One of the symptoms of ovarian cysts is menstrual irregularities which could be painful periods and abnormal bleeding particularly for women with no prior irregularity history. A longer or shorter than normal period, a missing menstruation, or an inconsistent menstruation could also be referred to as menstrual irregularities. Spotting or light bleeding is an apparent symptom of ovarian cyst. Ovarian cyst is also noticed when women experience unexplained weight gain.

Pelvic pain, such as dull aching in the lower back and thighs are common ovarian cyst symptoms. This pain may begin shortly before or after a period. It may also occur during intercourse or strenuous exercise. Pain and pressure both in the abdomen and in the pelvic area can be caused by the size, bleeding, bursting or twisting of a cyst. This can irritate the abdominal tissues and block the flow of blood to the cyst.

The symptoms of pregnancy are much the same as the symptoms of ovarian cysts. You must look for symptoms outside the common pregnancy symptoms to see the difference between the two. Infertility is one of the common symptoms present with ovarian cysts.

Pain, fullness, or pressure in the abdomen often accompanies ovarian cysts. This pain may start and stop suddenly, and may be severe and sharp. There may also be abdominal bloating or swelling. In addition, pain or pressure during bowel movements including problems passing urine as well as pressure on the rectum or bladder may be a sign of ovarian cysts developing.

Not all ovarian cysts point to a crisis, in fact, the majority of them eventually disappear on their own. However, when there are very strong ovarian cyst symptoms such as sudden sharp abdominal pain, vomiting, or fainting then it is a serious situation which needs immediate medical intervention.

Ovarian cyst symptoms are not clearly and easily detected and their very nature makes it extremely difficult for them to be detected by a general practitioner in a routine examination. Cysts can be detected without the show of any symptoms but in the case of ovarian cysts they are usually detected during a patient's annual Pap smear rather than because the patient exhibited any symptoms.