A messy and nutrient-poor diet has become a part of the lifestyle of many young women today. These include consuming foods high in sodium and rarely drinking water due to busy daily activities. Without realizing it, these habits can affect your hormonal balance and reproductive health in the long term, including the risk of developing cysts.
Cysts aren't always caused by a single factor, but an unhealthy lifestyle and diet can be risk factors that increase the likelihood of developing or worsening this condition. Therefore, it's important to pay close attention to your nutritional intake and daily habits to maintain overall health.
What is a Cyst?
Cysts are sacs filled with fluid, air, or other tissue that can form in various parts of the body, including the female reproductive organs such as the ovaries. Most cysts are benign and cause no significant symptoms, so many people are unaware of their presence until they are detected through a medical examination.
However, in some cases, cysts can grow larger and cause complaints such as pain in the lower abdominal area, menstrual cycle disorders, and discomfort during activities.
According to the Indonesian Demographic and Health Survey, the incidence of ovarian cysts in Indonesia is recorded at 37.2%, with the 20–40 age group being the most affected. It's important to note that ovarian cysts are often referred to as " silent killers " because approximately 60–70% of sufferers are diagnosed only after the condition has reached an advanced stage, as symptoms often go unnoticed in the early stages. This fact makes regular checkups and lifestyle awareness even more important.
Factors Causing Cysts
Cysts in the female reproductive organs can form due to various factors. Not only lifestyle factors, but also certain conditions and changes in the body can increase the risk of cyst formation. Here are some of the main factors that can cause or contribute to the formation of cysts in the female reproductive organs:
1. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal changes or imbalances can affect ovarian function and the menstrual cycle. This condition can disrupt follicle development, leading in some cases to the development of cysts.
2. Ovulation Disorders
Certain cysts can form when the ovulation process doesn't occur properly. For example, the follicle doesn't rupture to release the egg or persist after ovulation. Cysts that form as a result of this process are known as functional cysts.
3. Genetic Factors
In certain circumstances, genetic factors can increase a person's risk of developing disorders related to cyst formation. However, not all cysts are inherited directly from parents.
Bad Habits That Can Trigger Cysts
While not the sole cause, several daily habits can increase the risk of hormonal and reproductive health problems, contributing to the risk of cysts. Some of these include: Consuming foods high in sodium and low in nutrients.
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Consumption of foods high in sodium and low in nutrients
Snacks like meatballs, seblak, and other processed foods that are high in salt and low in fiber and vitamins can affect the body's fluid balance and hormonal system if consumed excessively and consistently. The Indonesian Ministry of Health and the WHO have set a safe daily sodium intake limit for adults of 2,000 mg, or the equivalent of one teaspoon of salt.
Data from the Ministry of Health's Total Diet Study also shows that more than half of Indonesia's population (52.7%) consumes sodium above the recommended daily limit, with the figure reaching 65.4% in Jakarta. Long-term excess sodium consumption can disrupt the body's fluid balance and trigger water retention, a condition that also affects the function of your reproductive hormones.
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Not drinking enough water
Insufficient fluid intake can disrupt the body's natural detoxification process, which plays an important role in maintaining hormonal balance.
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Irregular eating patterns
Skipping meals or frequently consuming fast food can affect the body's overall metabolism.
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Lack of physical activity
Lack of exercise can affect blood circulation and hormonal balance in the body.
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Prolonged stress
High levels of stress that are not managed properly can affect the functioning of your reproductive hormones.
Adopting a healthier lifestyle, such as increasing your consumption of vegetables and fruit, meeting your body's fluid needs, and exercising regularly, are simple steps you can take to maintain overall reproductive organ health.
When to See a Doctor?
Most cysts are harmless and will disappear on their own. However, there are several conditions that require immediate medical attention, including:
- Severe or sudden pain in the abdominal area, especially if accompanied by fever or nausea.
- The stomach feels enlarged or a palpable lump appears.
- Irregular menstrual cycle for a long time.
- Pain during intercourse or when urinating.
- A lump appears on another part of the body that continues to grow or change shape.
There's no need to wait until symptoms become more bothersome. Early examination can help your doctor identify the type and condition of the cyst, allowing treatment options to be tailored to your needs. Understand your physical condition and discuss any symptoms that may indicate a cyst with an obstetrician-gynecologist at EMC Hospital, Cikarang.
This article was written by Dr. Andy Halomoan Simarmata, Sp.OG (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Cikarang Hospital).