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Treatment of cystic changes in the right ovary. Causes, symptoms and treatment of cystic ovarian changes. Circumstances of cystic transformation of the ovary

They are indicated when drug treatment is ineffective or the patient desires to quickly achieve pregnancy.

Unfortunately, only 70–80% of women can become pregnant after surgery.

The rest require repeated interventions or further hormonal therapy. At the same time, a high chance of ovulation remains only for 2–3 months after the operation.

During the intervention, fenestration (formation of individual holes) or complete removal of the connective tissue capsule of the ovary is performed.

These actions make it easier to rupture the follicle. At the same time, existing cysts are removed by opening them and removing the contained fluid.

Conclusion

Polycystic ovary syndrome is a rather serious disease that can not only lead to infertility, but also cause the development of other endocrine pathologies.

It is advisable to carry out diagnosis at the age of 15–18 years using both laboratory and instrumental research methods.

Treatment of cystic changes in the ovaries requires strict adherence to all prescriptions and timely implementation of the necessary procedures. At the same time, a complete cure for the disease is impossible.

The main goal is to reduce the symptoms of the pathology and create conditions for the successful conception of a child. Even the use of the most modern drugs or surgical techniques does not guarantee pregnancy.

Video: Ovarian cyst. Why does your stomach hurt?

A cystic change in the ovaries is a hollow formation of a pathological nature that occurs on the tissue of the female reproductive organ. It looks like a bubble filled with liquid. Because of this, the volume of the organ increases several times. There are concepts such as polycystic and small cystic transformation of the ovaries.

Various diseases of the reproductive system, including cystic degeneration of both ovaries, can lead to serious consequences. According to statistics, cystic degeneration of the left ovary is most common.

Types of cystic changes

A cyst can be functional - a relatively harmless type of tumor - and a non-functional “true” one. It is the second type that should attract increased attention.

Functional

Neoplasms that resolve on their own or after taking hormone-containing drugs (“false”) - follicular cyst, corpus luteum cyst, paraovarian cyst and mucinous cyst.

In most cases, with cystic changes in the reproductive glands, the bulk is occupied by functional (false) cysts (corpus luteum and follicular). Caused by hormonal imbalance. Appears suddenly, is asymptomatic, and disappears spontaneously. The occurrence of these neoplasms is not accompanied by damage at the cellular level and cannot lead to the development of cancer. In some cases, cysts burst, but even rupture does not lead to cancer. But it still carries a certain danger and consequences for the body, like other types of cystic neoplasms.

Follicular cyst. The result of follicle degeneration due to hormonal disorders.

Corpus luteum (luteal) cyst. Often regarded as a physiological condition.

Paraovarian cyst. Tumor of the epididymis of the right ovary or left ovary does not transform into malignant. Size – up to 10cm. (sometimes 30cm). The reason is a violation of the embryogenesis of the tubules of the glandular appendage. With small formations there are often no manifestations.

Mucinous tumor (cystadenoma). It looks like a capsule with several chambers filled with mucin. In 3-5% of cases it is reborn.
It grows quickly and reaches impressive sizes.

Non-functional

Non-functional varieties do not tend to resolve and disappear on their own. The tumor must be removed surgically. This type is called “true”. They are much more dangerous and appear more pronounced. These include:

Dermoid cyst (teratoma). Frequency of occurrence - 15 - 20%. The shape is round. Diameter – up to 15 cm. Most often only the right ovary is cystic. Growth is slow. In 1-3% of cases it is reborn. Diagnosed in childhood and adolescence.
Endometrioid cyst. Characterized by tissue proliferation.
Size - 5mm-10 cm. Inside there is viscous bloody content. It is impossible to say exactly why this type is formed.

Causes of the disease

The causes of ovarian pathology are quite extensive and depend on the type of tumor. The most common:

  • disorder of the maturation process of ovarian follicles;
  • hormonal dysfunctions associated with disorders of endocrine origin;
  • early puberty;
  • early abortions;
  • hyperthyroidism (thyroid disease);
  • abdominal trauma;
  • inflammatory processes of the female reproductive organs, especially chronic ones;
  • weak immunity;
  • menopause period;
  • genetics.

