Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder, a small organ that sits below the liver. They are made up of cholesterol, bile salts, and other substances. Gallstones are more common in women than men, and the risk increases with age.
One of the reasons why women are more likely to develop gallstones than men is because of estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that is produced by the ovaries. It plays a role in many bodily functions, including the metabolism of cholesterol.
Estrogen increases the amount of cholesterol in the bile. Bile is a fluid that helps to digest fats. When there is too much cholesterol in the bile, it can form crystals. These crystals can eventually grow into gallstones.
The risk of developing gallstones is also increased in women who are pregnant, taking oral contraceptives, or using estrogen therapy.
The symptoms of gallstones can vary from person to person. Some people may experience no symptoms, while others may have pain in the upper right abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If a gallstone blocks the bile duct, it can cause a more serious condition called cholecystitis, which is inflammation of the gallbladder.
You can take steps to dissolve your gallstones and reverse gallbladder disease through the following:
- Lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly.
- Supplements to dissolve the gallstones.
If you are concerned about your risk of developing gallstones, talk to your doctor. They can help you assess your risk and recommend the best course of treatment for you.
Here are some additional things to keep in mind about gallstones and estrogen:
- The risk of developing gallstones decreases after menopause.
- There are other factors that can increase the risk of gallstones, such as being overweight or obese, having a family history of gallstones, and taking certain medications.
If you have gallstones, there are things you can do to help prevent them from coming back. These include:
- Eating a healthy diet that is low in fat and cholesterol.
- Maintaining a healthy weight.
- Exercising regularly.
- Avoiding sudden weight loss by consuming small meals every 3 hours.
- Drinking plenty of fluids, especially salted purified water.
By following these tips, you can help reduce your risk of developing gallstones and keep your gallbladder healthy.
I’ve helped hundred of people stop gallbladder attacks and dissolve gallstones with my online course “My Gallbladder Revival” available throught the link https://health-and-healing-with-lisa.teachable.com/p/my-gall-bladder-revival
It includes:
- Video content teaching you about the liver, bile and the gallbladder
- Quickstart guides
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding Guide
- Supplements lists
- 4 Week meal plan
- Grocery Lists
- Lifetime Access
You can also book a Nutrition Strategy Session me to identify the best ways to reverse gallbladder disease.
https://calendly.com/lisa-winbourn/30-minute-consult
I hope this blog post has been informative. Please let me know if you have any other questions in the comments below.