Diseases of the female reproductive system can be asymptomatic. Therefore, the patient can find out about the pathology when the disease enters an advanced stage. To avoid this, you need to be examined by a gynecologist at least once a year. One of the fairly common pathologies is the so-called hormonal ovarian cyst. Features of the disease, its symptoms and treatment methods will be discussed below.
Description of the disease
Hormonal ovarian cyst is a benign formation, which is a hollow capsule, a bladder filled with homogeneous contents. It can be liquid, fat, blood or other substances. Hormonal cyst is a collective concept. It appears as a result of a number of pathological processes in the body.
From the name of such a neoplasm it is clear what causes the appearanceovarian cysts hormonal failure. However, there are many reasons for the appearance of cysts. This may be an inflammatory process, exposure to external adverse factors, taking certain drugs.
The cyst is not considered a true ovarian tumor. It grows out of the structure of this organ. The shell of the cyst is a connective tissue. It doesn't grow, it just expands. Such a formation can be only on one or both ovaries. As the capsule grows, contents accumulate from the connective tissue. Because of this, cysts often rupture or twist.
But medical specialists call a true ovarian tumor a cystoma. It can grow, grow into neighboring tissues. It is highly likely to develop into a malignant tumor.
To understand the mechanism of cyst development, you need to have an idea about the work of the ovaries. These organs contain a supply of follicles. They are constantly produced alternately in one or the other ovary. Some of them undergo reverse development, which is called atresia.
The rest of the follicles grow, go through the stage of ovulation, the formation of the corpus luteum. Over time, a process such as apoptosis (programmed cell death) occurs. It completely dissolves. But when apoptosis is violated, a neoplasm is formed. Most often, the cause of such deviations is a hormonal failure, but this process has not yet been thoroughly studied.
Varieties
Hormonal ovarian cyst of the left or right may refer to one or another type. From what toneoplasm belongs to the category, the approach to its treatment also depends. The vast majority of women of childbearing age develop follicular and corpus luteum cysts.
These are less dangerous neoplasms that go away on their own in 2-3 months. But there are other types of cysts. The most common varieties are:
- Functional. This category includes cysts of the corpus luteum. They arise at the exit from the follicle of the egg. Tumor growth begins after ovulation. In the normal state, the corpus luteum has a size of 17-25 mm. If the size has become larger, this formation is called a cyst. In diameter, they can reach 5-6 cm. Under physical exertion, the shell can break. Hemorrhage occurs, which requires urgent surgery. Internal bleeding can be fatal.
- Follicular. These formations are the result of missed ovulation. The follicle does not rupture, but grows further. Fluid accumulates in its cavity. The dominant follicle has a size of 17 to 23 mm. If he did not ovulate on the 11-14th day of the menstrual cycle, his size exceeds the allowable rate, the formation is called a cyst. The diameter of such a cyst can eventually reach 12 cm.
- Paraovarian. Such formations are located between the ligaments of the ovary. Education has one capsule, the size of which is 2-10 cm Inside it contains liquid. It contains a small amount of protein. Such a cyst develops slowly.
- Endometrioid. It is a consequence of endometriosis, which appears in the ovary. Endometrial cells, due to certain circumstances, enter the ovary. At the same time, they obey the laws of menstrual regulation. When the time of menstruation comes, such cells are destroyed and accumulate in the capsule. The blood thickens and reduces in this formation.
- Dermoid. Such cysts almost never become malignant. Inside the capsule are the rudiments of adnexal tissues, for example, adipose, bone. Such a cyst grows slowly, but over time it can put pressure on neighboring tissues, disrupting their proper functioning.
- Cytadenoma. This is a cystoma or a true cyst. Such a neoplasm may have one or more chambers. Depending on their content, they are divided into mucinous and serous.
These are the main types of hormonal ovarian cysts. Treatment depends on the type of neoplasm. It can be conservative or surgical.
Main causes of cysts
Hormonally active ovarian cysts occur due to a number of disorders in the body. The mechanism of their occurrence is not fully understood. The main reason for this pathology is the violation of apoptosis, as well as an imbalance of sex hormones.
In addition, patients who have such pathologies often have inflammation of the female genital organs. Endocrine diseases are also possible. These are the main reasons for the development of cysts. Among other factors provoking their development, the following are noted:
- Bad habits (smoking, alcohol, etc.).
- Overweight or underweight.
- Climate change, living conditions.
- Stress, overwork, depressive illnesses.
- Early or, conversely, late onset of sexual activity.
- Great physical activity.
A hormonal ovarian cyst can occur in both a very young and an elderly woman. Therefore, timely diagnosis allows you to identify pathology in the early stages.
Symptomatics
There are different symptoms of a hormonal ovarian cyst. Although much more often the disease proceeds without any symptoms. Such cysts are found during an ultrasound scan or during a gynecological examination.
But in some cases, the presence of such a formation can be suspected by the corresponding symptoms. A hormonal ovarian cyst has a number of manifestations:
- Drawing pains in the lower abdomen or from one side.
- Pain increases during intercourse.
- There is a feeling of heaviness in the lower abdomen.
- Uterine dysfunctional bleeding.
- Feeling of pressure when emptying bowels or bladder.
- Nausea or even vomiting with increased exercise.
- Irregular menstruation up to amenorrhea.
