The symptoms of fatty liver disease are usually the same in men and women. Nonetheless, studies have shown that after menopause, women's risk increases dramatically.
The risk of fatty liver disease increases dramatically in postmenopausal females, even though the condition affects men far more frequently than women. Scientists speculate that this might be caused by changes in hormones, such as a rise in testosterone at a later age in females.
Here are some further facts on fatty liver disease, such as its symptoms and methods for managing or preventing it.
Language mattersThis article discusses fatty liver disease in individuals who were born with a feminine gender assignment. It's crucial to remember that not everyone who is born with the gender assigned to her identifies as "female." Nonetheless, we occasionally use the terms "male" or "female" to match the wording used in a study or statistic or to make sure users can discover this article using the search terms they use.We try to be as comprehensive as we can and provide material that is representative of the variety of our readership.
Symptoms of fatty liver disease
Males and females with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) show few to no symptoms. It can be difficult to identify without medical assistance. On the other hand, some people could feel worn out and have pain in the upper right side of their abdomen.
The name NAFLD was changed to Metabolic-Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) in 2023Trusted Source.
Fatty liver disease can lead to cirrhosis, a disorder in which the liver scars if left untreated. Cirrhosis can result in symptoms like:
- nausea
- yellow skin (jaundice)
- dark colored pee
- pale stools
- stomach pain
- unexpected weight loss
- loss of appetite
- visible web-like clusters of blood vessels
- swelling of the legs (edema)
- disorientation
- skin itchiness
Cirrhosis may pose a hazard to life. You should consult a doctor right away if you're exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above.
Fatty liver disease during menopause
Although fatty liver disease strikes men far more frequently than women, following menopause, women's risk increases dramatically.
According to a 2021 study done over one year in Japan with around 17,000 participants, men are much more likely than women to have fatty liver disease. In contrast to women in other age groups, the study indicates that women between the ages of 50 and 59 are at a higher risk.
Because of this, scientists believe there is strong evidence to support the theory that sex hormones contribute to the onset of fatty liver disease. More specifically, it seems that elevated serum testosterone levels are associated with an increased risk of liver disease.
Women who have polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a disorder marked in part by low oestrogen levels, are also more likely to develop MASLD.
Other fatty liver disease risk factors
For females, going through menopause significantly increases the risk of getting fatty liver disease. Nonetheless, several additional variables can raise the disease's risk in both males and females, including:
- having overweight or obesity
- type 2 diabetes
- older age (particularly in females)
- a family history of the disease
- extended usage of several medications, including amiodarone, tamoxifen, and methotrexate
- pregnancy-related issues, such as gestational diabetes
- a history of viral hepatitis C infections
- sleep apnea
- exposure to harmful materials or compounds
- uncommon genetic conditions such as Wilson's disease
Over 90% of individuals with extreme obesity and up to 75% of overweight adults also have MASLD, according to the National Institute of Health (NIH).
Additionally, some racial and ethnic groups—such as Hispanics—are more likely to experience MASLD than others. Non-Hispanic white people and Asian Americans are next in line. Among Black Americans who are not Hispanic, it is less common.
Treatment options for fatty liver disease
Healthy lifestyle modifications, such as the following, are the mainstay of treatment for fatty liver disease:
- engaging in regular exercise, ideally for 30 minutes a day
- consuming a diet low in trans and saturated fats and high in minerals
- calorie-cutting to reach a healthy weight
- reducing your alcohol consumption or not drinking at all
- steer clear of drugs or supplements that can harm the liver over time, such as ibuprofen.
The first MASLD medication for patients with stage 2 to 3 fibrosis, Rezdiffra (resmetirom), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in March 2024.
If the illness worsens, a physician could suggest additional therapies, such as:
- medicine to address underlying medical issues such as diabetes or excessive cholesterol
- surgery for weight loss, such as bariatric surgery
- the last option would be a liver transplant.
Treatment options for menopause
Even though menopause is a natural process that doesn't call for special care, controlling certain side effects can assist in minimising discomfort and lowering the possibility of developing further health issues.
Menopause management techniques include:
- staying well-hydrated
- putting on breathable layers to control surges of heat
- getting plenty of sleep
- getting sufficient exercise
- lowering stress by engaging in relaxation exercises like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing
- giving up smoking (a habit that exacerbates menopausal symptoms)
- applying vaginal lubricants to relieve pain or dryness during sexual activity
- performing Kegel exercises to avoid incontinence
- consuming phytoestrogens, or plant-based oestrogen
- receiving hormone treatment for menopause (MHT)
- using supplements like red clover, black cohosh, or soy
To prevent any issues, experts advise consulting a physician before adding any new supplements to your diet.
Maintaining a balanced, health-conscious lifestyle is crucial for managing menopause, just as it is for treating fatty liver disease.
Menopausal hormone treatment is an option to think about for those who are experiencing severe menopausal symptoms (MHT). Low blood levels of progesterone and oestrogen are introduced during this treatment. If you believe that this course of treatment would be appropriate for you, think about consulting a physician.
FAQs
What does fatty liver look like on a woman?
When a fatty liver (bottom) is compared to a healthy liver (top), it seems larger and discoloured. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis) is characterised by progressive scarring and inflammation in tissue samples.
What is the first stage of fatty liver disease?
Simple fatty liver, also known as steatosis, is the initial stage, which is characterised by the accumulation of fat within the liver cells without any associated inflammation or scarring. In this early stage, there are frequently no symptoms, therefore many people are unaware that they have fatty liver.
How can I check if my liver is fatty?
The first test that's frequently performed when liver illness is suspected is abdominal ultrasonography. scanning using computerised tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These tests can distinguish NASH from NAFLD, however they are more effective in identifying mild liver fibrosis.
Takeaway
Both in men and women, fatty liver disease frequently begins with no outward signs. While postmenopausal women have a much higher risk of getting the disease, overall, females have a lot lower risk than males.
The best strategy to treat liver disease and control postmenopausal symptoms is to maintain a healthy lifestyle that includes regular exercise and diet.
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