Ovarian cyst - causes, signs, symptoms, treatment and consequences for women. The underlying causes of the development of cystic formations. Treatment of functional cysts

An ovarian mass in women is a fluid-filled neoplasm that appears on the surface of the ovaries, which, in most cases, is formed from a follicle. Outwardly, it resembles a bag, the dimensions of which can reach up to 20 cm.

The main cause of most cysts is overripeness of the follicle in which the egg develops. If during the menstrual cycle this follicle does not rupture and the female reproductive cell remains inside, it continues to fill with fluid and also increase in size. Let's look at what types of cysts there are in women, their symptoms, and what the consequences may be if left untreated.

Currently, medical experts identify several main types of ovarian cysts:

• follicular;
• corpus luteum cyst;
• dermoid teratoma;
• parovarial;
• endometrioma.

Follicular

If at the next examination the attending physician diagnosed a “cyst,” then he means a follicular neoplasm. It can occur completely without showing symptoms, or manifest itself in the form of nagging pain in the abdomen (lower part) and lower back. In most cases, no treatment is required.

The menstrual cycle is not disrupted since the neoplasm itself quietly produces female sex hormones. Although in some cases this particular type becomes the cause of infertility.

Corpus luteum cyst

One of the rarest types of cysts. Unlike the previous one, it has dense walls and is filled with clear liquid or mixed with blood. The average size usually does not exceed 8 cm, and it can appear between the ages of 16 and 50 years. This type can even occur in pregnant women.

Dermoid teratoma

This type ranks second in prevalence and is classified as benign tumors. Teratoma can be oval or round in shape, and its dimensions reach 15 cm. Unlike previous types, it is filled not with liquid, but with sebaceous and hair deposits. Sometimes other body tissues can be found in its cavity. Most often it manifests itself in early adolescence.

Paraovarian cyst

Although this cyst does not form on the ovary, but on the epiovarian appendage, it is often mistaken for a neoplasm of the female genital organ. It occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, and the sizes can be very small or really large. When ripe, it looks as if it has grown on a stalk, which can lead to additional negative consequences. To prevent the leg from twisting and squeezing the ovary, you need to remove the cyst as soon as possible.

Endometrioma

An endometrioid cyst is one of the symptoms of a disease of the reproductive organs - endometriosis. This neoplasm appears during reproductive age. Inside they are filled with dark brown liquid and can reach a size of 10-12 cm. Small defects form on their surface, through which the contents leak into the abdominal cavity during menstruation.

Symptoms of ovarian cysts in women

In most cases, the cyst in women does not manifest itself in any way, and after several menstrual cycles it resolves on its own, so it does not require treatment. It can only be detected using ultrasound during preventive examinations, since symptoms may not manifest themselves at all.

If the cysts do not go away on their own, then women experience the following set of symptoms:

• periodic sharp pain in the lower abdomen;
• heaviness, feeling of pressure in the pelvic area;
• increased pain during the menstrual cycle;
• cycle disorders;
• nausea after intense physical activity or sexual intercourse;
• pressure in the abdomen during urination or bowel movements;
• pain in the vaginal cavity, which is accompanied by bloody discharge;
• other signs.

Contact your doctor immediately if you notice the following symptoms:

• temperature rise to 38 degrees and above;
• increased feeling of weakness, accompanied by dizziness;
• During menstruation, heavy discharge occurs;
• the volume in the abdomen increases significantly;
• hair began to grow abundantly on the face (hormonal disorders);
• constant feeling of thirst with frequent urination;
• blood pressure disorders;
• sudden weight loss;
• lumps in the abdomen that can be felt without special equipment;
• other serious symptoms.

To identify a cyst, it is enough to visit a doctor regularly and not be afraid to tell all the symptoms. Depending on the type of cyst, it may not show signs of its existence at all, so the presence of the disease can be determined and its effective treatment can be carried out only after a thorough examination.

Causes

Researchers still cannot determine the exact causes of ovarian cysts. Most medical workers are inclined to believe that cysts arise as a result of hormonal imbalances, inflammatory processes, apoptosis and first of all begin to treat the symptoms.

The process of cyst formation is directly related to the menstrual cycle, so the chances of a neoplasm occurring after menopause are significantly reduced. The occurrence may be preceded by taking medications that stimulate the ovaries.

