When it comes to gallstones, women get the short end of the stick—literally. We’re twice as likely as men to develop them, thanks to hormones, pregnancy, and even birth control. But despite this, gallstones rarely get a mention in women’s health discussions. So, let’s dive into what they are, why they love to target women, and what you can do to keep your gallbladder happy.
What Are Gallstones?
‘Gall’, also known as bile, is a liquid made by the liver to help digest fat. The gallbladder—our little storage pouch for bile—releases it when we eat. But sometimes, bile hardens into solid lumps, aka gallstones. Many people have them without even knowing, but for some, they can cause serious pain and complications.
Why Are Women More at Risk?
Gallstones aren’t just a random health issue—they’re a gendered one. Studies show that women are twice as likely to develop gallstones as men, and here’s why:
- Oestrogen increases cholesterol in bile, making it more likely to form stones. This means pregnancy, birth control pills, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can all increase risk.
- Pregnancy & rapid weight changes – Pregnancy slows gallbladder emptying, and rapid weight loss (often due to dieting or postpartum changes) increases stone formation.
- Metabolic health & insulin resistance – Women with conditions like PCOS or a history of gestational diabetes may have a higher risk due to underlying metabolic factors.
Complications of Gallstones
Gallstones become a problem when they block bile flow, leading to:
- Biliary colic – Sudden, intense pain under the ribs, often after a fatty meal.
- Cholecystitis – Inflammation of the gallbladder, causing ongoing pain, fever, and tenderness.
- Pancreatitis or bile duct blockages – If a stone moves into the bile duct, it can lead to serious complications needing urgent treatment.
Diet & Gallstones: The Right Approach
Contrary to old advice, you don’t need to cut out fat completely. In fact, a very low-fat diet can make things worse by reducing bile flow, increasing the risk of stones.
Top Tips for a Gallbladder-Friendly Diet:
- Choose healthier fats – Olive oil, nuts, seeds, and oily fish are better than processed fats.
- Go high fibre – Wholegrains, legumes, fruits, and veg help keep digestion smooth and reduce gallstone risk.
- Avoid crash diets – Losing weight too fast (over 1kg per week) by following a low fat diet increases the likelihood of gallstones.
- Eat regularly – Long fasting periods slow bile flow. Aim for balanced meals throughout the day.
- Cut back on processed foods – High-fat processed meats, fried foods, and sugary snacks can trigger symptoms.
Gallbladder Removal: What Happens Next?
If you need surgery (cholecystectomy), don’t panic—your liver will still produce bile, just without the gallbladder storing it. Most people return to eating normally, but some experience bile acid diarrhoea (BAD). If this happens, talk to your doctor about treatment options.
The Bigger Picture: Women’s Health & Gallstones
Gallstones aren’t just a digestive issue—they’re part of the bigger picture of women’s metabolic health. They often go hand-in-hand with insulin resistance, hormonal changes, and rapid weight fluctuations. Women with conditions like PCOS, high cholesterol, or a history of gestational diabetes should be especially mindful of gallstone risks.
So, next time women’s health is discussed, let’s add gallstones to the conversation—because it’s not just about reproductive organs; it’s about everything that makes us women.
Have you had gallstones? Did diet changes help? Let’s get the conversation going!
