Understanding ovarian cysts: When your cycle feels off
Last updated: 19 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the Elfcare quality team
Do you ever feel a dull ache in your lower abdomen, notice irregular periods, or experience bloating before your cycle? These symptoms can sometimes point to ovarian cysts – small, fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries.
Most ovarian cysts are harmless and resolve naturally. Others may persist, grow, or cause hormonal changes that affect your cycle and comfort. Recognising the early signs and understanding what’s happening inside your body can help you manage them confidently.
Elfcare’s preventive approach focuses on awareness and helping you track your hormones and detect subtle imbalances early, so you can protect your reproductive and metabolic health with ease.
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What are ovarian cysts?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops within or on the surface of an ovary. These are quite common during a woman’s reproductive years and often form as part of the normal menstrual cycle.
There are two main types:
Functional cysts: the most common type, forming when the ovary continues to hold a maturing egg or fluid after ovulation. These usually disappear on their own.
Pathological cysts: less common, caused by abnormal cell growth (for example, dermoid or endometriotic cysts).
In some women, multiple cysts may appear as part of a hormonal imbalance known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Symptoms of ovarian cysts
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms, but when they do, you may notice:
Pelvic pain or pressure (especially on one side)
Bloating or abdominal fullness
Irregular or heavier menstrual cycles
Pain during or after intercourse
Frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder
Nausea or breast tenderness
Sudden sharp pain (if a cyst ruptures or twists)
Because cysts are often silent, regular monitoring and hormone testing help ensure small imbalances are caught before they become bothersome.
What causes ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts form for various hormonal and physiological reasons:
Ovulatory changes: the egg-release process sometimes leaves fluid trapped in the follicle.
Hormonal imbalance: excess oestrogen or irregular ovulation patterns.
Endometriosis: tissue growth outside the uterus can form cysts on the ovaries (endometriomas).
Pregnancy: sometimes, cysts develop early in pregnancy and then resolve.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): multiple cysts linked to insulin resistance and hormonal imbalance.
Understanding these causes helps you track your cycle and hormonal trends more effectively.
How do you detect ovarian cysts?
Cysts are usually detected through pelvic ultrasound, which shows their size and type. However, blood tests can reveal hormonal or metabolic changes associated with cyst formation and help differentiate between benign and more complex conditions.
Key biomarkers include:
Oestradiol and progesterone: reflect ovulation and hormonal rhythm.
LH and FSH: measure ovarian cycle balance.
AMH (anti-Müllerian hormone): indicates ovarian reserve and cystic activity in PCOS.
Testosterone and DHEAS: detect androgen excess linked to hormonal imbalance.
CA-125: sometimes used to monitor complex or persistent cysts.
Insulin and fasting glucose: assess metabolic health linked to ovarian function.
Elfcare’s imaging and blood tests measure hormone and metabolic markers that help you understand your cycle health and detect early imbalances leading to ovarian cysts.
Why early detection matters
Ovarian cysts are usually harmless, but persistent or large cysts can affect hormones, cause pain, or disrupt fertility. Early awareness allows you to:
Identify hormonal patterns before symptoms worsen
Manage cycle regularity through diet, rest, and medical advice
Track changes through imaging or biomarker testing
Prevent complications such as cyst rupture or ovarian torsion
Testing early gives clarity and control, helping you make choices that support comfort and confidence.
Elfcare’s preventive health checks include key biomarkers linked to hormonal, metabolic, and ovarian function. By tracking these results regularly, you can understand your body’s rhythm, detect irregularities early, and discuss them with your gynaecologist when needed.
Elfcare’s focus is awareness, not diagnosis, thereby empowering you to take proactive steps in maintaining reproductive and hormonal health.
Curious about your cycle and ovarian health? Elfcare’s blood tests help you track hormone levels and early imbalances, so you can act confidently and stay in sync with your body.
How Elfcare can help
Summary
Ovarian cysts are common and often harmless, but awareness is key. Regular testing, hormonal tracking, and lifestyle balance can help you detect changes early and maintain reproductive well-being.
When you understand your body, you can make choices that support your balance, comfort, and lifelong hormonal health.
Last updated: 19 Dec. 2025
Reviewed by: Specialist doctors from the quality team at Elfcare
FAQs
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside the ovaries, often related to the menstrual cycle. Most are benign and resolve naturally. They are common in women of reproductive age and usually harmless.
What are the most common symptoms of ovarian cysts?
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms. When present, symptoms may include pelvic pain, bloating, fullness, or changes in menstrual cycles. Sudden sharp pain may indicate rupture or twisting of a cyst.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves pelvic exams and ultrasound imaging. Doctors also consider symptoms, age, and hormonal factors when assessing cysts.
Can ovarian cysts be treated or prevented?
Yes. Many cysts disappear with treatment. Monitoring, medication, or surgery may be recommended based on size, type, and symptoms.