The liver is one of the most vital
organs in the body. It filters all of the blood in the body, produces
bile, resists infection and regulates amino acids as well. However, it
is also most susceptible to diseases, which are often called ‘silent
killers’ because the signals are too subtle to be noticed in the
beginning. According to the CDC, about 35.5 million people in the US
suffer from liver disease. However, most of us chalk the signs up to
causes such as ageing or stress. Below, find out 7 lesser-known signs of
liver diseases that both men and women must pay attention to.
Constant fatigue
Feeling tired all the time for no clear
reason? It could be your liver waving a red flag. When your liver isn’t
working properly, it struggles to filter toxins and support energy
levels—leaving you drained, foggy, and just “off.” It’s more than
tiredness—it’s your body asking for help.
An unhealthy liver will
not be able to function well. This means that it will not filter the
toxins in the blood effectively, leading to a feeling of general illness and fatigue all the time.
Skin discoloration
One of the most common signs of liver
disease is skin discolouration or jaundice. This includes the
development of yellow tints in the whites of the eyes and the skin.
Additionally, it can also lead to darkened skin in areas such as the
neck and the armpits, especially in women.
Hepatic encephalopathy
Hepatic encephalopathy or an altered mental
status are mostly considered signs of depression or a brain disease.
However, did you know that these can also signal liver illness? The
toxins in the liver, when unfiltered, can reach the brain and disrupt
its functioning. This can manifest in the form of mood swings,
forgetfulness, confusion and emotional and mental frustration.
Skin problems
Liver diseases can present themselves in the
body in the form of numerous skin conditions. These include palmar
erythema, when the skin of the palms turns red; spider angiomas, when
the blood vessels appear in spider-like clusters under the skin with red
spots; inexplicable bruises and persistent itching caused by the
accumulation of bile salts in the blood.
Menstrual abnormalities
One of the very obvious signs for women in
terms of liver disease is menstrual abnormalities. The instances of
irregular cycles, heavy or light bleeding, missed periods can signal
concerns. This is because the liver plays a role in metabolising and
regulating hormones, and if it is not functioning properly, then it can
affect your periods.
Muscle weakness
Loss of muscles, also known as muscle
wasting or sarcopenia, can happen when the liver is not properly
processing proteins and nutrients. While most people attribute this to
diet or exercise, if it is frequent and excessive, it could be a sign of
liver disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, this is
common in people with cirrhosis and other forms of liver disease.
Dark urine and pale stools
Dark urine in the colours of amber to brown
can be a sign of liver dysfunction. Liver eliminates the yellow compound
called bilirubin through urine; however, when it is unable to do so,
the compound accumulates, and darker urine is the result. Additionally,
bile in the liver gives stool its colour. When it is not produced, the
stool might be pale, grey or clay coloured.
Digestive disturbances and abdominal discomfort
While occasional bloating or indigestion is
common, persistent digestive issues can be a subtle sign of liver
trouble. The liver plays a key role in producing bile, which helps
digest fats. When it’s not functioning optimally, you may experience
nausea, a feeling of fullness after small meals, gas, or pain in the
upper right side of the abdomen. Some people may also develop
ascites—fluid buildup in the abdomen—causing visible swelling.
Common liver diseases to know
Common liver diseases include hepatitis
(especially hepatitis A, B, and C), which involves liver inflammation
often caused by viral infections. Fatty liver disease, both
non-alcoholic (NAFLD) and alcoholic (AFLD), is increasingly prevalent
due to obesity and alcohol use. Cirrhosis, often a result of chronic
liver damage, can lead to liver failure. Liver cancer (hepatocellular
carcinoma) is another serious concern. Hemochromatosis (iron overload)
and Wilson’s disease (copper buildup) are genetic disorders affecting
liver function. Early detection, lifestyle changes, and regular
screening are crucial for effective management, particularly in
high-risk populations.
