whats the difference between PCOS and ovarian cysts?

Question

in the past 2 years i have had 3 ovarian cysts that became painful i went to the dr on all three b ut they said they were normal fluid filled cysts that occur around ovualtion but they just didnt bust..but they ended up going away on their own..each time ive had an intravaginal ultrasound but each of the 3 times it was just one fluid filled cyst....whats the difference between having an occasion al cyst and pcos? my dr never said i had pcos so im just wondering?

Answer 1

Women with PCOS tend to have a bunch of small cysts. It almost looks like a string of pearls. Sounds like you had a few instances where the cyst did not fully matrure and break off. Women with PCOS..this happens all the time...causing several cysts.

However, polycystic ovaries are only one symptom of PCOS. The underlying cause is actually insulin resistance (which in turn messes up hormones, causing the polycystic ovaries). Only about 1/2 of the women with PCOS actually have the cysts. Some of the other more common symptoms are irregular periods, lack of ovulation, skin tags, acne, thinning hair, excess facial/body hair, excess belly weight, depression, migraines. Not everyone has all the symptoms...it just depends on the person. Generally..if you have at least a couple of these symptoms (especially the lack of ovulation/irregular periods) then chances are that you have PCOS.

There are no tests for PCOS...although they can run some blood tests which can help with a diagnosis. Women with PCOS tend to have higher cholesterol and testosterone levels too (but not all PCOS women).

If your only symptom are these occassional cysts, then chances are that you dont have PCOS. I think it's fairly normal to have these cysts on occassion. Ask your doctor the next time you have one, but it's probably nothing to worry about. (even if it is PCOS, it is treatable and not life-threatening).