Hormonal health is the essence of women’s wellness. If hormonal health is askew, it has a massive impact on menopause and other diseases that follow suit.
When hormonal health goes off the rails, issues like ovarian cysts run hot like an unpleasant alarm. Since post menopause, you cannot do much about your hormonal health unless you have intervention.
At Hamilton Wellness, we offer bioidentical hormone therapy (BHT) in order to bring hormonal balance.
What are Ovarian Cysts?
Fluid-filled sacs within, on, or surrounding the ovaries are an exceptionally common type of cyst found in women of reproductive age.
While the large majority of cysts are benign and self-resolving, some cysts can lead to serious complications or symptoms.
Symptoms include: pelvic pain, pressure under the abdomen, irregular periods, and abdominal bloating.
Cysts can occur for a variety of reasons, such as hormonal disruptions, lack of ovulation, or even more serious medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or Endometriosis.
Diagnosis usually includes some form of an ultrasound, looking at blood hormone levels and tumor markers, or physical examinations in order to evaluate the size and type of the cysts.
Treatment varies according to the nature of the cysts. Small and painless cysts can simply be monitored, while larger cysts would be treated with medication or, in some rare cases, surgically removed.
Types of Ovarian Cysts
Ovarian cysts can be classified as functional, dermoid, cystadenomas, or endometriomas.
- Functional Cysts: These represent the majority of cysts—in mid to late proliferative phases, a follicle and an ovum develop, at which point the corpus luteum cyst forms and ovulates.
- Dermoid Cysts: These are more anomalous benign cysts that contain skin, teeth, and or hair, and due to their large size, can be more frequently cancerous.
- Cystadenomas: These form as a byproduct of the ovarian tissue and can be quite large, thus require surgical removal.
- Endometriomas: These cysts are associated with endometriosis due to the existence of uterine tissue on the ovaries, and are more commonly associated with pain.
- Polycystic Ovaries: In PCOS, small cysts appear on the ovaries, which is caused by hormonal imbalance.
Women with irregular menstruation, those on hormonal treatment, and those with a family history have an increased risk of developing hormonal cysts. Continuous follow-up and clinical care are mandatory.
Also Read: Does Insurance Cover Bioidentical Hormone Therapy?
What are Bioidentical Hormones?
Bioidentical hormones are obtained from plant materials, such as soy and yams. They are configured to match, on a molecular level, hormones produced by the body, such as estrogen, progesterone, or testosterone.
They are used primarily to treat menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, mood swings, and fatigue. Moreover, these work to manage hormonal deficiencies resulting from the natural aging process or other medical conditions.
Bioidentical hormones are available as creams, gels, pills, patches, and injectable solutions.
Compared to other categories of hormonal therapy, the biochemical structure of bioidentical hormones closely resembles the natural hormones produced by the body.
Thus, some claim, there will be minimal side effects. Safe and effective bioidentical hormones are FDA-approved and include estradiol and micronized progesterone.
Pharmacy compounding allows customization of dosages. But there is a lack of regulation, hence safety is jeopardized.
Consulting a healthcare professional for effectiveness and regulated use is a better strategy to regulate hormone testing and treatment.
What Is the Difference Between HRT And Bioidentical Hormones?
Traditional Hormone Replacement Therapy, also known as HRT, relies on the use of animal-derived hormones.
In contrast, Bioidentical Hormones base on the use of plant-based protocols to manage human hormones.
HRT follows a standardized protocol whereas Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy is tailored more to personalized dosages.
Both therapies intend to restore hormonal or hormonal balance, but differ in areas of constitution and side effects.
A few pieces of evidence show that side effects like breast tenderness, pain, and clotting, but there is a lack of long-term data.
Bioidentical hormones are still in the process of being popularized due to HRT’s extensive use and outlined procedures regarding its implementation, along with the rising demand for customization.
The choice is entirely subjective, and should be made with the, possibly, the counseling of the pros and cons. This also comes along with the considerations of the healthcare professional regarding the personal health objectives of the individual.
Also Read: Is Bioidentical Hormone Therapy Covered by Medicare?
Ovarian Cyst and HRT
During HRT, there is a slight risk of developing ovarian cysts. These cysts are mostly small and non-cancerous, having no symptoms. Albeit resolving on their own, they may require some monitoring. If the issue becomes complex, HRT will have to be discontinued or adjusted.
Also Read: How to Discover Your Hormone Type for Weight Loss?
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General Apprehensions
Can low estrogen cause ovarian cysts
Having low estrogen does not directly produce a cyst on the ovary. Functional cysts are rooted in fluctuating estrogen. When estrogen rises, ovulation fails to occur; rather, hormones are imbalanced. In the case of low estrogen, fewer cysts develop as ovulatory frequency is minimal. In PCOS, the formation of follicles is a result of decreased levels of ovulation, not because of estrogen.
Can HRT cause ovarian cysts after menopause?
If, after menopause, there is the intake of estrogen, there is a slight stimulation of the ovaries. But the cysts that occur are small and benign. So, HRT does induce cysts, but they are low-risk and harmless.
Can estrogen cream cause ovarian cysts
It is highly unlikely that estrogen cream results in ovarian cysts. These creams contain low doses of estrogen that are applied to some parts of the body. Even a high-dose estrogen cream for the whole body is mild and quite safe.
The link between low progesterone and ovarian cysts
In low progesterone, there is the possibility of functional cysts prompted by a lack of ovulation. The follicle grows steadily and forms a follicular cyst. Conditions like PCOS, perimenopause, and chronic anovulation can arise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hormone replacement therapy cause an ovarian cyst?
HRT contains estrogen and progesterone. Women who are postmenopausal are exposed to the development of benign ovarian cysts. They are usually small and disappear on their own.
What hormone imbalance causes ovarian cysts?
- Imbalance in estrogen and progesterone.
- High luteinizing hormone levels.
- Excess of androgen.
- Imbalanced follicle-stimulating hormone.
Does Hormone Replacement Therapy cause ovarian cysts?
HRT, including bioidentical hormone therapy, involves the introduction of estrogen and progesterone, which may potentially disrupt ovarian activity. Unbalanced estrogen therapy (i.e., estrogen without progesterone “withdrawal”) may, in some cases, increase the chances of functional cysts by stimulating ovarian tissue unopposed.
Can HRT make cysts worse?
Women with pre-existing cysts, especially those associated with PCOS or Endometriosis, HRT may worsen the condition. Excess of estrogen can stimulate cyst growth in sensitive individuals.
What size of ovarian cyst is dangerous in mm?
A size greater than 70 mm, with features like septations and irregularity in shape. These cysts are fast-growing and can be extremely painful. There may be bloating and bleeding and a risk of ruptures and torsion (or twisting of ovaries).
Why am I suddenly getting ovarian cysts?
Developing cysts in the manner indicated could be due to the presence of stress, endocrine, menopause, or the onset of medications. Polycystic ovarian syndrome, Endometriosis, certain forms of fertility therapy, and the aggregate lifestyle may contribute.
However, this doesn’t happen suddenly; underlying health conditions contribute, until these show up in blood work and medical exams.
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Conclusion
Although menopause is a complex physiological phenomenon, its consequences, such as hormonal imbalance can be treated early on.
At Hamilton Wellness, healthcare providers provide complete insight into the situation and offer a customized plan for their patients. These customized plans ensure the optimal outcome for hormonal health and, by and large, cyst management.
Talk to our expert, book a session, and get in the know!