The main causes and factors for the occurrence of cysts:

• irregular menstrual cycle;
• early menstruation, which appears at the age of 11 years;
• hormonal imbalances;
• taking medications used to treat breast cancer;
• previous operations on the genital organs;
• stress, bad habits;
• infertility - in some cases, cysts are the reason for the impossibility of procreation.

Symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts in women

In some cases, an ovarian cyst may simply burst. This causes the fluid inside to enter the abdominal cavity and can cause infectious inflammation (peritonitis). There is a high risk of death with peritonitis, so you should consult your doctor regularly.

Symptoms of a ruptured ovarian cyst:

• elevated temperature, from which ordinary antipyretics cannot help;
• acute pain in the abdominal area - the cause may be a rupture;
• nausea, vomiting, dizziness;
• headaches and loss of consciousness;
• anemia, characterized by pale skin;
• low pressure.

If you have been diagnosed with a cyst, you need to regularly visit a gynecologist, who will predict the possibility of rupture of the tumor and, if possible, prescribe appropriate treatment. Don’t ignore the signs and be afraid to go to an ambulance.

Treatment of ovarian cyst

Treatment of cysts in women at this stage can be carried out regardless of age. Do not forget to regularly visit your doctor, who will determine the type of cyst and provide the necessary recommendations regarding treatment. If you don’t do this, you will end up on the operating table with complications, and surgeons, in addition to the cyst, will remove the ovary, which will directly affect the reproductive and other functions of the body.

Surgical treatment is based on the laparoscopy method. The operation is carried out using a telescopic tube inserted into the body through small holes, the diameter of which does not exceed 15 mm. Accordingly, there is no point in talking about scars - they will be small.

In the event that you bring the cyst to a critical state and, nevertheless, peritonitis occurs, laparoscopy will no longer help, and after the operation a noticeable and unpleasant scar will remain on the body. Treatment at home, using folk remedies and other methods is strictly prohibited.

Treatment of formations in women whose size does not exceed 10 cm is carried out with the help of contraceptives and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Doctors use a wait-and-see approach and prescribe regular preventive examinations.

Consequences of deletion

After the operation and rehabilitation period are completed, the woman can return to her normal lifestyle. Rehabilitation occurs over a couple of weeks, as well as several weeks to fully restore physical condition. It is also worth noting that cysts can form again, in which case it is necessary not only to treat the symptoms in the form of tumors, but to look for the main source of the disease.

If, in the presence of a cyst, irregularities in the menstrual cycle were observed, they will completely disappear. At the end of the operation, symptoms may appear in the form of mucous, clear discharge - this is the body’s natural reaction to antibiotics. No additional treatment is required.

The only thing you will need to limit yourself to for a month and a half is the intake of heavy, fatty foods, since the gastrointestinal tract organs are in close proximity to the female genital organs, which can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes. More vegetables, fruits, dietary meat and other foods will ensure a quick recovery and help avoid the recurrence of the cyst. Also, you should not treat yourself on the recommendation of friends and relatives, using various herbs and decoctions.

Ovarian cyst in women is a common disease that can affect the fair sex at any age. In some cases, the tumor will disappear on its own, in others you will have to contact an appropriate specialist. Attend preventive examinations, and you will always know what is happening to your body, and you will also be able to avoid the occurrence of such an unpleasant disease.

- This is a formation filled with liquid content. Many tumor-like neoplasms may not make themselves felt, and some can reach large sizes and lead to serious complications. These formations are often detected at a young age, but can be observed in women after 50 years of age.

Types of ovarian cysts: description, causes and signs

In appearance, the cyst resembles a sac containing fluid. A neoplasm occurs due to frequent surgical procedures (abortion, mini-abortion, etc.), gynecological diseases, etc.

