Corpus Luteum Cysts

mbrooke2008

Hi ladies, I did some searching and found a few topics around corpus luteum cysts but I have so more questions and I haven't been able to find much from Google and from my doctor. So today I'm 23dpo (I used OPKs and Temping to identify O) but I haven't had my period and I'm getting negative HPTs. I made an appointment to go in and see my doctor to make sure everything was okay and she made me take another urine test and I got a negative (imagine that?!) and she tried to send me on my way. I asked her what could keep my period this late and she told me that I probably didn't ovulate when I thought I did. So I whipped my chart out and showed it to her and she said she'd do a blood test but it was probably just a corpus luteum cyst. I asked her how long these last, do they go away on their own, what can I expect basically. She gave me no answers. I took to google and haven't found much.. Most searches came up were pregnant ladies who had the cyst, so not too helpful. So my question is have any of you ladies has a corpus luteum cyst? How long did it last? Was it painful? Did it go away on its own? Are they really common? If I got one this cycle am I more likely to get them in future cycles? This would happen the first month we start TTC

bsckgb7

Can you link your chart?

mbrooke2008

kgbbsc7 said:

Can you link your chart?

Of course! I meant to do it but forgot:
https://i61.tinypic.com/swqql0.jpg

I stopped temping today because there seems to be no point until AF comes I'm thinking?

Everycol0r

Whoa, 23 days past ovulation? What did the blood test say?

KristieA

Hi there,

Before I start I should say I am not a doctor, I am simply someone who has had a lot of cysts. You should be speaking with a doctor about the concerns you have. If you are not getting the answers you want from your doctor, ask for a second opinion or to see a gynaecological specialist.

The reason you may not be finding much information about Corpus Luteum Cysts is because usually they are lumped together with other types of functional cysts. I would research functional cysts instead of Corpus Luteum cysts as the broader subject is far more likely to have information. Generally speaking though depending on their size of the cyst your doctor will either leave it to resolve on its own (<5cm), watch it carefully (5-10cm), or remove it (>10cm).

Have you seen this page yet: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/basics/causes/con-20019937

Also, as a side note if you doctor suggests birth control as a treatment for the cyst ask for a different doctor. Recent studies have shown that while birth control can prevent future functional cysts from forming, they do not reduce the size of cysts that are already formed.

Good luck.

Edited because words.

linny4

BFP and mc mentioned


I had a corpus luteum cyst that developed during my first pregnancy. They found it during my ultrasound when I miscarried. I didn't notice any uncomfortable pain. I was told that it would resolve on its own and I assume that it did.

Daybird11Six

1. If your doctor is unwilling to give you better answers, get a new one. 

2. I have had them before, and my doctor saw them using a transvaginal ultrasound. They weren't big enough to worry about, they weren't caused by a pregnancy, and they eventually resolved on their own without any issue. 

3. I have found using nutrition to control my cycles a bit to be extremely beneficial. 

mbrooke2008

Everycol0r said:

Whoa, 23 days past ovulation? What did the blood test say?

I know my luteal phase has historically been about 11 days, so I expected my period on June 19th. So I'm 12 days late now I think? But I haven't gotten blood test results back yet

mbrooke2008

KristieA said:

Hi there,

Before I start I should say I am not a doctor, I am simply someone who has had a lot of cysts. You should be speaking with a doctor about the concerns you have. If you are not getting the answers you want from your doctor, ask for a second opinion or to see a gynaecological specialist.

The reason you may not be finding much information about Corpus Luteum
Cysts is because usually they are lumped together with other types of functional cysts. I would research
functional cysts instead of Corpus Luteum cysts as the broader subject is far more likely to have information. Generally speaking though depending on their size of the cyst your doctor will either leave it to resolve on its own (<5cm), watch it carefully (5-10cm), or remove it (>10cm).