Note: Predisposing factors:

  • obesity;
  • endometritis (acute, chronic);
  • adnexitis;
  • constant stress;
  • climate change.

Symptoms of cystic degeneration

At the very beginning of the disease, this disease does not manifest itself in any way. The first symptoms of cystic changes in the ovaries appear when the tumor begins to increase in size. Treatment therefore may not be timely.

Characteristic symptoms:

  • pain in the lower abdomen that does not appear during menstruation, which radiates to the lumbar region, rectum or inner thigh (in rare cases, the chest ache slightly);
  • menstrual irregularities;
  • false frequent urge to urinate, defecate;
  • pain increases during physical activity and during sexual intercourse;
  • change in abdominal volume – when the size of the formation is up to 10 cm or more;
  • feeling of bursting from the inside;
  • nagging pain in the lower abdomen;
  • increase in waist size;
  • problems with urination;
  • constipation, diarrhea;
  • prolonged spotting at the end of menstruation;
  • constant low-grade fever, chills;
  • long absence of pregnancy;

Diagnosis of cystic changes

Diagnostics involves a number of activities:

  1. Gynecological examination.
  2. Blood test (general).
  3. Blood test for tumor markers.
  4. Computed tomography, MRI.
  5. Laparoscopy.
  6. Colonoscopy, gastroscopy.
  7. Biopsy.

Polycystic and small cystic ovaries

Polycystic ovary syndrome (polycystic ovary syndrome, sclerocystic disease) is a hormonal disease accompanied by disruption of the normal structure and functioning of the gonads.
Polycystic ovaries increase in size. Outwardly they are not affected, but in the thickness there are many small formations. They are mature follicles that cannot be released into the egg because... due to certain disorders, they cannot break through the ovarian membrane.

Polycystic ovary syndrome is caused by a number of disturbances in the functioning of the endocrine system and hormonal imbalance. As well as a decrease in sensitivity to insulin in tissues.

Provoking factors leading to the development of polycystic disease may be:

  1. Overweight and obesity.
  2. The presence of chronic infections in the body.
  3. Psycho-emotional stress.
  4. Abrupt climate change.
  5. Unfavorable environment.
  6. Heredity.
  7. The body's insensitivity to insulin.
  8. Diabetes.
  9. Increased production of the hormone testosterone.
  10. Violation of all types of exchange.

Symptoms:

  1. Delayed menstruation (from 1 month to 1 year).
  2. Heavy periods.
  3. Ghirsutism.
  4. Excessive oily skin, acne, seborrhea.
  5. Obesity.
  6. Cardiovascular disorders.
  7. Infertility (primary, secondary).

Important! Patients often ask the question: an ovary with small follicles, what does this mean and is it dangerous? Small cystic changes in the ovaries are a consequence of untreated inflammation. Small cystic organ degeneration does not affect reproductive function and does not prevent conception. With polycystic disease, if you have been diagnosed with a cystic change in the left ovary, and not both, then there is still a risk of remaining infertile.

Why the disease needs to be treated and how to do it correctly

Cystic changes in the ovaries are dangerous due to unpleasant symptoms that worsen the quality of life, infertility, and can cause concomitant diseases.

Prevention involves an annual examination by a gynecologist. Any painful sensations during self-palpation require a visit to a doctor. Regardless of whether you are diagnosed with cystic changes in only the right ovary or the examination shows that there are cystic changes in both ovaries, the treatment will be the same.

Symptoms of cystic ovarian degeneration in which treatment should be immediate:

  • sharp, intense pain;
  • too heavy periods;
  • reduced blood pressure;
  • general weakness, dizziness;
  • heat;
  • enlarged abdomen;
  • severe thirst with copious urination;
  • palpable lump in the abdominal cavity;

Therapy for an ovarian tumor depends on its type, size, and growth dynamics. A woman's age plays an important role.

Treatment of cysts using conservative methods

Oral contraceptives, sometimes prescribed for functional cysts, block the functioning of the reproductive organs, preventing the formation of new ones or the reduction of existing formations.

