An ovarian cyst often does not produce symptoms, but in other cases may cause symptoms similar to PMS.
However, the cause of the ovarian cyst may also be causing PMS-like symptoms.
Classic Physical Symptoms of PMS
• Joint aches
• Upper leg and lower back aches
• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal and pelvic cramps
• Breast tenderness
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Breast tenderness
“Ovarian cysts are typically without symptoms, but can occasionally cause cramping or even vaginal bleeding,” says Mylaine Riobe, MD, founder of Riobe Institute of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Riobe, who’s board certified in ob/gyn and integrative medicine, is the author of “The Answer to Cancer.”
Cramping and vaginal bleeding can both occur with cervical cancer and even ovarian cancer, though bleeding with ovarian cancer is very rare.
PMS does not cause vaginal bleeding but is notorious for causing cramping.
Dr. Riobe also explains, “Small simple cysts less than four cm are usually of no significant concern. Larger cysts or complex cysts should be further evaluated.
“Women often experience vague symptoms of crampy, achy pain in the pelvic region. They may experience back pain.
“In menopause, cysts should not be ‘hormonally’ active, meaning the ovaries should be relatively quiet since they are no longer cycling.
“Often ovarian cysts are a sign of improper fluid metabolism and inflammation, originating elsewhere. GI problems or hormone imbalance can lead to inflammation which can predispose to cysts.
“The symptoms women experience may not be directly from the cysts, but rather, from the metabolic disturbances occurring in the GI tract causing inflammation. This same inflammation can also cause the ovarian cyst.
“GI infections such as small-bowel bacterial overgrowth, enzyme deficiencies and other abnormalities can cause inflammation leading to symptoms such as bloating, constipation, back pain, upper leg aches.
“An evaluation with a board-certified integrative physician can determine if these abnormalities are present.”
In addition to abdominal or pelvic bloating, cramps, lower backache and digestive issues, the following symptoms have been associated with ovarian cysts.
• Sharp abdominal or pelvic pain; may be very severe
• Feeling of heaviness in the pelvic area
• Pelvic or lower abdominal pain may come and go
• Gas
• Abdominal distension
• Appetite suppression
• Nausea
PMS can also cause nausea, vomiting, dizziness, weakness, feeling faint and agonizing lower abdominal or pelvic cramps.
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms BUT also have a fever, you need to see a doctor urgently.
A fever in combination with excruciating abdominal pain plus feeling faint can mean that an ovarian cyst has caused the ovary to twist, or that the cyst has ruptured.
Dr. Riobe has helped thousands of patients overcome difficult illnesses by addressing root causes, not just masking symptoms. The Riobe Method focuses on the prevention of disease, not the prevention of death from disease. She has over 15 years’ experience using integrative techniques to treat diverse patients.
Lorra Garrick has been covering medical, fitness and cybersecurity topics for many years, having written thousands of articles for print magazines and websites, including as a ghostwriter. She’s also a former ACE-certified personal trainer.
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