{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/Pages/health/women's health/why-do-gallstones-affect-women-more-pregnancy-also-a-key-risk-factor-say-experts"},"headline":"Why Do Gallstones Affect Women More? Pregnancy Also a Key Risk Factor, Say Experts","description":"Experts explain why gallstones are more common in women, highlighting hormonal factors and pregnancy as major risk contributors.","image":["https://res.cloudinary.com/donttjaap/image/upload/v1772089731/primetime_news/ffazztqcfcpqsorx9nwm.jpg"],"datePublished":"2026-02-26T07:08:51.795Z","dateModified":"2026-02-26T07:08:51.795Z","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Lifestyle Desk","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Time Cyber Media","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://www.timecybermedia.com/logo.png"}},"articleSection":"health","articleBody":"

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Why Do Gallstones Affect Women More? Pregnancy Also a Key Risk Factor, Say Experts

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New Delhi: Health experts say gallstones are significantly more common in women than in men, largely due to hormonal factors and pregnancy-related changes in the body.

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Role of Hormones

Doctors explain that estrogen increases cholesterol levels in bile while reducing gallbladder movement. This combination can lead to the formation of gallstones. Women who use hormonal contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy may also face a higher risk.

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Pregnancy as a Risk Factor

Pregnancy is considered a major risk factor because hormonal changes slow down gallbladder emptying. Increased progesterone levels relax gallbladder muscles, leading to bile stasis and stone formation. The risk may rise with multiple pregnancies.

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Other Contributing Factors

Obesity, rapid weight loss, a high-fat diet and a family history of gallstones further increase the likelihood of developing the condition. Women over the age of 40 are particularly vulnerable.

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Symptoms and Prevention

Gallstones may cause abdominal pain, nausea and digestive discomfort. Experts recommend maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet rich in fibre and staying physically active to reduce risk.

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Early diagnosis and medical consultation are advised if symptoms persist, as untreated gallstones can lead to complications.

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