Women's Fatty Liver Symptoms and What You Need to Know

Fatty liver disease in women can manifest in various ways, depending on the severity of the condition. In the early stages, when the fatty liver is mild, symptoms are often absent or subtle. Some women may experience fatigue or a mild discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen.

However, if the condition progresses to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves liver inflammation, more noticeable symptoms can occur. This may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and a dull pain in the upper right abdomen. Additionally, digestive issues such as diarrhea may also appear as the liver's ability to process nutrients and toxins becomes compromised.

As the disease advances and leads to liver fibrosis or even cirrhosis, the symptoms become more severe. At this stage, signs of decompensated cirrhosis may develop, such as significant fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites), portal hypertension, and enlarged veins in the esophagus and stomach (esophageal-gastric varices). Other symptoms may include an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly), overactive spleen function (hypersplenism), and a decrease in blood cell counts.

In the most severe cases where fatty liver disease progresses to hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), women may experience symptoms related to cancer spread. These can include widespread body pain, liver failure, and other systemic effects due to tumor metastasis. Early detection and lifestyle changes are crucial to managing fatty liver disease and preventing its progression to more dangerous stages.