Miley Cyrus Reveals ‘Excruciating’ Ovarian Cyst Ruptre During New Year’s Eve Performance
Pop icon Miley Cyrus recently disclosed that she suffered a ruptured ovarian cyst while co-hosting her televised New Year’s Eve special alongside country music legend—and her godmother—Dolly Parton.
The 32-year-old singer-songwriter shared the experience during a candid interview on The Zane Lowe Show, streamed on Apple Music 1 on May 21.
“I had a pretty traumatic experience on a show I was doing with [Lorne Michaels] for New Year’s,” Cyrus said. “I had a medical emergency. I had an ovarian cyst rupture. We didn’t know exactly what was going on, so we just powered through it.”
Despite the pain, Cyrus continued with the live performance. “It was extremely excruciating, and I did the show anyway,” she added. “But it was really, really hard on me.”
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Cyrus joins a growing list of celebrities—including Hailey Bieber, Kate Beckinsale, Hilary Swank, and Lena Dunham—who have publicly shared their struggles with ovarian cysts in an effort to raise awareness.
Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that commonly develop on the ovaries. Most are harmless and resolve on their own, but larger cysts can rupture, leading to severe pain and, in rare cases, life-threatening complications.
To better understand the condition, Healthline spoke with Dr. Yen Hope Tran, an OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California. She explained when ovarian cysts become a concern and the warning signs that warrant immediate medical attention.
Why Are Some Ovarian Cysts More Dangerous Than Others?
Dr. Yen Hope Tran, an OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, explains that ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or within the ovaries. They are most common during the reproductive years and often arise as part of the normal menstrual cycle. These so-called “functional cysts” usually resolve on their own without treatment.
However, not all cysts are benign or self-limiting. “Other types — such as dermoid cysts, endometriomas, or cystadenomas — tend to be more complex and carry a higher risk of complications,” says Dr. Tran. These complications may include rupture, ovarian torsion (twisting of the ovary), or chronic pelvic pain.
Cysts that are larger than 5 to 10 centimeters, have solid components or internal septations, or are associated with persistent symptoms often require further evaluation. In some cases, surgical removal may be necessary to prevent or treat complications.
What Are the Warning Signs of an Ovarian Cyst?
According to Dr. Yen Hope Tran, most ovarian cysts are asymptomatic and go unnoticed. However, certain signs may indicate the presence of a cyst that requires medical attention.
Common symptoms of an ovarian cyst may include:
- Dull or sharp pelvic or abdominal pain, often localized to one side
- A feeling of bloating, pressure, or fullness in the lower abdomen
- Irregularities in the menstrual cycle
- Pain during intercourse
- Increased frequency or urgency of urination, particularly if the cyst is pressing on the bladder
If a cyst ruptures, the symptoms can become more severe and sudden:
- Sudden, sharp pelvic pain
- Abdominal swelling or distention
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness or fainting, especially if internal bleeding is occurring
- Low blood pressure or a rapid heartbeat in cases of significant blood loss
“Any sudden or severe pelvic pain, especially if accompanied by dizziness or fainting, should be evaluated immediately,” Dr. Tran advises. “Prompt medical attention can be critical in the event of a rupture or other complications.”
Which Medical Conditions Can Be Mistaken for Ovarian Cysts?
Ovarian cysts can present with symptoms that overlap with several other medical conditions, making diagnosis challenging without proper evaluation.
“Several conditions can mimic the symptoms of ovarian cysts,” explains Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. These may include:
- Appendicitis
- Ectopic pregnancy
- Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
- Endometriosis
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Kidney stones
- Gastrointestinal issues, such as diverticulitis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
“A thorough pelvic exam and imaging — typically a transvaginal ultrasound — are key to distinguishing between these conditions and confirming the presence of a cyst,” Dr. Tran notes.
How Are Ovarian Cysts Typically Treated?
Treatment for ovarian cysts varies based on several factors, including the cyst’s type, size, and the severity of symptoms.
“Many simple cysts, particularly in premenopausal women, can be managed with observation alone,” says Dr. Tran. “In some cases, hormonal birth control may be prescribed to reduce the likelihood of recurrence, especially for functional cysts.”
Surgical intervention may be considered for cysts that are:
- Persistent
- Larger than a certain size
- Complex in appearance
- Causing significant symptoms
If a cyst ruptures, treatment depends on the severity of the case. Mild ruptures may be managed conservatively with pain relief and monitoring. However, moderate to severe ruptures—particularly those involving internal bleeding or signs of infection—may require hospitalization, intravenous fluids, or emergency surgery.
How Can You Tell If an Ovarian Cyst Is Dangerous?
While many ovarian cysts are harmless, certain symptoms and characteristics can signal a more serious issue that requires prompt medical attention.
“Seek emergency care if you experience sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, especially if it’s accompanied by fever, vomiting, or signs of internal bleeding like fainting, weakness, or low blood pressure,” advises Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. “Rapid breathing or a fast heart rate can also indicate a serious complication.”
Cysts that may pose a higher risk include those that are:
- Large or rapidly growing
- Complex in structure (e.g., containing solid areas or septations)
- Occurring in postmenopausal women
Healthcare providers assess the potential danger of a cyst using a combination of diagnostic tools, including transvaginal ultrasound, symptom evaluation, and, in some cases, blood tests such as CA-125, which can help detect markers associated with ovarian cancer.
“Early evaluation is key,” Dr. Tran emphasizes. “Not all cysts are cause for alarm, but knowing the warning signs can help prevent serious complications.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an ovarian cyst?
An ovarian cyst is a fluid-filled sac that develops on or inside an ovary. Many cysts are functional and related to the menstrual cycle, typically resolving on their own without treatment.
Are ovarian cysts dangerous?
Most ovarian cysts are benign and harmless. However, some cysts—especially large, complex, or rapidly growing ones—can cause complications such as rupture or torsion, which may require medical intervention.
What are the symptoms of an ovarian cyst?
Many ovarian cysts cause no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they may include pelvic pain, bloating, changes in menstrual cycles, pain during intercourse, or urinary frequency. A ruptured cyst can cause sudden, severe pain, nausea, dizziness, or signs of internal bleeding.
When should I seek emergency care for an ovarian cyst?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe pelvic or abdominal pain, fever with vomiting, fainting, weakness, low blood pressure, or rapid heart rate.
Can ovarian cysts be mistaken for other conditions?
Yes, conditions like appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, pelvic inflammatory disease, endometriosis, urinary tract infections, kidney stones, and gastrointestinal issues can mimic ovarian cyst symptoms.
How are ovarian cysts diagnosed?
Diagnosis usually involves a pelvic exam and imaging studies, typically a transvaginal ultrasound. Additional tests like blood work may be done to rule out other conditions or assess risk.
Conclusion
Ovarian cysts are a common part of many women’s reproductive health journeys and are often harmless. However, as Miley Cyrus’s recent experience highlights, they can sometimes lead to serious complications requiring immediate medical care. Understanding the types of cysts, recognizing warning signs, and knowing when to seek help are key to protecting your health.
If you experience persistent pelvic pain, unusual symptoms, or a sudden onset of severe discomfort, don’t ignore it. Early evaluation by a healthcare provider—through physical exams, imaging, and lab tests—can ensure timely treatment and help prevent complications.
