I had an ultrasound today to check on small cysts that were picked up in an MRI that I had for back pain. It appears that I have 2 cysts on one ovary, and 4 on the other, in addition to 4 fibroids, which I knew I had, but appear to have grown slightly. Yikes! The cysts are small-1.something centimeters, and I have had ovarian cysts before that have disappeared on their own in the past. The doctor is advising waiting two months, and then repeating the scan, and then possibly going on a short course of birth control pills to get rid of them if they're still there. I've done that before, also.
How long does this cyst cycle keep going? Is it safe to always be going on and off bc pills? I didn't like being on them the last time.
At 45 years old, with perimenopausal symptoms, should I just have the hysterectomy and be done with it all? As far as I know, I am not having any symptoms from the cysts. Is this related to perimenopause too??
Hi Laurie,
The cysts could be from peri-menopause. I started getting them last fall, and to my knowledge had never had them before I started peri. My GYN said 8 out 10 women will have ovarian cysts during peri, some have symptoms, some not. I had terrible pain, frequent urination and my periods became very heavy and long. I went on Ortho-Tri-Cyclen Lo several months ago. The ovary pain has really improved so I guess the pill is working. I have some nausea and bloat from the pill, but it's better than the pain. I just don't know how long to stay on the pill to make sure these cysts go away for good. I would not hesitate to go on the pill for awhile to see if it helps get rid of the cysts. I think the only thing that would help the fibroids would be surgery or finally getting to menopause. Godd luck, Ann
Ann,
Thanks for the response. I have been through this cyst thing before and have gone on bc pills for it. When I last did that, the dr. told me to take them for three months, which I did. She re-scanned me, and the cysts were gone. You probably only have to take them for about three months.
However, now that I'm taking no hormones, they're back. Who knows?!?!
My dr. will also just leave them alone if they don't get bigger and/or they cause me no symptoms, which I don't think they do.
Laurie
