Do you ever wonder why women have more gallbladder symptoms than men?
If you guessed that it has something to do with hormones, you’re right. But how are estrogen and gallbladder symptoms really connected? And what can you do about it?
When it comes to gallbladder symptoms, the risk factors are often summarized as a series of F’s. The first F stands for female. It’s because the hormone estrogen increases the risk for developing gallstones because it thickens bile. When bile gets thicker, it is easier for gallstones to form, especially when other factors like poor digestion are involved. The Dr. Oz blog also notes that women who take estrogen pills are at higher risk for gallbladder problems.
It might seem like there is nothing you can do if you’re a woman concerned about gallbladder symptoms. All women have estrogen in their bodies as part of their normal, healthy reproductive system, but it’s actually excesses of estrogen that are more concerning. Fortunately there is a lot you can do about that.
Dr. Marina Rose has helped people with gallbladder symptoms and other challenging, chronic health conditions in and around the city of Los Altos, CA.
Avoid environmental estrogens like parabens found in cosmetics, personal care products and household cleaners. Eating enough fiber also helps your body clear out extra estrogen. There are specific nutritional supplements, based on your hormone levels, that help your body metabolize hormones better – which reduces the risk of gallbladder problems.
When you need natural solutions for gallbladder symptoms, click here to find out how Functional Medicine can help you.
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“There are specific nutritional supplements, based on your hormone levels, that help your body metabolize hormones better – which reduces the risk of gallbladder problems.”
Hi,
Could you provide or email me what these supplements are that help the body metabolize hormones better. I’m Celiac, and I also have low progestetone. I can’t consume wheat or grains so excess fiber is a challenge. Thus knowing the supplements could possibly help me.
Thank you and best regards,
Trish
Hi Trish,
hormones are metabolized by the liver and eliminated through the GI tract. Since sex hormones, like progesterone and estrogen, are built on a backbone of cholesterol the key for many women is to improve fat metabolism – this includes herbs for liver/ gallbladder like dandelion, fennel, beet, gentian, milk thistle along with enzymes to digest them. Diindolylmethane, derived from broccoli is also very helpful. Some women also need an herbal laxative or mineral replacement. I hope that helps! Check out my new blog on gluten intolerance.