Several control ultrasounds are prescribed to monitor the development of the tumor. If after 3 months cystic ovarian degeneration does not disappear on its own or there is no tendency to decrease or resolve, the question of surgical intervention arises. If no changes occurred during the period when she was treated, then surgical intervention cannot be avoided.

Treatment of cysts with surgical methods

Some types of tumors can only be eliminated surgically. Functional ones that do not disappear after several months of treatment are also subject to removal.

The ovarian cyst or small cystic changes are removed laparoscopically or laparotomically. Laparoscopy - the abdominal walls are not opened. The tumor is removed through incisions. This type of operation is minimally traumatic and has a short recovery period. Laparotomy is a standard removal by opening the abdominal walls. The purpose of surgical removal of cystic ovarian degeneration is to determine the type of tumor and its characteristics.

Cystic changes in the ovaries are one of the most common gynecological diseases, which is caused by functional disorders of the endocrine system. The development of pathology is caused by hormonal imbalance, when in the female body there are more male hormones - androgens - than female ones. This violation leads to the cessation of ovulation.

Cysts are not classified as malignant tumors, but if not treated promptly, they can develop into cancerous tumors. The cavities may be filled with blood, plasma, or pus. They are formed in different sizes and are located either in both ovaries, or on the right or left side. One of the serious consequences of polycystic disease is infertility, which is not treatable in all cases.

Cystic change of the ovaries

The ovaries in a woman’s reproductive system play the role of producer of healthy eggs and are involved in the production of hormones: progesterone and estrogen.

Cystic changes are disorders that lead to the formation of benign bubble formations in the inner or outer part of the ovaries, which are called cysts. This disease is called polycystic disease or a pathological process similar to PCOS. According to statistics, the pathology occurs in 5% of women of reproductive age. Ovarian degeneration can be small cystic or large cystic.

Cysts tend to increase in size. In order not to let the situation get out of control, it is recommended to periodically visit a gynecologist and do an ultrasound.

Cystic change of the ovary

Endocrine disorders that lead to disruptions in the female body can lead to dysfunction of one or both ovaries. It is known that damage to the right ovary leads to menstruation disorders. If a woman has one healthy reproductive organ, she has every chance of becoming pregnant. In case of bilateral polycystic disease, it will not be possible to conceive a child.

Causes of cystic change

Cystic changes in the ovaries develop against the background of a hormonal imbalance in the body. Women of all age groups are affected by this disease. Pathology can develop in adolescents during puberty, when the formation of the menstrual cycle occurs, while in older women the appearance of cysts is considered a consequence of chronic diseases of the genitourinary system.

There are a number of factors whose influence contributes to the development of this pathology. Among them are:

  • hereditary predisposition;
  • frequent stress, nervous strain and depression;
  • acute respiratory diseases;
  • abortions;
  • climate change;
  • endocrine disorders;
  • being overweight;
  • taking hormonal medications;
  • damage during a gynecological examination;
  • incorrectly installed spiral;
  • kidney diseases.

Cysts in the ovaries can develop against the background of other functional disorders of the hypothalamus.

Symptoms

Ovarian cysts are characterized by the absence of pronounced symptoms. The development of the pathological process is most often diagnosed during medical examinations. It is impossible to accurately determine the presence of cysts without advanced research methods.

There are a number of indirect signs indicating the development of cystic changes in a woman’s body. Among them are:

  • increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, as a result of which the skin on the face becomes oily and acne-prone;
  • pain in the lower abdomen that becomes permanent. The pain may radiate to the leg, lumbar or pelvic area;
  • chronic fatigue;
  • rapid weight gain for no apparent reason;
  • lack of ovulation, characterized by a violation of the monthly cycle. Scanty discharge during menstruation may alternate with dysfunctional uterine bleeding; with cystic disorders, periods are delayed or completely stopped;
  • hair loss or increased growth throughout the body: on the head, in the armpits, on the legs and arms;
  • the occurrence of manifestations of seborrhea on the head as a result of increased oiliness of the hair;
  • premature postmenopause.