There are other symptoms that should promptly call an ambulance.
- Abdominal wall tense.
- Severe pain in the lower abdomen.
- High temperature (above38ºС) in case of pain in the lower abdomen.
- Uterine bleeding other than menses.
- Weakness, dizziness, intense thirst.
- Faint.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Pale skin, heavy sweating, frequent urination.
The above symptoms may indicate a ruptured cyst. In this case, you need to act quickly. Internal bleeding is life threatening. Immediate surgical medical attention required.
Diagnosis
Treatment of a hormonal ovarian cyst cannot be prescribed without proper diagnosis. This is a set of studies that allows you to determine some of the features of the disease. Based on the results of the examinations, a decision is made on the method and treatment regimen.
In some cases, a doctor may suspect the development of a cyst during an examination. However, to obtain accurate information, an ultrasound of the ovaries is mandatory. This examination allows you to determine the location and type of cyst, its size. Based on the information received, the doctor decides on the choice of treatment method.
On ultrasound, the cyst looks like a dark spot. This is an anechoic area that has a sheath. If necessary, the doctor may prescribe additional examinations:
- ovarian computed tomography;
- laparoscopy;
- MRI;
- analysis to determine the level of sex hormones;
- analysis for oncomarkers CA-125 (reflects the activity of the process), HE-4 (preclinical formcancer);
- Douglas pouch puncture, which is used when internal bleeding is suspected due to a ruptured cyst.
If there is no suspicion of an oncological process, expectant tactics are chosen. If within 3 months the cyst has not resolved or at least not decreased in size, it is removed surgically.
Features of treatment
A hormonal ovarian cyst can go away on its own. Therefore, doctors choose expectant tactics. This happens in most cases, but only if it is a follicular or corpus luteum cyst. It should be understood that even the most harmless, small neoplasm requires constant monitoring by physicians. This helps to prevent the development of complications.
To increase the likelihood of self-healing, you need to normalize the hormonal background. You need to know exactly which substances in the blood do not meet the established standards. This is an effective approach, according to reviews. Hormonal treatment of ovarian cysts is prescribed according to an individual scheme, based on the characteristics of the patient's body. These are pills that can be used for contraception.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial therapy is also prescribed. The doctor may prescribe physiotherapy, as well as enzyme preparations. Conservative treatment lasts for several menstrual cycles. Then another ultrasound is scheduled. Based on its results, a decision is made on further actions.
If conservative treatment fails, showsurgical intervention. It can be laparotomy (open incision) or laparoscopic (through an endoscope).
If this is an elective procedure, your doctor will likely prescribe a laparoscopic procedure. In this case, the abdominal wall is much less injured. The recovery period will be short. In emergency surgery, a laparotomy is performed. This happens if there is a suspicion that the tumor has degenerated into a malignant neoplasm or if the size of the cyst is larger than average. Also, if a cyst ruptures or twists, a laparotomy is prescribed.
Hormone therapy reviews
According to reviews, a hormonal ovarian cyst is more likely to pass if certain drugs are used. Their list is significant, but only the gynecologist should make a choice after the diagnosis. The treatment regimen includes the following drugs:
- Hormonal pills.
- Antibiotics.
- Vitamins.
- Painkillers.
- Antidepressants.
The list of hormonal drugs for ovarian cysts includes progesterone-based pills. These tools have proven to be effective. With their help, according to reviews, you can cure an ovarian cyst without surgery. Progesterone regulates the second half of the menstrual cycle. When used in a treatment regimen, it turns out to slow down the growth of the cyst. Because of this, the neoplasm gradually decreases until it disappears completely.
Hormonal pills for the treatment of ovarian cysts are oral contraceptives. They aresuppress the production of estrogen, so there is no ovulation during therapy. If this hormone is not produced, the cyst stops growing. Taking birth control pills can prevent the development of new cysts. These can be either mono- or biphasic drugs.
Effective Pill Reviews
Gynecologists in their reviews note some names of hormonal pills for ovarian cysts. According to them, the most effective drugs are:
- "Dufaston".
- "Anteovin".
- "Logesta".
- "Janine".
The doctor makes the choice of the drug based on the data of diagnostic studies and the characteristics of the course of the disease. Self-medication can be very dangerous. If necessary, the gynecologist adjusts the treatment regimen, as this or that drug may not be suitable.
Oral hormonal contraceptives are taken as a course. It is strictly forbidden to skip taking the drug. Therapy lasts from 3 to 6 months, but not longer. The duration of use of these drugs is limited.
Antibiotics
A common cause of the development of pathology is the inflammatory process in the genitourinary system. Therefore, along with hormonal therapy, the doctor prescribes antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal drugs.
The doctor makes the choice of a drug on the basis of laboratory tests. It is precisely determined which pathogen caused the disease, as well as in which areagenitourinary system, it develops. The choice should also be made by the gynecologist. Some drugs do not work together.
Vitamins
Often the cause of the disease is a decrease in immunity. To increase it, take vitamin complexes. They must include folic, ascorbic acid, as well as vitamins of groups B and E. This will support the body, providing it with the necessary substances. The recovery process will be faster and new problems will be prevented.
It is important to fully rest, eat right. You will need to normalize the weight, walk more in the fresh air. Physical and emotional stress should be reduced. In this case, immunity will be restored, the body will start regeneration processes.
