where conservative treatment may not be effective enough, and in addition, if endometriotic hyperplasia develops, surgical treatment becomes relevant. Today, operations on ovarian cysts are mainly performed laparoscopically and are characterized by a low degree of trauma. During such surgery, a wedge resection is performed, the essence of which is the partial removal of ovarian tissue that has undergone cystic changes. Another type of surgical intervention is cauterization of the affected areas of the ovary. As a result, the level of androgen production decreases, and ovulation is normalized.

After the surgical intervention, the possibility of becoming pregnant remains in 65% of women who have undergone this operation. The most favorable period for this is the first six months after such treatment.

Prevention of cystic changes in the ovary

Prevention of cystic changes in the ovary is of great importance because it is impossible to completely cure this disease, if it has appeared. The main objective of treatment is to provide the most favorable conditions and to increase the possibility of becoming pregnant. Women who live with this disease, when they are planning a child, are prescribed a course of treatment aimed at restoring and stimulating the processes of egg development. Since cystic changes in the ovaries tend to progress with age, pregnancy should be planned as early as possible.

Prevention of cystic changes in the ovary is a series of mandatory rules and principles, following which will reduce the risk of this disease. In order to protect yourself from this possibility as much as possible, it is enough to follow the recommendations on preventive measures similar to those for all other diseases of the female genitourinary system. One of the very first and easiest rules to follow is the need for regular visits to the appropriate medical specialist for a gynecological examination. Detection of the disease at an early stage increases the likelihood of a favorable outcome of timely prescribed treatment, and also allows you to avoid many side effects and complications associated with its progress. The most formidable of which is infertility.

An important factor is also the prevention of infections, inflammations and diseases that can adversely affect the functioning of the ovaries.

During puberty, it is the responsibility of mothers to take an interest in the state of their "female" health, and if there is a suspicion of the possibility of ovarian cysts, to take their daughter to a qualified gynecologist as soon as possible.

Prognosis of ovarian cystic changes

The prognosis for cystic ovarian changes is favorable to the extent that timely detected symptoms and changes in the woman's body allowed us to assert that this disease is present. If the diagnosis is made at an early stage, at the beginning of the development of the pathological process and the necessary treatment is immediately prescribed, this disease can be effectively cured.

If the disease has reached its severe stages as it progresses, this determines the prognosis of cystic changes in the ovary of a very negative nature. One of the main aggravating factors in this case is such a feature of the mechanisms of development and progression of this disease as its carcinogenic properties. This means that if treatment is not timely or is absent, it can provoke malignant processes in the uterine endometrium.

In addition, ovarian cysts act as a factor provoking bleeding in the uterus. But the most serious consequence of cystic changes in the ovary left without due attention and timely measures taken is a significantly increased risk of infertility.

On the other hand, although it is often believed that this disease and the ability to become pregnant, carry and give birth to a child are mutually exclusive phenomena, this is by no means a death sentence. With proper treatment, a woman has every chance to experience the joys of motherhood.