Cystic changes in the ovaries develop against the background of endocrine disorders, such as thyroid dysfunction, diabetes mellitus, etc. Cyst of the left ovary, cyst of the right ovary and degenerative processes occurring in both reproductive organs are separately distinguished.

A dangerous consequence of cystosis is the rupture of the cyst, which causes severe pain in the rectum.

Diagnosis and treatment

The method of treating cystosis depends on the nature of the disease and the degree of neglect of the process. That is why the disease requires a thorough diagnosis. First of all, it is expected to be examined by a gynecologist, who, if necessary, will conduct additional studies:

  • prescribe blood and urine tests to obtain a clear picture of the state of a woman’s hormonal levels;
  • will issue a referral for ultrasound and MRI.

In some cases, consultation with other specialists may be required:

  • endocrinologist;
  • urologist;
  • therapist;
  • surgeon, etc.

After the diagnosis is confirmed, the woman is selected for therapy.

Drug treatment

Small cystic changes are amenable to conservative therapy. In such cases, patients are first stimulated to ovulate: clomiphene is prescribed. If an increased level of prolactin in the blood is detected, bromocriptine is included in the treatment regimen. If we are talking about hormonal imbalance, glucocorticosteroids are added. Therapy is carried out through the use of gonadotropin or follicle-stimulating hormone. Women are often prescribed injections of aloe vera preparations.

Surgery

In special cases, with cystic changes, surgical treatment is prescribed. Cystic degeneration, accompanied by the development of a pathological process in the pelvis, is an absolute indication for surgery.

There are currently several types of interventions:

  • laparoscopy;
  • laparotomy;
  • oophorectomy.

Laparoscopy is used to resect one or both ovaries to remove degenerative tissue from the organ. Laparotomy is an abdominal operation that is performed to remove cystic tumors and affected tissue. Ovariectomy involves removing the cysts along with the ovary.

Traditional methods

In addition to drug therapy, traditional medicine methods have been successfully used for ovarian cystosis. In some cases, through such treatment it is possible to achieve not only a reduction in the size of tumors, but also their complete resorption.

Before using any medicine, you should consult a specialist.

One of the effective remedies for treating ovarian cysts is castor oil. It cleanses the body of toxic compounds and is used as a stimulant for the circulatory system. Using this method, you can achieve full or partial recovery. To do this you need to do the following:

  1. 1. Take a small piece of flannel fabric, fold it in half and pour 4 tbsp onto it. l. castor oil. There should be enough material to cover the lower abdomen.
  2. 2. The fabric must be covered with a small piece of polyethylene, then with a towel or warm scarf.
  3. 3. Place a heating pad with hot water on top.
  4. 4. After this, you should go to bed for half an hour, covered with a warm blanket.

Castor oil can be washed off with soap and warm water. Such procedures should be carried out three times a week for a three-month course. Treatment with this method, like other warming procedures, is carried out during menopause. This is especially true for women planning pregnancy.

Treatment for cystic ovarian changes is possible through the use of apple cider vinegar. Resorption of cysts is achieved due to the large amount of potassium contained in it. We are talking about preparing a medicine for oral use:

  1. 1. Add 1 tbsp to a standard glass of warm boiled water. l. molasses and 1 tbsp. l. apple cider vinegar.
  2. 2. The medicine should be taken every day until the painful symptoms disappear.

You can slow down the development of cystosis and reduce the main manifestations with the help of beet juice. The result is achieved by restoring the acid balance and removing toxins from the body. Recipe for preparing the medicine: take 1 tbsp. l. freshly squeezed beet juice, 1 tbsp. l. molasses, 1 tbsp. l. aloe vera. The ingredients are mixed. The product is intended for one dose. You should drink it once a day in the morning.

A pronounced therapeutic effect can be achieved by drinking ordinary clean water with lemon. It is prepared in the following proportion: 1 drop per standard glass. It is recommended to drink at least 2 liters of liquid per day. With the help of this product, swelling is reduced, toxins are quickly washed out of the body and pain is relieved.