Have you seen this page yet: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ovarian-cysts/basics/causes/con-20019937

Also, as a side note if you doctor suggests birth control as a treatment for the cyst ask for a different doctor. Recent studies have shown that while birth control can prevent future functional cysts from forming, they do not reduce the size of cysts that are already formed.

Good luck.

Edited because words.

Thank you! She said if I don't get my period in a few weeks she'd give me an injection to trigger a period. Sadly my husband is in the military and we have tricare so we don't have a lot of options as far as doctors go

mbrooke2008

linny4 said:

BFP and mc mentioned


I had a corpus luteum cyst that developed during my first pregnancy. They found it during my ultrasound when I miscarried. I didn't notice any uncomfortable pain. I was told that it would resolve on its own and I assume that it did.

From what I understand you can't get a period until the cyst is gone, so if you are getting periods again I'd assume it's gone? I'm not sure if that's true or not, though.

KristieA

I have never had a Corpus Luteum cyst so I can't tell you about injections. In my case the functional cysts I had resolved on their own. Of course with all cysts if you get sudden abdominal pain with vomiting or so bad you couldn't imagine any worse you should go directly to the emergency room. That could be a sign of a cyst reputure or torsion- both of which are medical emergencies.

mbrooke2008

AshleyD917 said:

1. If your doctor is unwilling to give you better answers, get a new one. 

2. I have had them before, and my doctor saw them using a transvaginal ultrasound. They weren't big enough to worry about, they weren't caused by a pregnancy, and they eventually resolved on their own without any issue. 

3. I have found using nutrition to control my cycles a bit to be extremely beneficial. 

So did you change your diet and eat healthier options or take supplements or what ? About 3 months ago I revamped my diet gave up caffeine, alcohol, and start eating whole wheat/whole grain/more organic etc. I'm just bummed because as far as I'm aware I haven't had this issue before. I've never had a seriously late or "missed" period before. Sometimes it'd be a few days late and I'd stress but now knowing what I now I just assume I ovulated later that month. It's just frustrating because I don't think I can ovulate again until I get my next period and it seems like that could be weeks or maybe months?

cattlebride

I don't have any experience with this but I would be getting a second opinion.

mbrooke2008

KristieA said:

I have never had a Corpus Luteum cyst so I can't tell you about injections. In my case the functional cysts I had resolved on their own. Of course with all cysts if you get sudden abdominal pain with vomiting or so bad you couldn't imagine any worse you should go directly to the emergency room. That could be a sign of a cyst reputure or torsion- both of which are medical emergencies.

Thank you! So far I don't feel any differently except for I am experiencing PMS/pregnancy type symptoms which apparently the corpus luteum keeps creating progesterone and that could be the reason. They didn't give me an ultrasound so we didn't even see the cyst she is just assuming. My husband and I are going on vacation Thursday and if my period doesn't start by the time we return maybe I will try and find a new doctor I can see.

mbrooke2008

cattlebride said:

I don't have any experience with this but I would be getting a second opinion.

Thanks I'm thinking that's probably a good idea. She didn't even confirm the cyst with an ultra sound or anything just said since I'm so late that must be what it is. She initially told me I probably ovulated late and so I'm not even actually late but I think FF is right on my O date so. It's been a fun first month TTC

KristieA

mbrooke2008 said:

KristieA said:

I have never had a Corpus Luteum cyst so I can't tell you about injections. In my case the functional cysts I had resolved on their own. Of course with all cysts if you get sudden abdominal pain with vomiting or so bad you couldn't imagine any worse you should go directly to the emergency room. That could be a sign of a cyst reputure or torsion- both of which are medical emergencies.

Thank you! So far I don't feel any differently except for I am experiencing PMS/pregnancy type symptoms which apparently the corpus luteum keeps creating progesterone and that could be the reason. They didn't give me an ultrasound so we didn't even see the cyst she is just assuming. My husband and I are going on vacation Thursday and if my period doesn't start by the time we return maybe I will try and find a new doctor I can see.

