Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on a woman’s ovary. They are very common and usually harmless. However, in some cases, ovarian cysts can cause complications during a woman’s menstrual cycle, including blood clots.
What are ovarian cysts?
Ovarian cysts form when fluid accumulates in a follicle (which normally releases an egg) or corpus luteum (the remnant of the follicle after the egg is released) on the ovary. There are different types of ovarian cysts:
- Follicular cysts – these form when the follicle does not burst and release the egg.
- Corpus luteum cysts – these occur when the corpus luteum does not dissolve after releasing the egg.
- Dermoid cysts – cysts that contain tissue such as hair, teeth, etc.
- Cystadenomas – cysts that develop from ovarian tissue and can become large.
Ovarian cysts are very common, especially with women of reproductive age. Many women develop small, harmless cysts that resolve on their own without treatment. However, some cysts can grow large and cause symptoms.
Can ovarian cysts cause blood clots during your period?
In some cases, ovarian cysts may be associated with an increased risk of blood clots during your period. Here are some key points on how ovarian cysts can potentially cause blood clots:
- Large ovarian cysts can cause compression on nearby blood vessels. This may lead to slower blood flow in the pelvis and legs, increasing clot risk.
- Some cysts secrete excess estrogen, which can thicken the blood and make clotting more likely.
- Cysts may twist or rupture, resulting in bleeding into the pelvis. This can activate clotting.
- Treatment with hormones like estrogen to shrink cysts also thickens the blood.
- Cysts may cause chronic inflammation in the pelvis, which promotes abnormal clotting.
However, the overall risk is still low. Most women with ovarian cysts do not develop blood clots related to their cysts.
Types of blood clots
Ovarian cysts may increase the risk of two types of blood clots:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – clots in the deep veins of the leg or pelvis. Symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth and redness in the leg.
- Pulmonary embolism (PE) – clots that travel to the lungs. This can cause chest pain, cough, trouble breathing and low oxygen levels.
Without treatment, DVT clots can break off and cause a life-threatening PE. Prompt medical care is essential if blood clots are suspected.
Who is at risk?
The following factors can increase a woman’s risk of developing a blood clot related to an ovarian cyst:
- Large cyst size – cysts over 5-6 cm have a higher risk of complications.
- Prior blood clot history.
- Use of oral contraceptives or hormones.
- Recent pelvic surgery.
- Family history of blood clots.
- Older age.
- Smoking.
- Obesity.
- Inherited clotting disorders.
- Cancer.
Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may also have a higher risk of blood clots related to their cysts. The more risk factors a woman has, the greater her risk of clotting.
Symptoms
Be alert for the following symptoms if you have ovarian cysts, as they may indicate a blood clot:
- Leg swelling, redness, pain, warmth – may signal a DVT clot.
- Sudden chest pain, cough, trouble breathing – may indicate a PE.
- Rapid breathing, sweating, lightheadedness – signs of a PE.
- Severe abdominal pain – may be due to ovarian torsion or cyst rupture.
- Unusually heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding – may be related to bleeding from a cyst.
Seek prompt medical care if you experience any of these symptoms along with an ovarian cyst.
Diagnosis
To diagnose blood clots related to ovarian cysts, doctors may use:
- Medical history and physical exam.
- Pelvic exam to feel for an enlarged or tender ovary.
- Blood tests to check for signs of excess estrogen or inflammation.
- Leg ultrasound to detect DVT.
- CT scan of the lungs to diagnose a PE.
- Pelvic ultrasound, CT or MRI to view ovarian cysts.
It’s important to monitor any ovarian cysts along with any potential symptoms of blood clots. Notify your doctor promptly if you have any concerns.
Treatment
Treatment will focus on both the ovarian cysts and any blood clots present:
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) – medications like heparin or warfarin are used to treat and prevent blood clots from growing.
- Procedure to shrink or remove cysts – this may involve hormone therapy, draining fluid from the cysts, or surgically removing them.
- Hormonal birth control – oral contraceptives may be used to prevent new cysts from forming.
- Lifestyle changes – maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking, and certain dietary choices can help lower future risk.
Treatment duration depends on the severity of clots and presence of risk factors. Follow your doctor’s recommendations closely.
Complications
Potential complications of blood clots related to ovarian cysts include:
- A pulmonary embolism, which can be life-threatening.
- Recurrent blood clots, especially if risk factors like obesity or smoking are not addressed.
- Post-thrombotic syndrome causing long-term leg pain and swelling.
- Cyst rupture or ovarian torsion requiring emergency surgery.
- Chronic pelvic pain.
With prompt treatment, many complications can be avoided. Stay alert for any new symptoms and follow up regularly with your doctor.
Prevention
To help prevent blood clots associated with ovarian cysts:
- Get regular pelvic exams and ovarian cyst screening.
- Use hormonal birth control carefully and monitor for new cysts.
- Maintain a healthy weight through diet and exercise.
- Avoid smoking and excess alcohol intake.
- Stay hydrated and active, especially during long trips.
- Wear compression stockings if at high risk for clotting.
Discuss your personal risk factors and prevention options with your doctor. Being proactive is key.
Conclusion
Ovarian cysts can rarely increase the risk of developing blood clots like DVT or PE in some women. Larger cysts, high estrogen levels, cyst rupture, and other factors can promote clotting. However, the overall risk is still generally low.
Be aware of symptoms like leg swelling or chest pain and seek prompt medical care. With proper treatment of both the cysts and any clots, complications can often be avoided. Take preventive measures by having regular ovarian cyst screening and minimizing risk factors.
In most cases, ovarian cysts are benign and temporary. But it’s important to monitor them along with your menstrual cycle and gynecological health. Contact your doctor if you have any concerns.