There are many women that have experienced health related problems that are due to hormonal and reproductive factors. Over time, some health related issues will disappear, whilst others might require surgical or non surgical intervention of some nature. As many of these conditions are common, the following paragraphs offer information about the causes of ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids.

Fibroids, or uterine myomas as they are often referred to, are a non cancerous (benign) tumor that can develop around or within the uterus. Some tumors may be tiny whilst others may be fairly large, however, they are made up of fibrous tissue and muscle. One in every four woman will experience this condition during some point of their reproductive lives, from 16 to 50. They are usually harmless and normally diminish with time.

There are five varieties of myomas which include Intramural, (develop in the muscle wall) Subserosal, (develop outside of the wall) Submucousal (develop within the muscle), Pedunculated (grow outside of the wall of the womb) and cervical (develop in the wall of the cervix) Symptoms may or may not be present, however, if symptoms occur they can present as heavy bleeding or abdominal pain.

Despite research causes have not yet been established, however, the oestrogen hormone is a factor. When a woman has high levels of this hormone, tumors grow. However, as levels reduce, post menopause, tumors decrease in size.

A cyst on the ovary may develop when a tissue filled sac grows inside of the ovary. This condition is reasonably common, however, a woman can be any age when this occurs. There are two distinct types of cysts and include, functional which is fairly common and is usually harmless, with a short life span. A pathological cyst can develop in the ovary and may be both non cancerous and cancerous.

There can be a number of causes for this condition, however, the most common are the follicular variety. Sometimes the follicle (a structure within the ovary) does not release the egg as it should. When this happens the follicle may swell with fluid and becomes a follicular type cyst. A Luteal cyst develops when the tissue, which is left behind after egg release, (the corpus leuteum), fills with blood. This type of cyst will normally diminish within a few months.

Discussing the causes of ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids, may assist the reader to better understand these conditions. Should a woman develop any of the symptoms described, for example excessive bleeding or pain, she should contact her physician.