Are ovarian cysts normal?

Depends on factors: A simple cyst is very common and often detected on routine pelvic or ultrasound exam and might disappear by the next exam. The more complex ones need further evaluation so doctors can determine the significance of cysts based their size, structure, timing with regard to period and to menopause, etc. Because not all cysts are normal, i'll share this with specialists in onc for their perspective..

Maybe: Every month the ovaries produce a batch of ripening eggs or follicles. The largest of these "follicular cysts" gets about 2cm before ovulation. The one that releases the egg becomes a corpus luteum which is also a "cyst". We don't think a cyst in the ovary is abnormal unless it is bigger than 2.5cm or if there are too many maturing follicles which is poly cystic ovary syndrome.