Women often overlook early indicators of liver disease, mistaking them for routine health issues, according to hepatology experts. With liver ailments on the rise across India, including Bihar where healthcare awareness remains a challenge, medical professionals are urging women to recognise five critical warning signs.
The first sign is persistent fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, which often gets dismissed as work stress or household exhaustion. Unexplained swelling in the abdomen or legs, medically termed oedema, signals fluid retention linked to declining liver function. Many women also experience sudden changes in skin appearance, including yellowing of the eyes or skin (jaundice) and unusual bruising, which indicate impaired liver processing.
Dark-coloured urine and pale stools represent another warning, suggesting bile flow disruption. Perhaps most concerning is the absence of pain in early stages, leading women to delay seeking medical attention. Dr Rakesh Kumar from Patna's AIIMS emphasises that hormonal factors make women particularly vulnerable to autoimmune liver conditions and medication-induced liver damage.
In Bihar, where access to specialised hepatology care remains limited in rural areas, early detection becomes even more crucial. Experts recommend annual liver function tests for women over 35, especially those with diabetes, obesity, or family history of liver disease. Simple lifestyle modifications including reduced alcohol consumption, balanced diet, and regular exercise can significantly prevent liver complications.