Fibroids are the most common solid pelvic tumors in women. They can be found in up to 70 percent of women, but only cause symptoms in approximately 25 percent of reproductive age women. They are usually found in women during their 30's and 40's, and typically shrink in size after menopause. The difference between an ovarian cyst and fibroid. These growths may sound familiar, even to someone who hasn’t experienced them personally, but cysts and fibroids have very different characteristics. Fibroids develop on the uterus while cysts are specific to the ovaries. The composition of these growths also sets them apart from one another: cysts are fluid-filled sacs that develop on the outside of the ovary, while fibroids are noncancerous masses that may develop inside or outside the uterine wall. Most women develop both ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids at some point in their lives. Many women may not be aware that a cyst or fibroid has developed in their abdomen, unless they develop symptoms or have imaging conducted to evaluate their uterus or ovaries. These growths are often minor concerns that don’t affect reproductive health in a meaningful way, but they can lead to serious complications that require more aggressive medical interventions. Causes of an Ovarian Cyst vs Fibroid ovarian cysts are typically a byproduct of a woman’s menstrual cycle. They may also be attributed to the faulty function of an ovarian follicle, or another abnormality of the ovary’s functioning. Hormonal imbalances, pregnancy, endometriosis, and a prior history of ovarian cysts can also increase your likelihood of developing cysts in the future. The causes of uterine fibroids are less clear, but similarly associated with hormonal changes or imbalances, including the hormone production that occurs during pregnancy. Genetic changes may also be a factor. Call us at (347) 389-2730.