A to Z of women’s health GALLSTONES

G – GALLSTONES

Women are twice as likely to suffer from gallstones. The risk increases as you get older; you’re more likely to develop them if you’re overweight, have high estrogen levels because of pregnancy, HRT or the pill, have diabetes or take cholesterol lowering drugs. The stones that form in the gall bladder or bile duct can tiny or as large as a golf ball. They don’t usually cause symptoms, but severe abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting can indicate a problem. The most common treatment is to remove the gall bladder.