Beyond abdominal pain, ovarian cyst symptoms may cause unexpected sensations across your body. Knowing what to look for is half the battle, so keep the lesser-known ovarian cyst symptoms on your radar.
Since the vast majority of ovarian cysts cause minimal discomfort and go away on their own, it is easy to overlook the subtle or strange symptoms that do occur. Most of the symptoms arise as the cysts grow larger and start to impact the ovary and its surrounding structures. By closely monitoring how you feel, you can alert your OB GYN doctor to changes that may indicate a need for acute care or ovarian cyst removal. Here are four symptoms that can help you determine if you are suffering from this condition.
Breast Tenderness
The growth of a cyst on an ovary can impact the natural release of hormones in your body. Oftentimes, the hormone fluctuations will cause your breast tissue to feel sore or tender. When this occurs, a simple bump to the chest or jolt from running will send waves of pain through your breasts. After ovarian cyst removal by an OB GYN doctor or from your natural bodily processes, hormone levels should stabilize, relieving the breast pain and tenderness you feel.
Belly Bloating
Bloating in the abdominal area can be directly attributed to the development of an ovarian cyst. The bloating arises due to the retention of fluids from the inflammatory response in your body. With the bloating, you may feel a severe sense of fullness and pressure that impedes your normal daily activities. These symptoms will only resolve when the cyst bursts on its own or after ovarian cyst removal by a skilled doctor.
Urinary Tract Issues
As the ovarian cyst grows larger, it can press on the structures in your urinary tract, impeding their natural function. Pressure on your bladder, for example, can make you feel like you have to urinate more often than normal. Pressure on the ureters, on the other hand, can make it difficult to void your bladder completely. Your OB GYN doctor can help you determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of ovarian cyst or have another cause to consider.
Hip and Leg Pain
A sore hip or leg could be attributed to overuse, but it could also arise from pressure put on the pelvic nerves by an ovarian cyst. When caused by a cyst, the hip and leg pain will usually only occur on one side of the body and may be severe. The pain may travel to the groin or abdomen as well, especially if the cyst bursts. Report all hip and leg pain to your OB GYN doctor to identify the cause and receive care.
Visit Your OB GYN Doctor to Discuss Your Ovarian Cyst Symptoms
If you suspect you are suffering from symptoms of ovarian cyst or similar issues, contact your OB GYN doctor to discuss the signs in detail. Your physician will evaluate your overall health and pinpoint the cause of your ovarian cyst symptoms. Schedule an appointment at The Woman’s Clinic by contacting us at (501) 664-4131.