It is necessary to treat polycystic disease, and the sooner you start, the better.

The doctor, after I was examined, suspected a cystic change in the ovary on the right side. The diagnosis sounds quite scary, so I was worried about what kind of pathology it was and to what extent it was dangerous.

The gynecologist explained that this disorder is provoked by malfunctions of the thyroid gland and pineal gland. In order not to worry, read what cystic changes in the ovaries are and what types of pathology are distinguished. Find out the most effective diagnostic methods, therapeutic courses and prognosis for this pathology.

It is important to know! A universal remedy has been found with which you can treat any gynecological disease - cervical erosion, fibroids, ovarian tumor or cyst, vaginal dysbiosis, persistent menstrual irregularities. (recommended by our subscribers!)

The ovaries are represented by reproductive organs located in the pelvic area. They produce mature eggs and hormones. Each body contains hormones of two sexes: female, male. The feminine must prevail among the fair sex over the male. Otherwise, there are serious problems. There are disruptions to the endocrine system, which is closely related to the reproductive organs.

Ovarian cystosis is a consequence of other diseases. Cystic pathologies are represented by a disorder in which benign blisters are formed. They arise in their internal and external parts.

Right ovary

The disease is accompanied by suppression of the formation and maturation of the egg. In this case, ovulation is impossible, which is a manifestation of (primary) infertility. The right ovary provokes menstrual disorder, hair growth in those areas of the dermis where there was none before, and weight gain.

Pathology can be provoked by disruptions in the functioning of the gonads, pituitary gland, thyroid lobes, adrenal cortex, and hypothalamus.

Left ovary

The left organ is also affected due to a failure of the endocrine system. The causes of occurrence are the same as for cysts of the right organ.

Both ovaries

The defeat of each ovary manifests itself in an imbalance of hormones. We will describe the symptoms and signs of pathology below.

Cystic neoplasms during pregnancy

A cyst forms even in pregnant women, but rarely (1:1000). There is no need to have an abortion, but doctors insist on special attention. If the formation is uncomplicated, the pregnant woman will not notice the signs. The cyst grows at different rates (fast/slow). It is dangerous due to rupture, which provokes peritonitis.

For the treatment and prevention of various types of gynecological diseases (cyst, erosion, fibroids, endometriosis, endometritis), our readers successfully use the proven method. Having carefully studied it, we present it to your attention.

Small cystic degeneration - changes in the ovaries

Doctors have proven that the hereditary factor plays an important role in the occurrence of small cystic changes in the reproductive organ. This diagnosis can be made after using hormonal contraception. Small cystic changes may occur after using an intrauterine device (Mirena system).

Pathology is usually detected during ultrasound or surgery for another reason in this area. It develops without visible symptoms. Both ovaries or one of them can be affected. With small cystic degeneration, the formations may increase over time. Gynecologists insist on regular monitoring by an ultrasound specialist.

Damage to one ovary allows a woman to become pregnant. If small cystic degenerations are observed in both organs, you will not be able to get pregnant.

Important: women should be treated for small cystic ovarian lesions. This will help prevent infertility and dangerous degeneration of cysts (into malignant formations).

Types of cystic changes

The pathology under consideration develops in several variants. Let's look at each of them in more detail.

Primary true

A true cyst is a congenital pathology. This is a hereditary disease. It appears in girls during puberty, during which time the menstrual cycle is formed. The pathology is provoked by an excess of the male hormone and malfunctions of the following organs:

  • adrenal glands;
  • hypothalamus;
  • pancreas;
  • ovaries;
  • pituitary.

Secondary polycystic disease

This form develops in the presence of other diseases that have a bad effect on the ovaries. The pathology manifests itself in representatives of the weaker sex of any age. The following may cause a violation:

  • endocrinological diseases;
  • taking contraceptives (oral);
  • diabetes (type 2);
  • taking hormones;
  • climate change;
  • change in diet (sharp);
  • gynecological diseases (inflammatory);
  • obesity;
  • increased production of androgen by the body;
  • lactation;
  • frequent stress, nervousness.

