Ovarian cysts form on the ovaries during ovulation and most disappear on their own within a few weeks to a few months. Often women that have ovarian cysts don’t experience any symptoms ever. Symptoms do occur when an ovarian cyst twists or ruptures. The symptoms of a twisted ovarian cyst are severe, and women should see a doctor immediately.
Abdominal Pain
Sudden sharp abdominal pain may be a sign and symptom that an ovarian cyst has ruptured or maybe twisted. Ovarian cysts can cause mild abdominal pain or heaviness without twisting, but when the pain is sudden and sharp it must be evaluated by a Professional doctor. Twisted or ruptured ovarian cysts can bleed heavily and may require immediate treatment to stop the bleeding.
When an ovarian cyst twists, it stops the flow of blood to the growth, which results in intense pain.
Hormonal Changes
Ovarian cysts can also cause a number of changes to your hormonal balance. You may find you have an increase in breast tenderness. Also, as the hormonal balance changes, you can expect to experience an increased amount of facial hair. Some women who never before had whiskers, might find they have developed a few growing on their chin or neck area.
Another of the more common symptoms of ovarian cysts is a change in menstruation. You may find that you are missing periods and it is not due to pregnancy. Or your periods might be late for no reason. You may find you have a short period and then two weeks later a longer one followed by another long one six weeks down the road. Painful periods are very common also. Since cysts tend to form when the ovaries go through ovulation, your hormones may be telling the cysts to grow in size or allowing more to form.
Extreme Symptoms
For the most part, cysts are not a serious medical concern even though they can cause troublesome symptoms. Most of the time, the cysts will resolve themselves; however, from time to time they can become serious and there are a number of symptoms that will let you know it is time to seek immediate medical attention. One of the most telling symptoms is if you experience a sudden onset of extreme pain. Sometimes the pain will be accompanied by a fever and or vomiting. If you find that you are extremely dizzy or faint, this is also cause for concern, as an is an increase in your breathing rate.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting often accompany severe abdominal pain with twisted ovarian cysts. Ovarian cysts also can cause twisting of the fallopian tubes.
Fever
Symptoms can also include fever along with pain and nausea. Twisting or rupturing ovarian cysts also become infected, according to Healthscout. Fever may be a sign that the twisted cyst has become infected.
Shock
A woman who is experiencing the symptoms of shock from a twisted or ruptured ovarian cyst requires immediate medical attention. These symptoms include cold, clammy skin and rapid breathing.
Other Signs and symptoms
The following symptoms may be present:
Dull aching, or severe, sudden, and sharp pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen (one or both sides), pelvis, vagina, lower back, or thighs; pain may be constant or intermittent—this is the most common symptom
Fullness, heaviness, pressure, swelling, or bloating in the abdomen
Breast tenderness
Pain during or shortly after beginning or end of menstrual period.
Irregular periods, or abnormal uterine bleeding or spotting
Change in frequency or ease of urination (such as inability to fully empty the bladder), or difficulty with bowel movements due to pressure on adjacent pelvic anatomy
Increased level of hair growth
Increased facial hair or body hair
Headaches
Strange pains in ribs, which feel muscular
Bloating
Strange nodules that feel like bruises under the layer of skin
Weight gain
Nausea or vomiting
Fatigue
Infertility
