Premenopausal Women

For premenopausal women, the most common causes of ovarian cysts include:

• Ovulation – “Functional” ovarian cysts develop when a follicle (sac) grows, but does not rupture to release the egg. These cysts usually resolve without treatment.
• Dermoid cysts – Dermoid cysts (teratomas) are one of the most common types of cysts found in women between age 20 and 40 years. A dermoid cyst is made up ovarian germ cells (germ cells are reproductive cells, eg, eggs) and can contain teeth, hair, or fat. Most dermoid cysts are benign, but rarely, they can be cancerous.
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) – Women with PCOS may have many small cysts. These cysts do not need to be removed or treated with medication, but women with PCOS may need treatment for other PCOS problems, such as irregular menstrual periods.
• Endometriosis – Women with endometriosis can develop a type of ovarian cyst called an endometrioma, or “chocolate cyst.”
• Pregnancy – An ovarian cyst normally develops in early pregnancy, to help support the pregnancy until the placenta forms. In some cases, the cyst stays on the ovary until later in the pregnancy.
• Severe pelvic infections – Severe pelvic infections may spread to involve the ovaries and fallopian tubes. As a result, pus-filled cysts form close to the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes.
• Non-cancerous growths
• Cancer – Cancer is a relatively uncommon cause of ovarian cysts in premenopausal women; less than 1 percent of new growths on or near the ovary are related to ovarian cancer.

Postmenopausal Women

In women who have stopped having menstrual periods, the most common causes of ovarian cysts include:

In women who have stopped having menstrual periods, the most common causes of ovarian cysts include:

• Hormonal Fluctuations: While typically associated with menstrual cycles, hormonal changes can still play a role in cyst development. For example, even after menopause, hormonal imbalances can contribute to cyst formation.
• Pelvic Infections: Severe infections in the pelvic area can spread to the ovaries and fallopian tubes, leading to cysts.
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS): While PCOS is more common in younger women, some women may still experience symptoms after menopause, and the presence of multiple small cysts on the ovaries is a characteristic of PCOS.
• Endometriosis: This condition, where tissue similar to the uterine lining grows outside the uterus, can also lead to cysts in the ovaries, even after menopause.
• Other factors: Non-cancerous growths or tumors can also cause cysts, and in rare cases, ovarian cancer can be a cause.