Functional

This type of pathology is so named because of its dependence on the functioning of the ovaries in a specific phase of the cycle. Almost every woman had these formations, they did not suspect it. They are divided into 2 types:

  • follicular;
  • luteal

Non-functional

This type is a tumor cyst. This group includes all types except functional formations. Tumors include: cystadenoma, teratoma, etc.

Cause of occurrence

The leading provocateur of cystic changes in the ovarian area is considered to be increased production of insulin. Excess androgen quite often manifests itself as cystic degeneration of each of the reproductive organs or one of them. There is an imbalance of certain organs:

  • pancreas;
  • adrenal glands

Heredity

After collecting tests, the doctor may voice the theory that the pathology in your case is hereditary. The patient's mother could have had a similar illness. Therapy is prescribed after a complete diagnosis.

Obesity

Any degree of obesity can affect the occurrence of ovarian degeneration. The examining doctor points out the importance of changing your diet. The patient is prescribed a suitable diet and must adhere to the drinking regime.

Hormone therapy

The role of a provocateur is often the use of certain medications. It is hormonal medications that cause ovarian dysfunction; they can change the menstrual cycle and the functioning of the endocrine system.

The ovaries are often affected by the use of hormonal contraceptives. Oral medications should be discontinued unless absolutely necessary.

Medical error

Unqualified actions of doctors can also provoke cystic transformation of the area of ​​the reproductive organs. Gynecologists can make mistakes, these errors are presented:

  • incorrect installation of the spiral;
  • non-professional gynecological examination;
  • infection due to unsuccessful ovarian surgery.

Nervous tension

Hormonal imbalances and rapid increases in insulin levels are possible with depression and stress. Psycho-emotional stress causes disruption of the functioning of the ovaries. Recovery will be difficult until the patient eliminates nervous tension.

Climate change

Hormonal disruptions are not uncommon when the patient needs to move to a new place for permanent residence with a significantly different climate. Changing conditions do not always negatively affect the condition of the reproductive organs, but doctors recommend keeping this in mind.

Symptoms

There are no specific symptoms for small cystic changes in the reproductive organ. Such a violation is often detected during an ultrasound scan during surgery. Let us describe the main signs that raise suspicion of cystic ovarian lesions:

  • fatty dermis, it becomes greasy;
  • severe fatigue;
  • obesity;
  • acne in the face area;
  • increased body hair growth;
  • diabetes;
  • absence of menstruation;
  • lower abdominal pain. It is constant;
  • thyroid diseases.

Important: if you have several of these signs, you should definitely undergo an examination by a gynecologist. This is necessary to confirm/refute the diagnosis.

Diagnostics

After an examination by a gynecologist, the patient is referred for additional studies:

  • vaginal smear;
  • blood biochemistry;
  • hormone analysis;
  • Ultrasound of the pelvis.

Treatment

Before starting therapy, the gynecologist may refer the patient for examination to specialized doctors (urologist, endocrinologist). When the development of small cystic changes in the ovaries is confirmed and the cause of the pathology is determined, the patient is prescribed a therapeutic course.

Medication

In most cases, treatment involves taking hormonal medications in the form of birth control pills. Aloe injections may be prescribed.

Surgical

If the doctor considers the case to be particularly severe, he considers the issue of surgical intervention. The following operations are prescribed:

Conservative therapy is represented by taking medications, performing physical procedures, and using medicinal herbs. If it does not have the desired effect, surgery is prescribed.

Herbal medicine and naturopathy

Important: before starting a course of herbal treatment, check for allergies. Contraindications to any of the components should be excluded.

Herbal medicine has become often used in the treatment of glandular cystic lesions of the reproductive organs, as well as the underlying causes. Self-medication with herbs, flowers, and infusions should not be done. This is dangerous due to anaphylactic shock. The following are considered especially effective:

  • red cheek;
  • hog uterus;
  • plantain.

To resolve cysts and restore damaged cells, use:

  • raspberry leaves;
  • meadowsweet.

Traditional methods

Effective folk remedies are:

  • Castor oil;
  • Apple vinegar;
  • soap and warm water;
  • beet juice;
  • clean water with lemon.

