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Liver Diseases: 9 Reasons Why Liver Inflammation And Hepatitis Are Common in Women
Women are more susceptible to developing autoimmune disorders compared to men. Adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep can help prevent fatty liver.
Liver Diseases: 9 Reasons Why Liver Inflammation And Hepatitis Are Common in Women
The liver plays a crucial role in removing toxins, regulating hormone levels, producing proteins, and generating bile to aid in fat absorption. The liver has the remarkable ability to heal itself, but certain illnesses can cause irreparable or partial damage to the organ. While liver diseases can be caused by various factors, certain factors are more likely to affect women compared to men. Did you know that lifestyle choices and genetic factors can increase this risk? Autoimmune hepatitis and liver inflammation are more prevalent in women. Here are some other reasons and risk factors that may impact more women.
WHY ARE WOMEN MORE AT RISK OF DEVELOPING LIVER DISEASES?
1. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD): Although women may have a lower risk of developing NAFLD, they are more susceptible to experiencing its severity or developing liver fibrosis. Factors such as morbid obesity, sedentary lifestyles, and neglecting health contribute to this condition. NAFLD is one of the leading causes of liver disease in both genders and is commonly associated with obesity, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome.
2. Autoimmune Hepatitis: This is a chronic condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks liver cells, leading to inflammation and liver damage. Autoimmune hepatitis is more common in women than men.
3. Viral Hepatitis: Hepatitis viruses like hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E can cause liver inflammation and disease. While viral hepatitis affects all genders, some studies suggest that women may be more susceptible to certain types, such as hepatitis E.
4. Alcoholic Liver Disease: Excessive alcohol consumption can result in liver damage, inflammation, and cirrhosis. Although alcohol-related liver disease is more common in men, women may be more vulnerable to alcohol-related liver damage due to differences in alcohol metabolism and body composition.
5. Drug-Induced Liver Injury: Certain medications and toxins can cause liver damage. Women may be at a higher risk due to hormonal imbalances. Certain medications, like oral contraceptive pills, can significantly affect liver function. Some alternative medicines are also known to cause acute liver failure.
6. Pregnancy-Related Liver Disorders: Some liver conditions are specific to pregnancy, such as Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP) and HELLP syndrome (hemolysis, Elevated Liver Enzymes, and Low Platelet Count). These conditions can impair liver function and require medical attention.
7. Wilson Disease: This rare genetic disorder affects copper metabolism and can result in copper build-up in the liver and other organs. Wilson disease affects both genders but may manifest differently in females due to hormonal influences.
8. Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC): PBC is an autoimmune condition that primarily affects the bile ducts in the liver. It is more commonly observed in middle-aged women.
9. Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis (PSC): PSC is a chronic liver disease characterized by inflammation and scarring of the bile ducts. It affects both genders, but men are more commonly affected.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle, consuming more fiber, incorporating adequate protein into the diet, and managing stress levels are important for women’s health. Increased awareness is needed, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, to address these issues related to women’s health.
(With inputs from Dr. Ankur Garg, HOD and Senior Consultant, HPB Surgery and Liver Transplant, Sanar International Hospitals)
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