The following types of ovarian cysts are distinguished, depending on the cause of formation and the presence of contents:

• . The formation of a cyst is associated with a violation of ovulation, when pathological growth of the follicle occurs. Usually their size does not exceed 10 cm. They resolve on their own if their size is about 4-5 cm during menstruation. The development of cystic formation is due to hormonal imbalance, which delays ovulation, which contributes to its growth.
• . Formation occurs after the egg has left the ovary and, due to a malfunction in the circulatory system, serous fluid accumulates, often mixed with blood. The size of the neoplasm reaches 6-8 cm in width. Cyst formation is influenced not only by hormonal imbalance, but also by taking drugs that stimulate ovulation and emergency contraception.
• Hemorrhagic cyst. The blister is filled with blood or blood clots. Typically, this type of cyst is diagnosed in girls with irregular periods.
• Dermoid cyst. A dense capsule that has thick walls. Its occurrence is due to a violation of embryonic development and its formation occurs from ovarian tissue.
• . Cavity formation that appears when ovarian tissue is damaged. Inside the formation is a brown liquid. Has a tendency to degenerate into a malignant form.
• Paraovarian cyst. It is a smooth, round capsule filled with a clear liquid. It is located near the ovary and is formed from its appendage. It grows slowly, but if there are factors predisposing to this (inflammation of the ovaries, diseases of the endocrine system, frequent abortions, etc.), then the cyst can increase in size. This type of cyst does not resolve on its own.
• Mucinous cyst. The capsule is filled with thick mucus. This is one type of cyst that can develop into a malignant tumor. In most cases, the cyst forms on both ovaries.

More information about ovarian cysts can be found in the video:

At the initial stage, the cyst does not appear in any way and may resolve over time. If the size of the cyst is greatly exceeded, then the following symptoms may appear: a feeling of heaviness, painful menstruation or their prolonged continuation. In case of a critical condition, severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and signs of intoxication appear.

The main sign of cyst formation is delayed menstruation.

In this case, a woman may experience nagging pain in the groin, frequent urination, and spotting between menstruation. If painful sensations appear on the right side, then the cyst has formed in the right ovary; if on the left side, then in the left ovary.

If the size of the cyst is large, then the formation compresses neighboring organs, resulting in a disorder of the genitourinary system and intestinal tract. Often a woman feels pain during sexual intercourse.

How to diagnose pathology

If a cyst is suspected, the doctor takes into account the patient’s complaints, conducts examination and palpation. To clarify the diagnosis, they are prescribed, and. If necessary, laparoscopy and puncture of the posterior vaginal fornix are performed.

In addition, the doctor may order tests and take a pregnancy test to rule out an ectopic pregnancy.

During a gynecological examination, a tumor may be found on the side of the uterus.Ultrasound reveals a spherical formation with homogeneous contents, which reaches a size of 3-8 cm.Laparoscopy allows you to remove the cyst for histological examination and determine the type of tumor.

Features of treatment

After making a diagnosis, doctors do not resort to removing the cyst, but monitor the patient’s condition over several menstrual cycles. In most cases, the tumor regresses on its own and disappears. Doctors can also prescribe the necessary medications and a course of physiotherapy: electrophoresis, magnetic therapy, laser therapy, etc.

When diagnosing a corpus luteum cyst, the drugs Civilin, Medvitsin, Livicin are used. These drugs not only act on the cyst, but also eliminate the inflammatory process in the ovaries. Duphaston is effective for corpus luteum cyst. However, it has a number of contraindications, so only a specialist should prescribe it.

Homeopathic medicines and a course of vitamins are also prescribed.For painful sensations in the lower abdomen, painkillers are used: Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, etc.

It should be remembered that medications help eliminate the cyst only at the initial stage.

Hormonal drugs are used to treat endometrioid cysts. In each case, the doctor individually selects the drug, taking into account the degree of hormonal disorders.

If conservative therapy does not bring positive results and the cyst increases in size, then surgical intervention is performed. In this case, the cyst is removed within the healthy tissue with further histological examination.

Cyst removal

Surgical treatment of the cyst is performed if the size of the tumor exceeds 10 cm in diameter. If the cyst becomes complicated (torsion, rupture), surgical intervention is also required.

Most often, the laparoscopic method is used to remove the tumor, provided that the process has not turned into a malignant form. Then a laparotomy is performed, during which an emergency histological examination is performed.

During laparoscopy, three small incisions are made into which hollow tubes and a video camera are inserted. One tube is needed to supply gas to elevate the peritoneum and facilitate access to the ovaries. Since a video camera is built into one of the tubes, the doctor constantly monitors the progress of the operation. Excision of the cyst is performed with an electrocoagulator. At the end of the procedure, the doctor removes the air and removes the instruments.

