Miley Cyrus Opens Up About ‘Excruciating’ Ovarian Cyst Rupture

In a raw and powerful interview with Apple Music 1’s The Zane Lowe Show, pop icon Miley Cyrus shared an experience many women may relate to  but few talk about. While ringing in the new year with country legend Dolly Parton on her live TV special, Cyrus suffered a medical emergency that she later revealed was the rupture of an ovarian cyst.

The 32-year-old performer described the pain as excruciating, calling the incident “traumatic.” Despite the severity of the situation, she finished the show. “We didn’t know exactly what was going on,” Cyrus said. “It was really, really hard on me.”

Her openness is shedding light on a health condition that affects countless women globally but often goes unnoticed or misunderstood.

What Are Ovarian Cysts?

Ovarian cysts are fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside an ovary, and they’re particularly common during a woman’s reproductive years. Most of the time, these cysts are benign and resolve on their own without any symptoms. These are known as functional cysts, and they typically form during ovulation as part of the menstrual cycle.

However, not all cysts are harmless. According to Dr. Yen Hope Tran, OB-GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center, other types — such as dermoid cysts, endometriomas, and cystadenomas — may become problematic. These complex cysts can grow larger, cause persistent pain, and in some cases, rupture or lead to ovarian torsion, a potentially dangerous condition where the ovary twists on itself.

Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Many ovarian cysts are asymptomatic, but certain symptoms can be early warning signs that something more serious is happening. These include:

• Dull or sharp pain in the lower abdomen (usually on one side)

• Bloating or a sense of pressure

• Irregular menstrual cycles

• Pain during or after intercourse

• Frequent need to urinate (due to pressure on the bladder)

If a cyst ruptures, symptoms can escalate quickly. Sudden, severe pelvic pain, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or fainting can signal internal bleeding — and require emergency medical attention.

Dr. Tran emphasizes the importance of recognizing when a cyst moves from manageable to dangerous. “Seek emergency care if you experience sudden and severe abdominal pain, especially if it’s accompanied by fainting, rapid heartbeat, or signs of internal bleeding.”

Miley Cyrus Opens Up About ‘Excruciating’ Ovarian Cyst Rupture:

What Else Can Mimic a Cyst?

The symptoms of ovarian cysts can overlap with many other medical conditions. Appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, urinary tract infections, and even gastrointestinal issues like IBS or diverticulitis may present similarly. That’s why a proper pelvic exam and imaging, often via a transvaginal ultrasound, are key to diagnosis.

Treatment Options

For many, ovarian cysts don’t require any intervention. Regular monitoring may be all that’s needed, especially in premenopausal women. Hormonal birth control can help prevent recurrence of certain types of cysts.

If the cyst is large, complex, or persistent — or if it causes significant pain — surgery may be recommended. In the case of a rupture, conservative management with pain relief and observation is sometimes enough. But more serious cases involving internal bleeding or infection might demand hospitalization or emergency surgery.

When to Worry

Cysts that grow rapidly, appear complex in imaging, or develop in postmenopausal women warrant closer attention. “We assess risk using ultrasounds, blood tests like CA-125, and the patient’s symptoms,” says Dr. Tran.

Unfortunately, awareness remains low, especially among younger women. Celebrities like Miley Cyrus, Hailey Bieber, Lena Dunham, and Kate Beckinsale opening up about their health journeys are helping to break the silence and spark important conversations.

The Bigger Picture: Listening to Your Body

Cyrus’s experience highlights a key message  listen to your body and don’t downplay serious symptoms. Pain, especially when it’s intense and unexplained, deserves medical evaluation.

By continuing her performance despite a medical emergency, Cyrus demonstrated incredible strength. But her story also reminds us that enduring pain shouldn’t be normalized, especially when it could be a sign of something serious.

As more women speak up, the stigma around reproductive health is beginning to lift. Let this moment be more than a headline — let it be a catalyst for awareness, education, and proactive healthcare.