What Are Ovarian Cysts? 
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs which are similar to blisters. Ovarian cysts are common among women during their reproductive years and are growths that form on the two almond sized organs on each side of the uterus. Most types of ovarian cysts are harmless and go away without any treatment. 

What Causes Ovarian Cysts? 
The normal function of the ovaries  is to produce an egg each month. During the process of ovulation,  a cyst-like structure called a follicle is formed inside  the ovary. The mature follicle ruptures when an egg is released during ovulation. The corpus luteum forms from the empty follicle and if pregnancy does not occur, the corpus luteum dissolves. Sometimes this process does not conclude appropriately causing the most common  type of ovarian cyst -- functional ovarian cysts. 

Abnormal ovarian cysts such as dermoid cysts, cystadenoma cysts, endometrioma cysts, and polycystic ovarian disease often occur as the result of an imbalance of female hormones (estrogen and progesterone). 

Types  of Ovarian Cysts 

• Functional Cysts:  These normal cysts will often shrink  and disappear within two or three menstrual cycles. Because this type  of cyst is formed during ovulation it rarely occurs in menopausal women because  eggs are no longer being produced. 

• Dermoid Cysts:  Ovarian cysts which are filled with various types of tissues including hair and skin. 

• Endometrioma Cysts:  These cysts are also known  as the chocolate cysts  of endometriosis and form when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus attaches to the ovaries. 

• Cystadenoma Cysts: These are ovarian cysts which develop from cells  on the outer surface of the  ovaries.

• Polycystic Ovarian Disease:  Cysts that form from a buildup of follicle cysts which cause the ovaries to thicken. These cysts cause the ovaries to enlarge and create a thick outer covering which may prevent ovulation from occurring and are often the cause of fertility problems. 

What are the Symptoms of Ovarian Cysts? 
Ovarian cysts often cause no symptoms; however when symptoms are present, ovarian cysts may cause a dull ache or a sense of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. Pain during intercourse and at other times can also indicate the presence of ovarian cysts. 

Pain or pressure is caused by a number of factors such as size, bleeding or bursting of a cyst which irritates the abdominal tissues, or torsion (twisting of a cyst) which can block the flow of blood to the cyst. 

Other symptoms of ovarian cysts which might occur include delayed, irregular, or unusually painful periods. If you experience distention of your abdomen or any other symptoms, notify your clinician immediately.