Surgery to remove a cyst can be of several types:

• Cystectomy. The operation involves removing the cyst without damaging healthy tissue. After such an operation, a woman retains her ability to bear children.
• Wedge resection of the ovary. The cyst is excised in the form of a wedge, but less healthy tissue remains.
• Ovariectomy. The procedure involves removing one or both ovaries.

After surgical treatment, a rehabilitation course is carried out. It is important to know that cysts can form again while a woman is menstruating. To avoid relapses, the doctor will prescribe hormonal therapy.

If you detect a cyst at an early stage, you can avoid serious consequences and surgical intervention. Therefore, it is important to undergo preventive measures in a timely manner and immediately consult a doctor at the first signs.

What is an ovarian cyst? - This is a formation that looks like a tumor. Inside there is a cyst cavity that is filled with fluid, but there are types of cysts with other contents.

The classification of specialists is based on the nature of the formation and internal contents; cysts are divided into the following types:

Formations of each of these types are divided into additional subtypes. Let's look at each type of cyst in more detail.

Dermoid

Dermoid teratoma is one of the most commonly detected benign cysts. It is round or oval, the walls are smooth. It usually grows up to 15 cm, but can become even larger. Develops from ovarian tissue cells. Its main feature lies in its content. Inside there is mucus, sebaceous, fatty, nervous tissue, elements of bone, teeth and nail formations.

They are most often found in the right ovary, but they can also grow in the left. Women at the initial stage of puberty and those who have entered menopause are considered prone to dermoids. This is due to an excess of hormonal surges in these categories of patients. The exact cause of the appearance of dermoid cysts in other patients has not been determined. Experts believe that they develop as a result of some failures in the processes of embryogenesis (during tissue differentiation).

endometrioid

Growth occurs on the basis of tissues very similar in structure to the endometrial mucosa (it lines the uterus). Inside, the formation is cavitary (there is a dark liquid that consists of residual menstrual blood) and has a very dense capsule that can be of different sizes. Presumably the cyst appears due to:

1. immune dysfunctions;
2. transport of cells through blood or lymph;
3. transport of cells through surgery;
4. problems with the production of various types of hormones;
5. reverse flow of specific cells and substances in menstrual blood.

Serous

The surface of the formation is lined with cells that cover the outer surface of the ovary or fallopian tube. It is also cavity-filled with a clear liquid inside. Usually the diameter is up to 15 cm, but sometimes there are specimens about 30 cm. Such a cyst almost always grows on the ovary itself. Its appearance can be caused by:

• diseases affecting hormonal balance;
• infectious diseases of the genital organs (including STDs);
• adnexal inflammation;
• surgeries on the genital organs and artificial termination of pregnancy.

Follicular

It is formed from residual follicles and has almost the same structure as endometrioid. It differs in several ways:

1. there is tuberosity on the outer surface of the walls;
2. the composition inside is transparent, not dark red.

It is no more than 10 cm in size. The reason for its appearance is identical to other cysts - hormonal imbalance. This is why follicular cysts are often found during examinations for hormonal disorders.

Paraolvial

It is formed not in the body of the ovary itself, but on it. Most often it is located on the lower part of the ovary and is attached close to the fallopian tube. It can grow to a large size, but this happens slowly. It is tumor-like, but almost never becomes malignant. The main reason for its appearance is disruptions in the process of embryonic development.

Small cysts do not cause discomfort. It appears when they begin to grow. A paraolvial cyst can only be removed by excision; it is resistant to drugs. If intervention is not carried out, the chances of having children are reduced to zero. Examination for the presence of such formations and their removal (if necessary) are mandatory before IVF.

Mucinous

They are almost always found in women during menopause. This cyst differs in structure from others. It is multi-chambered, each compartment is filled with a mucous substance. The walls consist of transitional epithelial cells that line the vaginal cavity and cervix.

Corpus luteum cystosis

A yellow ovarian cyst grows where the follicular structure has burst and released a new egg. That is, it grows directly from the corpus luteum, which did not disappear in time (it should disappear in the absence of fertilization, its main function is preparation for conception and pregnancy through the production of progesterone). This mainly occurs in the luteal cycle phase.

Such a cyst does not exceed 8-9 cm in size; inside it there is a liquid substance of a dirty red hue. Since it appears due to hormonal imbalance, the stimulating factors for its formation are:

• abortions;
• inflammatory processes in the appendages of a chronic form;
• eating disorders;
• severe stress;
• use of aggressive methods of hormonal contraception;
• preparation for IVF;
• hormonal therapy.

