Hailey Bieber reveals she has ovarian cyst: What to know about the condition

“It is painful and painful [sic] and makes me feel nauseous and bloated and crampy and emotional,” Bieber wrote about a photo of herself posted to her Instagram story.

Bieber also wrote that she’s had a cyst on her ovary before, saying, “It’s never fun.”

The Rhode Skin founder didn’t share any additional information about the cyst, but said she thinks other women can relate to what she’s going through, writing, “We got it,” along with three peace sign emojis.

According to the US Office of Women’s Health, women form at least one cyst each month as part of the normal ovulation cycle, while about 8% of premenopausal women develop cysts large enough to require treatment.

An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that forms in the ovaries.

Cysts are formed each month in the ovulation process, according to the Office of Women’s Health. Most of the cysts are what gynecologists call “functional cysts” and do not cause specific symptoms.

Symptomatic ovarian cysts can be caused by hormonal problems, endometriosis, pregnancy and serious pelvic infections, according to the Office on Women’s Health.

If an ovarian cyst does cause symptoms, they may include bloating, pressure, or pain near where the cyst is located.

Most functional ovarian cysts are about the size of a walnut. However, symptomatic ovarian cysts can grow to the size of a grapefruit, and in some cases can grow to several pounds in weight.

Symptoms for a ruptured ovarian cyst may include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and intense pelvic or abdominal pain on the side of the body where the cyst is located. Ruptured ovarian cysts can mimic symptoms of appendicitis, ovarian torsion, and ectopic pregnancies that are medical emergencies. The Office on Women’s Health recommends seeking immediate medical attention if a woman has sharp, sudden abdominal pain, especially if it is accompanied by vomiting, fever, dizziness, weakness, or rapid breathing.

The majority of ovarian cysts resolve on their own and most are benign, according to Dr. Jennifer Ashton, ABC News chief medical correspondent and a board-certified OB-GYN.

If a cyst is small, the doctor will implement what Ashton calls “watchful waiting” to see if the cyst resolves on its own.

Treatment for a larger ovarian cyst typically begins with a sonogram or ultrasound so the doctor can look for features that would indicate the cyst is benign. If there is no suspicion, the doctor will likely have the patient come back in four to six weeks for another checkup, according to Ashton.

If cancer is suspected, a doctor will likely order further tests.

Women with frequent or painful cysts may be advised by their doctor to take over-the-counter pain medication or hormonal birth control, according to the Office on Women’s Health.