Symptoms:

An ovarian cyst can cause pain if it:

• Bleeds
• Breaks open
• Is twisted or causes twisting (torsion) of the fallopian tube
• Pushes on nearby structures

Symptoms of ovarian cysts can include:

• Abnormal uterine bleeding (change from normal menstrual pattern)
  • Absent menstruation
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Longer-than-usual menstrual cycle
  • Shorter-than-usual menstrual cycle
• Bloating or swelling in the abdomen
• Pain during bowel movements
• Pain in the pelvis shortly after beginning or ending a menstrual period
• Pain with intercourse or pelvic pain during movement
• Pelvic pain -- constant, dull aching

Note: Often there are no symptoms.

Signs and tests:

• CT scan
• Doppler flow studies
• MRI
• Pelvic exam
• Ultrasound

The doctor may order the following blood tests:

• Hormone levels (such as LH, FSH, estradiol, and testosterone)
• Serum HCG (pregnancy test)