Cystosis of the corpus luteum can also occur during pregnancy. The danger lies in the possibility of twisting and the legs breaking the integrity of the formation (rupture). The following symptoms of ruptured ovarian cysts are distinguished:

1. severe girdle pain of a cutting nature;
2. nausea and intense vomiting;
3. dizziness up to loss of consciousness.

Most of the women who were not helped on time died. Torsion of the leg can impede the flow of blood into the cyst, causing it to die. The necrotic process can cause peritonitis.

Polycystic

This phenomenon is characterized by the appearance of not one formation, but multiple ones at once. It also differs in the size of the cysts - they are no larger than a cherry. When the female body functions normally, the follicles that have matured in the ovaries burst and an egg is released. When any malfunctions occur, the follicular structures thicken and the cell can no longer burst. As a result, it grows, becomes larger and forms a cyst.

Often the cause of this phenomenon is insulin resistance. The bottom line is that the follicle (like other cells in a woman’s body) becomes resistant to sugar. Because of this, the production of insulin is stimulated. Excessive amounts of it catalyze the synthesis of androgen hormones, which inhibit the development of follicular cells. Therefore, they remain immature in the ovaries. Such processes stimulate even more:

• overweight;
• presence of diabetes mellitus;
• hereditary predisposition.

Patients at risk for developing polycystic disease include:

1. puberty occurred too early or, conversely, late;
2. late/early menopause;
3. the cycle is not regular;
4. abortions have been performed, a miscarriage has occurred, or infertility is present;
5. there are inflammatory diseases of organs in the pelvis;
6. hormonal imbalance that appeared due to drug treatment or endocrine dysfunction;
7. there is no normal sex life;
8. There is constant intense physical activity.

Surgical techniques are rarely used to treat polycystic disease. Most often, therapy with new generation pharmacological drugs + hormonal agents (if necessary) helps.

Symptomatic picture in the presence of a cyst

When the bumps do not resolve naturally, they begin to cause some symptoms. Women begin to worry:

• pain in the area of ​​the projection of the uterus and ovaries (appear periodically);
• a feeling of heaviness and compression in the pelvis;
• irregular periods, they become very painful and intense;
• after sexual acts and sports, begins to feel sick;
• vaginal discharge with bloody impurities;
• heat;
• The area in the lower abdomen increases, it becomes dense;
• difficulty defecating and urinating;
• hair appears in unusual places (on the face, for example);
• dry mouth;
• sudden weight loss with a normal diet;
• pressure surges.

In some situations, the presence of a cyst does not appear outwardly at all. Most often it is discovered by chance during a general examination.

Diagnosis of cysts

Diagnosis is carried out in several stages:

1. Initial examination of the patient by a gynecologist, collection of a detailed medical history.
2. Submission of tests for laboratory analysis.
3. Instrumental examination.

The woman undergoes the following tests:

• study of the concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, testosterone, luteinizing hormone;
• okomarker CA-125;
• test for pregnancy (if there is one, the safest treatment methods are used);
• general blood test.

Instrumental inspection includes:

• transvaginal ultrasound;
• CT scan;
• laparoscopy (during laparoscopy the cyst is examined);
• puncture of the vaginal vault (to determine the presence of bleeding);
• Magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment measures

Doctors prescribe treatment depending on the nature of the cyst and its size. If the formation begins to bother you (it hurts, the temperature rises, etc.), therapy is required. In this case, it is better not to hesitate and immediately contact a specialist. For treatment can be used:

1. pharmaceuticals;
2. laparoscopy;
3. surgery.

Some cystic formations disappear with the use of medications. These cysts include:

1. corpus luteum with a diameter of up to 4 cm;
2. small follicular;
3. polycystic.

The following types of formations are subject to mandatory removal:

1. paraovarian;
2. dermoid;
3. endometriosis;
4. serous and cystadenoma.

About laparoscopy

This is the most gentle method for removing cystic lumps. Only a couple of incisions up to 1 cm long are made to insert the laparoscope. The minimal scale of intervention almost completely eliminates the possibility of developing peritonitis and significantly shortens the rehabilitation period. The menstrual cycle is not disrupted, and infertility due to cystosis is often eliminated.

