Styes themselves are usually not symptoms of underlying health conditions but can be associated with certain factors. For example, chronic eyelid inflammation (blepharitis) can increase the risk of styes. Hormonal changes, such as those during puberty, menstruation, or pregnancy, may also influence stye occurrence. Additionally, compromised immune function or conditions that affect oil gland function can contribute to stye development. While styes are often isolated occurrences, addressing underlying factors can help reduce the likelihood of future styes.