Hailey Bieber’s recent revelation that she is living with ovarian cysts has cast a spotlight on a condition affecting millions of women globally, including in Thailand, where ovarian health is often cloaked in cultural taboos and misinformation. On April 22, 2025, the American model shared on Instagram that she “currently [has] two ovarian cysts,” offering a candid glimpse into her own health while connecting with countless women who face similar challenges. “If you deal with ovarian cysts I’m right there with ya!” Bieber wrote, fostering openness on a topic that is typically whispered about rather than discussed openly (source: CNN).
Bieber’s disclosure is especially significant in an era when women’s reproductive health is being prioritized in the media and by public health organizations. Ovarian cysts—fluid-filled sacs that form on or inside an ovary—are common, particularly among women of reproductive age. According to the Mayo Clinic, most cysts resolve by themselves without any intervention and do not cause symptoms. However, certain types of cysts can become twisted or ruptured, causing intense pain, requiring prompt medical attention, and, in rare cases, threatening fertility (source: CNN; Mayo Clinic).
For Thai readers, understanding ovarian cysts is urgent. In Thailand, gynecological concerns are sometimes masked by kreng jai—a cultural value centered around deference and not wanting to burden others—which can discourage women from seeking care for pelvic discomfort or irregular periods. Yet, ignoring symptoms can be dangerous. While the majority of cysts are benign and asymptomatic, complications such as rupture, torsion (twisting of the cyst), or association with endometriosis—or more rarely, cancer—necessitate awareness and timely health-seeking behavior (Wikipedia).
Recent research has broadened our understanding of cysts and how they are diagnosed and managed. Most ovarian cysts form naturally during the menstrual cycle—these include follicular cysts and corpus luteum cysts, both linked to the process of ovulation. Sometimes, cysts can develop due to underlying conditions such as endometriosis, or as part of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a leading cause of infertility among Thai women. According to a 2024 systematic review, PCOS affects approximately 5–18% of women of reproductive age globally, with a significant proportion diagnosed in adolescence. The review highlights ongoing advances in refining diagnostic criteria for teenagers—a group in which normal pubertal changes can overlap with PCOS symptoms, making accurate diagnosis more complex (PubMed, 2024).
Diagnosis typically involves pelvic examination and ultrasound imaging, which can distinguish cysts from other ovarian masses. Recent studies are exploring the potential of metabolomics and proteomics for earlier and more precise detection of PCOS and complex ovarian cysts, while research into the body’s microbiome—especially the influence of gut and reproductive tract bacteria—is yielding new insights into prevention and treatment strategies (PubMed, 2024).
Dr. Somchai Wilailak, a leading Thai gynecologic oncologist, emphasizes, “Awareness and regular gynecologic checkups are crucial. Most ovarian cysts are not cancer, but any woman experiencing sudden or severe abdominal pain, persistent bloating, or changes in menstrual cycles should see a doctor promptly.” International experts echo this advice, with the Mayo Clinic and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists both recommending that women with persistent symptoms undergo evaluation by ultrasound and, in some cases, blood tests to assess cancer risk (PocketHealth).
Bieber’s story also raises the issue of stigma and misinformation, which is not foreign to Thailand. Health education has often lagged behind contemporary practice, and many Thai women may not realize that up to 8% of premenopausal women and 16% of women after menopause experience problematic ovarian cysts—the risk of malignancy rising with age (Wikipedia). In traditional Thai beliefs, some gynecological symptoms are attributed to “lom” (wind) imbalances or spirits, causing delays in accessing biomedical treatments.
From a public health perspective, the Thai Ministry of Public Health has campaigned in recent years to integrate reproductive health awareness into primary care settings and school-based health education. However, gaps remain, particularly outside Bangkok and provincial capitals, where resources and trained gynecologists can be limited. Community health volunteers (อสม.) are increasingly encouraged to support women in tracking menstrual cycles and identifying potential warning signs (source: Ministry of Public Health, Thailand).
Looking at future developments, ongoing biomedical research is likely to improve both the diagnostic accuracy and treatment options for ovarian cysts and related syndromes. Promising areas include the use of artificial intelligence to interpret ultrasound images, molecular blood tests for early detection, and exploration of personalized hormonal therapies. Preventive strategies, such as lifestyle modifications, regular exercise, and careful monitoring for at-risk populations (such as those with a family history of PCOS or ovarian cancer), are likely to become part of standard practice within the next decade (PubMed, 2024).
For Thai women and their families, what practical steps can be taken? First, normalize discussions of reproductive health—among friends, daughters and mothers, and with healthcare providers. Second, do not hesitate to seek care for persistent pelvic pain, unexplained bloating, heavy or irregular periods, or pain during intercourse (เจ็บเวลาร่วมเพศ). Third, embrace the routine use of gynecologic screening, especially for women above age 35 or those with a family history of cancer. Finally, remember that most ovarian cysts—even those as publicized as Hailey Bieber’s—are benign and manageable with proper care.
For now, Hailey Bieber’s spotlight serves as a powerful reminder that reproductive health matters—everywhere, from Hollywood to Hua Hin. Her courage in sharing her story helps to chip away at global taboos, and offers Thai women a chance to reclaim agency over their bodies. As Health Minister Chonnan Srikaew recently observed, “ผู้หญิงไทยควรกล้าพูด กล้าตรวจ และกล้าดูแลตัวเอง”—Thai women should dare to speak, dare to be screened, and dare to look after themselves.
For more information, Thai readers can consult resources from the Ministry of Public Health, speak to their local hospital’s OB-GYN department, or turn to international guides combining scientific accuracy with accessible language. As reproductive medicine advances, public awareness and open conversations will remain the most powerful tools for health and empowerment.
Sources:
- Hailey Bieber shares she has ovarian cysts – CNN
- Ovarian Cyst – Wikipedia
- Ovarian Cysts: Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis and Treatment – PocketHealth
- The double-edged role of IL-18 in reproductive endocrine and reproductive immune related disorders – PubMed, 2025
- Prevalence and diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in adolescents: what’s new in 2023? – PubMed, 2024