After laparoscopy (and after surgery too), patients are prescribed maintenance therapy. The attending physician can prescribe vitamin complexes, sedatives and painkillers (this could be no-spa, Nurofen and other medications). They help eliminate postoperative discomfort and help the body recover.

Cyst and traditional medicine

It is impossible to cure a regular and hormonal cyst ONLY using traditional methods. In the absence of proper treatment, various pathologies may appear, including rupture of ovarian cysts in women. This therapy is only good as a concomitant therapy. For example, warm baths based on various antiseptic herbs can relieve discomfort and reduce inflammation. This is where the effectiveness of traditional medicine in relation to cystic lumps ends.

Conclusion

Cystic formations can have different structures, sizes and causes of appearance. Some of them can be life-threatening for a woman, so they need to be eliminated as soon as possible. To detect cysts in a timely manner, you need to be examined by a specialist 1-2 times a year and take a blood test to determine the level of basic female hormones. Remember, the sooner a problem is discovered, the easier it will be to solve it. Be healthy!

The ovaries are an organ that performs a hormonal function, that is, it secretes hormones. In some cases, the ducts through which gland secretions flow become clogged, resulting in the formation of so-called retention cysts. Depending on which ovarian structures produced hormones, different types of cysts form.

Structure and functions of the ovaries

The ovaries are paired female reproductive glands located on both sides of the uterus. The main function of the ovaries is the secretion of sex hormones (estrogens and progesterone) and the “growing” of the egg.

Each ovary weighs no more than 8 g; it initially contains up to half a million germ cells, enclosed in special vesicles - follicles. Several eggs mature in follicles every month, but only one usually reaches the stage of a large mature follicle, the rest undergo reverse changes.

Ovarian cysts are retention formations (that is, they are closed gland ducts). There are endometrioid (against the background of endometriosis - proliferation of endometrial cells in the ovary, that is, the mucous membrane of the uterus), follicular, theca-lutein, inclusion cysts and cysts of the corpus luteum.

Follicular ovarian cyst

Follicular cysts occur most often in women of childbearing age and during the period before menopause. It is a thin-walled cavity, usually single-chamber formation, filled with liquid. Most often, a follicular cyst is located in one of the ovaries; its size reaches 2–7 cm in diameter.

Signs of a follicular cyst are determined by the degree of its hormonal activity (it can produce female sex hormones estrogens) and the presence of other gynecological diseases. In cases where the cyst exhibits hormonal activity, growth of the inner layer of the uterus (endometrium), uterine bleeding is observed, and in girls – premature puberty. With large cysts, patients complain of pain in the lower abdomen.

The cyst can be complicated by torsion of its legs, rupture and suppuration, which can lead to the development of peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum - the thin serous membrane lining the abdominal cavity from the inside). Cyst rupture can occur after physical activity or a sudden change in body position. In this case, severe pain appears in the lower abdomen, radiating to the perineum, sometimes all signs of torsion quickly disappear. When a follicular cyst is detected in a patient, it is first observed and treated conservatively (resorption of the cyst is facilitated, for example, by electrophoresis with potassium iodide or progesterone), and if it continues to grow, it is removed surgically.

Corpus luteum cyst of the ovary

The corpus luteum is a temporary endocrine gland, which is formed in the second half of the menstrual cycle at the site of a ruptured follicle (an egg comes out of it) and produces the female sex hormone progesterone. After menstruation begins, the corpus luteum ceases to exist and a scar forms in its place. If pregnancy occurs, the corpus luteum continues to exist for another 12 weeks (corpus luteum of pregnancy). Corpus luteum cyst is much less common than follicular cyst. It also occurs more often in women of childbearing age, both in the corpus luteum of the menstrual cycle and in the corpus luteum of pregnancy.

The size of the corpus luteum cyst can be up to 7 cm in diameter. Hormonally active cysts (they produce progesterone) can cause menstrual-like bleeding during menopause, and in women of childbearing age - signs similar to ectopic pregnancy (pain in one half of the lower abdomen, bleeding). Large corpus luteum cysts are usually hormonally inactive. If such a cyst ruptures, severe bleeding may begin. Often corpus luteum cysts go away on their own - they atrophy (reduce in size), their walls collapse, and in their place a so-called corpus alba is formed.