Can Ovarian Cysts be Hereditary?

Learning about ovarian cysts can bring up questions, especially if they seem to appear more than once within your family. It is completely natural to wonder whether this is something you might inherit or need to monitor closely.

In most cases, ovarian cysts can be a common issue at different stages of life. Gaining clarity about hereditary risk, along with when to seek medical advice, can help you approach your ovarian health with greater confidence and peace of mind.

What is an ovarian cyst?

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms on or inside one of your ovaries. Your ovaries normally release an egg each month, and during this process, small cysts can naturally form and disappear.

Most of the time, ovarian cysts:

• Are benign (harmless)

• Cause no symptoms

• Go away on their own

The cysts are very common – many women have one at some point without even realising it. If your doctor finds a cyst during your routine check-up, they will monitor it with ultrasounds to make sure it doesn’t cause any concerns.

Types of ovarian cysts

Not all ovarian cysts are the same. There are actually different types, which may all behave a bit differently. Knowing the types you have helps you watch for warning signs or unusual changes and seek help when needed.

The most common types are functional cysts. They form naturally during your menstrual cycle. These are:

• Follicular cysts:

  • These form when an egg doesn’t release properly during ovulation.

• Corpus luteum cysts:

  • They develop after your ovary releases an egg.

Other benign cysts, which are less common, include:

• Dermoid cysts:

  • These cysts contain tissue like hair or fat.

• Endometriomas:

  • These are linked to endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to your lining grows outside your uterus.

• Cystadenomas:

  • They develop from the tissue on the surface of your ovary.

You might wonder if there are any cancerous ovarian cysts. While they exist, this type of cyst is quite rare, especially if you’re young.

If you've just found out you have a cyst, it's completely normal to feel a bit anxious. Your doctor can help identify exactly what type of cyst you have and whether it needs any attention or medical care.

Can ovarian cysts be hereditary?

If someone in your family has had ovarian cysts, it's natural to wonder if you'll develop them too. Fortunately, most ovarian cysts don’t run in families.

However, while the cysts themselves aren’t usually inherited, some conditions that can lead to cysts may have a genetic component. 

These conditions are:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

• Endometriosis

So if your mother or sister has PCOS or endometriosis, you may have a higher chance of developing cysts. But it’s not a guarantee. Many factors influence whether cysts develop, such as your hormones, lifestyle, age, and overall health, and a family history is just one of them.
If you have a family history of PCOS or endometriosis and you're concerned about your own risk, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical to discuss your family history and create a personalised care plan.

Common causes of ovarian cysts

Ovarian cysts often form as a natural part of being a woman. 

The most common causes include:

• Normal hormonal changes

• Puberty or menstrual cycles

• Pregnancy

• PCOS

• Endometriosis

It’s important to know that many cysts form without a clear cause at all. This doesn’t mean something’s wrong with you – it’s just a natural part of your body. If you’re concerned, your doctor can help you find out what might be causing your cyst and monitor it to make sure it won’t affect your health.

Who is most likely to get an ovarian cyst?

Ovarian cysts are very common, and they can happen to almost anyone with ovaries. 

You’re more likely to develop ovarian cysts if you:

• Have started puberty

• Are of reproductive age

• Have irregular periods

• Have hormonal conditions like PCOS

In fact, ovarian cysts can happen at almost any age. Many women will have at least one during their lifetime, often without knowing it.

Are ovarian cysts dangerous?

This may be one of your biggest concerns when hearing that you have ovarian cysts. Fortunately, most ovarian cysts aren’t dangerous.

The vast majority of cysts are benign. They will shrink and disappear on their own within a few months.

However, there are some uncommon complications your doctor will watch for, such as:

• Cyst rupture: when a cyst breaks open

• Ovarian torsion: when an ovary twists

• Persistent pain: if a cyst causes ongoing discomfort

Your doctor may recommend monitoring cysts if they are large, cause symptoms, or don’t go away over time. Don't panic – it doesn't mean these cysts are serious. Regular check-ups with ultrasounds are simply a precaution to ensure everything stays on track. They allow your doctor to catch changes early and step in before anything becomes a concern.

If you've been diagnosed with an ovarian cyst or are experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment with Thomson Medical to get the personalised care and support you deserve.

FAQ

Are you born with ovarian cysts?

Usually, no. Most ovarian cysts develop after puberty begins as part of your normal ovulation. It’s possible to have cysts present at birth, but this is very rare.

What is the most common age for ovarian cysts?

Do ovarian cysts mean fertility issues?

Will I get ovarian cysts if my mother has them?

Not necessarily. While some underlying conditions (PCOS or endometriosis) can have an inherited component, most cysts happen randomly.

Do healthy people get ovarian cysts?

What are the warning signs of ovarian cysts?

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and advice based on your unique situation, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.