All About Corpus Luteum Cysts

Ovaries are the female reproductive organs that create and release eggs. You have two ovaries, one on each side of your lower abdomen, and each month during your menstrual cycle, one of them releases an egg for fertilization.

When an ovary releases an egg, it emerges from a sac called a follicle. The follicle seals itself off and forms a clump of cells that’s called the corpus luteum. If the egg is fertilized, the corpus luteum begins producing the hormone progesterone to support early pregnancy. 

The corpus luteum performs an essential step in preparing for and maintaining pregnancy, but sometimes, it can develop into a cyst. Ovarian cysts are the result of fluid getting trapped in a sac, and corpus luteum cysts are some of the most common.

Most women have at least one ovarian cyst during their lifetime, and most of the time, the cysts don’t cause noticeable symptoms. However, ovarian cysts can cause complications and health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome in some women. 

Samuel Van Kirk, MD, and our OB/GYN team specialize in diagnosing and treating ovarian cysts, and today we’re taking a closer look at corpus luteum cysts: what they are, and how they can affect your health.

Understanding the corpus luteum

Your ovaries contain follicles, which are fluid-filled sacs capable of creating, growing, and releasing eggs for fertilization. Each month during your menstrual cycle, one follicle grows larger than the others and releases a mature egg during a process called ovulation.

After releasing the egg, the follicle is empty. It naturally seals off and becomes a mass of cells that’s called the corpus luteum. What happens to the corpus luteum depends on whether you get pregnant during your cycle.

If you get pregnant, the corpus luteum begins to create progesterone, which is an essential hormone that supports early pregnancy. It encourages your uterine lining and the uterus itself to grow, and it increases blood flow and oxygen supply.

The corpus luteum continues to supply extra progesterone for the first 7-9 weeks of pregnancy, and it starts to shrink around week 10. After that point, the fetus is large enough to produce enough progesterone to sustain the pregnancy and the corpus luteum.

If you don’t get pregnant, the corpus luteum starts shrinking and breaking down shortly after it forms. It triggers a drop in estrogen and progesterone, which leads to your next menstrual period.

Corpus luteum cysts

The corpus luteum should disappear when it’s no longer needed, whether you didn’t get pregnant or you’re past your 10th week of pregnancy. But sometimes, fluid gets trapped inside the sac, and it doesn’t go away like it should.

When this happens, it’s called a corpus luteum cyst. Corpus luteum cysts are a type of functional ovarian cyst, and they’re fairly common.

Most corpus luteum cysts eventually go away on their own, but they may take from a few weeks to several months to fully vanish. If the cyst doesn’t disappear, it can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms that could require medical intervention.

Symptoms of corpus luteum cysts

Ovarian cysts, including corpus luteum cysts, might not cause noticeable symptoms. In fact, it’s possible to have one or more cysts and not know it. However, some women do have symptoms, including:

If a cyst bursts suddenly, it can cause intense symptoms like:

Seek prompt medical care if you experience symptoms of a ruptured cyst or any signs of pelvic pain. Whether you’re pregnant or not, these symptoms could indicate serious health complications, making medical attention essential.

To find out more about corpus luteum cysts and your treatment options, schedule a consultation with Dr. Van Kirk at 530-242-4129 or send us a message online.

You Might Also Enjoy...

Life After a Hysterectomy

If you’re considering a hysterectomy, it’s important to weigh your options before you make a decision. Having a hysterectomy means you’re no longer able to get pregnant, and it impacts your gynecologic health in a number of other ways too.

Your Treatment Options for Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a common cause of pelvic pain and infertility. While there’s no cure, treatment can reduce your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you have endometriosis, now’s the time to learn more about your treatment options.

Everything You Didn't Know About HPV

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted disease in the United States. It usually doesn’t cause symptoms, but it could lead to cancer if it’s left untreated. Learn more about HPV and what you can do to stay healthy.

Why Every Woman Should Have a Gynecologist

A gynecologist specializes in women’s health. It might seem unnecessary to schedule annual well-woman visits with a specialist, but when you have a gynecologist, you have a partner in health at every stage of your life.

Is There a Link Between Ovarian Cysts and Infertility?

Ovarian cysts are common. Many women get cysts during their menstrual cycles without ever knowing it. But since they grow on or in your ovaries, do they affect fertility? Find out more about ovarian cysts and when they might be linked to infertility.

What Conditions Warrant Having a Hysterectomy?

A hysterectomy is surgery to remove your uterus. While it’s best known for permanent birth control, it can be an effective treatment option for severe gynecologic conditions from cancer to endometriosis. Find out if it could be right for you.