Right it's time to get a new doctor. They absolutely should be doing an ultrasound on you to check the size/consistency of the cyst. Not to scare you but you can't assume cysts are functional without having the proper diagnostic tests. It could be a type of cyst that doesn't resolve on its own.

KristieA

For example I got symptoms of pregnancy to the point my Dr was convinced and doing blood tests. It was actually a 10cm endometrioma in my ovary and I was in hospital for 2 months.

mbrooke2008

KristieA said:

mbrooke2008 said:

KristieA said:

I have never had a Corpus Luteum cyst so I can't tell you about injections. In my case the functional cysts I had resolved on their own. Of course with all cysts if you get sudden abdominal pain with vomiting or so bad you couldn't imagine any worse you should go directly to the emergency room. That could be a sign of a cyst reputure or torsion- both of which are medical emergencies.

Thank you! So far I don't feel any differently except for I am experiencing PMS/pregnancy type symptoms which apparently the corpus luteum keeps creating progesterone and that could be the reason. They didn't give me an ultrasound so we didn't even see the cyst she is just assuming. My husband and I are going on vacation Thursday and if my period doesn't start by the time we return maybe I will try and find a new doctor I can see.

Right it's time to get a new doctor. They absolutely should be doing an ultrasound on you to check the size/consistency of the cyst. Not to scare you but you can't assume cysts are functional without having the proper diagnostic tests. It could be a type of cyst that doesn't resolve on its own.

No I appreciate the honesty! As fun as being blissfully unaware sounds, I'd rather be in the know when it comes to my health. The whole experience there left me really upset and frustrated, to be honest. I was concerned about not getting my period so figured something has to be wrong. She tried to brush me off saying it's only our first month trying and I shouldn't freak out until it's been over a year. Right. I get that. My concern isn't that I'm not pregnant, it's that my period is MIA and I don't know why and this hasn't happened to me before. I think I really just annoyed her.

KristieA

mbrooke2008 said:

KristieA said:

mbrooke2008 said:

KristieA said:

I have never had a Corpus Luteum cyst so I can't tell you about injections. In my case the functional cysts I had resolved on their own. Of course with all cysts if you get sudden abdominal pain with vomiting or so bad you couldn't imagine any worse you should go directly to the emergency room. That could be a sign of a cyst reputure or torsion- both of which are medical emergencies.

Thank you! So far I don't feel any differently except for I am experiencing PMS/pregnancy type symptoms which apparently the corpus luteum keeps creating progesterone and that could be the reason. They didn't give me an ultrasound so we didn't even see the cyst she is just assuming. My husband and I are going on vacation Thursday and if my period doesn't start by the time we return maybe I will try and find a new doctor I can see.

Right it's time to get a new doctor. They absolutely should be doing an ultrasound on you to check the size/consistency of the cyst. Not to scare you but you can't assume cysts are functional without having the proper diagnostic tests. It could be a type of cyst that doesn't resolve on its own.

No I appreciate the honesty! As fun as being blissfully unaware sounds, I'd rather be in the know when it comes to my health. The whole experience there left me really upset and frustrated, to be honest. I was concerned about not getting my period so figured something has to be wrong. She tried to brush me off saying it's only our first month trying and I shouldn't freak out until it's been over a year. Right. I get that. My concern isn't that I'm not pregnant, it's that my period is MIA and I don't know why and this hasn't happened to me before. I think I really just annoyed her.

Glad I could help. I really hope it turns out all right and you just have a small functional cyst. Maybe ask if there is someone else in the same practice you can see?

At least you are not in pain, the reason I was in hospital for so long was because the only thing that made me even slightly better was oral morphine. On the plus side endometriomas are rare, I have just been lucky enough to have 2 in 18 months.

KristieA

And by lucky I mean oh look I got a ticket for the Titanic kind of luck :P

mbrooke2008

KristieA said:

mbrooke2008 said:

KristieA said:

mbrooke2008 said:

KristieA said:

I have never had a Corpus Luteum cyst so I can't tell you about injections. In my case the functional cysts I had resolved on their own. Of course with all cysts if you get sudden abdominal pain with vomiting or so bad you couldn't imagine any worse you should go directly to the emergency room. That could be a sign of a cyst reputure or torsion- both of which are medical emergencies.