Forecast

You cannot delay treatment. If pathology is neglected, the likelihood of developing serious complications increases. The degeneration of cysts into malignant tumors is considered especially dangerous. Advanced pathology can also provoke endometriosis.

Damage to the reproductive organs has a negative impact on the work of:

  • kidney;
  • of cardio-vascular system;
  • endocrine system.

Prevention

Patients with cysts of the reproductive organs need to change their lifestyle. They must limit themselves in many ways:

  • refusal to drink alcohol;
  • avoidance of smoking;
  • caffeine withdrawal;
  • elimination of nervous overload;
  • proper nutrition;
  • sports should be postponed;
  • It is forbidden to take hot baths, steam baths, or saunas.

Monastic collection helps with such diseases and conditions

  1. Diseases of the uterus (fibroids, erosion, endometritis, bends and prolapses of the uterus);
  2. ovarian cysts, inflammation of the appendages;
  3. thrush and unpleasant odor;
  4. pain during sex;
  5. infertility;
  6. discomfort when urinating.

Cystic ovarian degeneration is a serious gynecological disease that often leads to infertility. As a result of the disease, cysts form in the ovaries, which leads to an enlargement of the internal genital organs. About 23% of women with regular cycles aged 20-35 years have encountered this disease. The likelihood of having cystic ovarian degeneration increases in women taking hormonal birth control pills.

What is cystic ovarian degeneration?

In modern medicine, cystic ovarian degeneration is also called polycystic disease, ovarian multicystic disease, or cystic degeneration. At a certain point in the menstrual cycle, a mature follicle ruptures and an egg is released, ready for fertilization. This is how ovulation occurs. If for some reason the fertilization process does not occur, then the organ does not function properly. =

The follicle, which did not burst in due time, begins to grow. In appearance, it resembles a bubble filled with liquid. This is how an ovarian cyst is formed. The bubble begins to stretch and can reach alarming sizes. If internal organs malfunction, even a healthy woman may experience small cystic ovarian degeneration. If the failure recurs periodically, all follicles can become cysts. In this case, ovulation does not occur and problems with pregnancy arise.

When many cysts occur, the genitals increase in size. Follicular cysts look like a bunch of grapes on an ultrasound image. If the disease has spread only in one ovary, a woman has a chance to become pregnant, because the other ovary continues to function normally. If cystic degeneration has spread to both ovaries, the woman becomes infertile.

The first signal of the onset of polycystic disease is a reduction in menstrual bleeding to two days or its cessation altogether.

Causes

The exact cause of cystic ovarian degeneration has not yet been established, but doctors agree that there are a number of factors that provoke the occurrence of the disease:

  • Increased production of male hormones – androgens – by the woman’s body. This may manifest itself as hair growth on parts of the body that are unique to men;
  • Thickening of the ovarian capsule;
  • Disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, hormonal imbalances;
  • Severe nervous shock;
  • Obesity. Increased body weight can trigger the occurrence of cystic ovarian degeneration;
  • Increased blood sugar;

Most often, girls in the childbearing period, but who have not experienced a single pregnancy, turn to a specialist for help. It is also possible that primary multicystic disease may occur in girls during puberty.

Well-established hormonal levels are very important for any woman. A slight deviation from the norm can provoke a number of gynecological diseases. The trigger for the occurrence of cystic ovarian degeneration can be:

  • Treatment of other diseases with hormonal therapy;
  • Taking birth control pills;
  • Puberty;
  • Abrupt climate change;
  • Improper diet;
  • Difficult course of the previous pregnancy;
  • Abortion, artificial childbirth;
  • Malfunctions of the endocrine system.

Symptoms

When the first signs of polycystic disease appear, a woman may notice the following symptoms:

  • Violation of the monthly cycle. Bleeding may persist for a couple of days or disappear altogether. If this repeats systematically, the woman should urgently consult a gynecologist;
  • If during menstruation the bleeding is very strong and accompanied by severe pain;
  • Lack of ovulation, and as a consequence of this, infertility;
  • Deterioration of a woman’s condition for no apparent reason. A headache, increased fatigue appear, the woman becomes irritable and often becomes depressed;
  • Body weight increases sharply;
  • Dark hair begins to grow on the legs and arms;
  • The skin in the face and neck area becomes oily and acne appears;
  • Constant aching pain in the ovarian area;
  • Mastopathy may appear.

