At Risk for Gallbladder Disease?
Concerned about gallstones? If you have had pain from gallstones, you may be wondering if you are at risk for more gallstones or further complications from gallbladder disease. Yasmin and Ocella birth control have been linked with some women who have developed gallbladder problems.
Although each individual’s situation varies, there are some general risk factors that may predispose people to problems with their gallbladder.
The gallbladder is a small pear-shaped organ that is located in the abdomen and connects to the liver and small intestine through tubes called ducts. The gallbladder’s main responsibility is to store bile that is made by the liver and transport it to the small intestine when needed to help digest fat. The bile goes in and out of the gallbladder through the ducts.
When hardened bits of cholesterol or bile material form in the gallbladder, they are called gallstones. While they can exist without causing problems for years, sometimes the gallstones will cause pain, either periodically or for hours at a time. Additionally, gallstones can block or become stuck in ducts, leading to inflammation and infection, i.e. gallbladder disease.
While anyone can have gallstones or gallbladder disease, there are some factors that increase the likelihood of this illness. They are known informally as the five F’s.
Female: Nearly one quarter of all women in the U.S. have gallstones by the time they are 50. By the time they are 75, nearly 60% have gallstones, compared to 20% of men the same age.
Fat: Obesity is a big risk factor in developing gallstones. The liver overproduces cholesterol, which is put into the bile, causing over-saturation. Rapid weight loss or rapid weight gain also increases production of cholesterol, which can form stones because of over-saturation.
Fertile: Pregnancy increases the risk of gallstones, as does hormone replacement therapy. Some women who have taken the Yaz brand of birth control pill have had problems with gallstones and gallbladder disease.
Forty: Although this is not a definite, this pre-menopausal age is a time when estrogen may increase the amount of cholesterol the liver produces.
Fair: The light skinned, light haired Scandinavian people seemed to have higher incidence of gallstones. However, additional groups with higher than average levels of gallbladder problems include people from other northern European countries, Hispanics, native North and South Americans, such as Pima Indians, Chileans and Peruvians. Scientists believe this is due to both genetic and dietary causes.
Other factors that increase the risk of developing gallbladder complications include diabetes, Crohn’s disease, and diet. If you have gallstones, talk with your doctor to determine how to decrease your risk of gallstones reoccurring.
If you or a family member has suffered from Ocella or Yasmin gallbladder disease please contact us for a free no-obligation consultation regarding being part of a Yasmin gallbladder lawsuit. We are currently representing women throughout the United States.