Thank you! So far I don't feel any differently except for I am experiencing PMS/pregnancy type symptoms which apparently the corpus luteum keeps creating progesterone and that could be the reason. They didn't give me an ultrasound so we didn't even see the cyst she is just assuming. My husband and I are going on vacation Thursday and if my period doesn't start by the time we return maybe I will try and find a new doctor I can see.

Right it's time to get a new doctor. They absolutely should be doing an ultrasound on you to check the size/consistency of the cyst. Not to scare you but you can't assume cysts are functional without having the proper diagnostic tests. It could be a type of cyst that doesn't resolve on its own.

No I appreciate the honesty! As fun as being blissfully unaware sounds, I'd rather be in the know when it comes to my health. The whole experience there left me really upset and frustrated, to be honest. I was concerned about not getting my period so figured something has to be wrong. She tried to brush me off saying it's only our first month trying and I shouldn't freak out until it's been over a year. Right. I get that. My concern isn't that I'm not pregnant, it's that my period is MIA and I don't know why and this hasn't happened to me before. I think I really just annoyed her.

Glad I could help. I really hope it turns out all right and you just have a small functional cyst. Maybe ask if there is someone else in the same practice you can see?

At least you are not in pain, the reason I was in hospital for so long was because the only thing that made me even slightly better was oral morphine. On the plus side endometriomas are rare, I have just been lucky enough to have 2 in 18 months.

I hope so too, I don't do well with a lot of pain. So far I don't really notice anything so I have no idea how I know it's gone. I guess my period will just come ? These are the things I asked the doctor and she just basically brushed me off. I can't be the only person who asks a lot of questions, can I? I feel you.. I can't even imagine! I didn't even know all these existed until recently and part of me does want to go back to being blissfully unaware lol.

KristieA

Yeah I have been dealing with cysts since I was 12 years old. This last one was the worst because instead of being on my ovary it was in my ovary and stretched it out. Normal ovaries are 2-3cm (size of a walnut), mine was the size of a grapefruit. I wasn't sick enough for emergency surgery but after they admitted me for the 3rd time and analysed the MRI images they decided to expedite the surgery. My surgeon was great and explained all my options even though I was like don't care take it and anything else you want out now!

Daybird11Six

mbrooke2008 said:

So did you change your diet and eat healthier options or take supplements or what ? About 3 months ago I revamped my diet gave up caffeine, alcohol, and start eating whole wheat/whole grain/more organic etc. I'm just bummed because as far as I'm aware I haven't had this issue before. I've never had a seriously late or "missed" period before. Sometimes it'd be a few days late and I'd stress but now knowing what I now I just assume I ovulated later that month. It's just frustrating because I don't think I can ovulate again until I get my next period and it seems like that could be weeks or maybe months?

Hey there! I am sure you've gotten all of your answers that you were looking for from PPs, but I didn't want to just leave your question hanging, in case it might help you, too. I have always been a very healthy eater, comparatively, but I changed a few things as an experiment. I cut all synthetic dyes from my diet, eat whole foods probably 85-90% of the time now, and incorporate as much organics as my budget allows. I also incorporated more healthy fats, such as wild-caught salmon and avocados, and started taking PNV. Up until recently (we've decided to cut back on our organics temporarily), my cycles have been substantially less painful. They've also gradually gotten shorter (were around 40 days) with the increased fat intake, but I've also always been very thin, so that's probably the correlation. My doc wasn't ever worried about the cysts. Said the ones I had (3-7 on both ovaries but were all considered mostly small) were pretty common and often take care of themselves at the time of my period. She didn't think it would affect my fertility, either, but because I'm not you, I would seek a second opinion. 

Edited: words and to add that a CL cyst is a type of functional cyst.