A woman most often explains the appearance of these symptoms by the menstrual cycle, changing weather conditions, moving to a new place of residence, and so on. And only severe pain or unsuccessful attempts to get pregnant lead a woman to a gynecologist.

Diagnostics

The sooner a woman complains of deteriorating health to a doctor, the better. Timely diagnosis will help to identify the disease at the initial stage of the disease and quickly begin its treatment.

To make an accurate diagnosis and begin treatment, the doctor will refer the patient for the following studies:

  • Laparoscopy. This type of diagnosis allows you to immediately carry out the necessary manipulations during the study to eliminate the cause of the disease;
  • Examination using an ultrasound machine. Using an ultrasound, a doctor can diagnose almost any disease of a woman’s pelvis. On the screen, the doctor will see a decrease in the size of the uterus, while the ovaries will be greatly enlarged. The lining of the ovaries will be compacted and gray in color;
  • Biochemical blood test. This analysis will show the content of fats in the blood, the indicator of which is most likely to be overestimated;
  • Blood test for the number of male hormones, insulin content.

Treatment

Cystic ovarian degeneration is a rather insidious disease. Failure to see a doctor in a timely manner can lead not only to infertility, but also to the appearance of other diseases:

  • Cancer of the uterus and ovaries;
  • Endometriosis;
  • Obesity;
  • Vascular disease.

At the beginning of treatment, the gynecologist sets the following tasks to complete:

  • Decrease in the amount of male hormones;
  • Bring the patient’s monthly cycle back to normal;
  • Reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases;
  • Normalization of hormonal levels;
  • Helping a patient get pregnant.

Several decades ago, there were only two types of treatment: surgery and hormonal therapy. Today, the picture has changed - there are several types of treatment that can be used alternately or in combination:

  • Reducing body weight. It has been clinically proven that with excess weight, irreparable processes occur in a woman’s body. The first point in the treatment process is getting rid of obesity. The decline should occur smoothly, without exposing the body to additional stress. With gradual weight loss, patients notice that the menstrual cycle begins to return to normal. To get rid of extra pounds, the gynecologist will advise you to seek help from a nutritionist or develop your own diet. Swimming, running and other sports will only help speed up the weight loss process.
  • Stimulation of ovulation. This method applies to those patients who are trying to get pregnant. Stimulation is carried out using various drugs. It is best to use weak drugs at the beginning of treatment, and only then, if they are ineffective, switch to stronger ones. It is better to carry out stimulation after drug treatment, so the chance of getting pregnant increases.
  • Hormonal contraceptives. In addition to the main task of preventing unwanted pregnancy, hormonal drugs help the amount of male hormones.
  • Prescription of drugs that reduce androgens. Drugs containing antiandrogens can be prescribed either as a separate type of treatment or in combination with contraceptives.
  • Use of metroformin. This drug is prescribed primarily for diabetes. Improper functioning of insulin provokes not only diabetes, but also cystic ovarian degeneration. According to statistics, women taking metroformin noticed that the menstrual cycle began to recover on its own, without the use of additional treatment. The course of treatment with this drug lasts at least six months, and positive dynamics can be observed after three months.
  • Surgery in the form of laparoscopy or abdominal surgery. A surgical solution to the problem is used only after drug treatment has failed. Also, the rapid growth of cysts and a sharp enlargement of the ovaries can be a reason for surgery. During surgery, if the disease is advanced, a decision may be made to completely or partially remove the ovary.

According to the symptoms of the disease and methods of its treatment, cystic degeneration of the right ovary is no different from cystic degeneration of the left ovary. At the first symptoms, you should consult a doctor; you should not self-medicate. The diagnosis will help you realistically assess the situation and choose the right treatment.