March 31, 2026 Birth Control & Women's Health

Can an Ovarian Cyst Cause a Missed Period?

Medically reviewed by Andre Stone | MD, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine on August 25th, 2026.

Yes, ovarian cysts can cause missed periods, particularly functional cysts that disrupt normal hormone production. Corpus luteum cysts, which form after ovulation, can sometimes delay menstruation by continuing to produce progesterone longer than usual. The effects of an ovarian cyst depend on its type and whether it affects normal ovulation; size alone does not determine whether it will delay a period. However, functional cysts often resolve naturally within 1-3 menstrual cycles. Other symptoms like pelvic pain, bloating, or breast tenderness may accompany the missed period. If your period is late and pregnancy is possible, take a pregnancy test rather than assuming a cyst is the cause. Contact a healthcare provider for persistent missed periods. Seek urgent medical care for sudden or severe pelvic pain, especially with dizziness, fainting, fever, vomiting, shoulder pain, or heavy bleeding.