Ovarian Cysts Explained: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Written By Lora Shahine, MD

What exactly is an ovarian cyst—and should you be worried if you have one? Could your pain be more than just a normal part of your cycle? And how do you even begin the conversation with your doctor? 

In this episode of Brave & Curious, Dr. Lora Shahine invites you to get curious about your body, embrace the power of knowledge, and tackle the unknowns of ovarian health with bravery and clarity.

Dr. Shahine walks through the five most important things to know: symptoms, types, causes, treatment options, and red flags. From the commonly harmless functional cysts to more complex types like endometriomas and dermoid cysts.

She explains how cysts form, why they matter, and when they might signal something more serious. Finally, Dr. Shahine shares the three must-ask questions for anyone navigating a new diagnosis of an ovarian cyst.

In this episode, listeners will hear:

  • [0:44] Symptoms of ovarian cysts

  • [0:49] Types of ovarian cysts

  • [12:47] Causes of ovarian cysts

  • [14:10] Treatment options for ovarian cysts

  • [16:35] When to worry

  • [17:38] Important questions to ask your doctor

Dr. Shahine’s Weekly Newsletter on Fertility News and Recommendations

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Lora Shahine, MD

Dr. Lora Shahine, reproductive endocrinologist at Pacific NW Fertility and Clinical Assistant Professor at the University of Washington in Seattle, completed her residency in OBGYN at the University of California in San Francisco and fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at Stanford University. She is dedicated to educating and advocating for increased awareness of infertility, miscarriage, and the impact on environmental toxins on health through an active social media presence, teaching, clinical research, and authoring multiple blogs and books including best selling, ‘Not Broken: An Approachable Guide to Miscarriage and Recurrent Pregnancy Loss.’

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